40503, Lexington, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 40503, Lexington, Kentucky is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.58 percent of the residents in 40503 has some form of health insurance. 28.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.96 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 40503 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,702 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 121 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40503. An estimate of 17 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,886 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 27,528 health care providers accessible to residents in 40503, Lexington, Kentucky.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Lexington, KY (ZIP Code 40503) & Primary Care Landscape

This analysis aims to evaluate the landscape of breast cancer care in Lexington, Kentucky, specifically within the 40503 ZIP code, while also assessing the broader context of primary care availability. The focus is on factors influencing patient access to quality care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technology adoption, and support services. We will then provide a “Breast Cancer Score” based on these factors.

The 40503 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of downtown Lexington and surrounding residential areas. The density of population, combined with the presence of major medical facilities, creates a complex environment for healthcare delivery. Assessing the quality of breast cancer care requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the specialized expertise of oncologists and surgeons but also the accessibility and responsiveness of primary care physicians (PCPs).

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access Challenges:**

A critical component of our analysis is the physician-to-patient ratio. Ideally, a higher concentration of physicians, especially those specializing in oncology, radiology, and surgery, within the 40503 area would translate to improved access and shorter wait times for appointments. However, this is not always the case. Data from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, combined with publicly available information on practice locations and patient demographics, suggests a potential challenge in achieving optimal physician-to-patient ratios, particularly for specialized oncology services. While Lexington, in general, has robust medical facilities, the distribution of specialists may not be perfectly aligned with the specific needs of the 40503 population. This can lead to longer wait times for consultations, diagnostic procedures, and treatment initiation, potentially impacting patient outcomes.

The availability of primary care physicians is equally crucial. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, screening recommendations, and referrals to specialists. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to early intervention. The analysis must consider the number of PCPs practicing within and immediately adjacent to the 40503 area, as well as their capacity to accept new patients.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Several medical practices within or serving the 40503 area stand out for their contributions to breast cancer care. These practices often boast a combination of factors, including experienced physicians, advanced technology, and a patient-centered approach. We will analyze the reputation and performance of practices, considering factors such as patient reviews, accreditation by relevant organizations (e.g., the American College of Surgeons), and the availability of comprehensive services.

The practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection, such as offering state-of-the-art mammography and other imaging technologies, are particularly noteworthy. The presence of dedicated breast cancer centers, which provide a multidisciplinary approach to care, is also a significant positive indicator. These centers often bring together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to collaborate on patient treatment plans.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in the context of breast cancer care. Telemedicine offers patients greater convenience and access to specialists, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and remote monitoring. The analysis will examine the extent to which practices in the 40503 area have embraced telemedicine technologies. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices, and patient portals that facilitate communication and information sharing. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow are likely to provide a more patient-friendly and accessible experience.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources and supportive care services is a crucial component of comprehensive breast cancer care. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and other resources within the 40503 area. This includes examining partnerships between medical practices and mental health providers, as well as the availability of programs that address the emotional and psychological needs of patients. Practices that prioritize mental health support, such as offering counseling services or connecting patients with support groups, are likely to provide a more holistic and patient-centered approach.

**Primary Care Availability in Lexington:**

Beyond the specific boundaries of 40503, the overall availability of primary care in Lexington has a direct impact on breast cancer care. The analysis will consider the general capacity of PCPs to provide preventative care, including breast cancer screenings. This will involve evaluating the number of PCPs in Lexington, their patient load, and their willingness to accept new patients. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delays in screening and diagnosis, ultimately affecting patient outcomes.

**The Breast Cancer Score:**

Based on the factors discussed above, we will assign a "Breast Cancer Score" to the 40503 area. This score will be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. The score will take into account the physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall availability of primary care in Lexington. The score will provide a snapshot of the current state of breast cancer care in the area, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The Breast Cancer Score will be presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating better access to quality care. The score will be accompanied by a detailed analysis of the factors contributing to the score, including specific examples of practices and resources available. The score is not meant to be a definitive ranking but rather a tool for understanding the complex landscape of breast cancer care in the 40503 area and identifying areas for improvement.

**Conclusion:**

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care in the 40503 ZIP code and the surrounding Lexington area. The Breast Cancer Score, derived from the factors discussed, will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system is essential for improving access to quality care and ensuring the best possible outcomes for breast cancer patients.

**Explore the data further!**

Want to visualize the physician landscape, primary care availability, and other critical factors influencing breast cancer care in Lexington? **Visit CartoChrome maps for interactive visualizations and detailed geographic analysis. See the data come to life and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area.**