41189, Tollesboro, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 41189, Tollesboro, Kentucky is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.81 percent of the residents in 41189 has some form of health insurance. 52.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.58 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 41189 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 391 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41189. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 311 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 268 health care providers accessible to residents in 41189, Tollesboro, Kentucky.

The task of assessing the quality of breast cancer care and primary care availability in a specific geographic area demands a multifaceted approach. In this analysis, we will delve into the landscape of healthcare within ZIP code 41189 (likely encompassing Tollesboro, Kentucky, and its surrounding areas), focusing on the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of breast cancer care, and related support services. This evaluation will consider physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess the adoption of telemedicine, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potential delays in the diagnosis and treatment of serious illnesses like breast cancer. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more personalized care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for 41189 requires accessing data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure. This data would need to be cross-referenced to calculate the number of primary care physicians and specialists (including oncologists and surgeons) practicing within the ZIP code, and then compared to the population size.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of care hinges on the practices and resources available. Identifying standout practices requires examining several factors. These include the accreditation status of local hospitals and clinics, the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment like mammography machines and MRI scanners, and the expertise of the medical staff. Practices with a strong focus on preventative care, including regular screenings and patient education, are particularly valuable. Furthermore, the availability of multidisciplinary teams, involving primary care physicians, radiologists, oncologists, surgeons, and support staff (such as nurses, social workers, and therapists), is essential for providing comprehensive breast cancer care.

Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare remotely via technology, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care by reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for appointments. In the context of breast cancer care, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and access to support groups and educational resources. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption in 41189 involves examining the infrastructure available, the willingness of local healthcare providers to embrace technology, and the availability of internet access for patients. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations, would be considered more accessible and patient-centered.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, aspect of cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is therefore essential. Evaluating the mental health landscape in 41189 involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) in the area, the availability of support groups specifically for cancer patients, and the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to these resources demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

To accurately assess the quality of breast cancer care and primary care availability, we would need to gather specific data from various sources. These sources include: the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure for physician information; the U.S. Census Bureau for population data; hospital and clinic websites and accreditation reports for practice information; insurance provider directories for network information; and local community resources for mental health services.

The analysis would involve comparing the findings against national benchmarks and best practices. For instance, the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network provide guidelines for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Comparing local practices against these guidelines would help to identify strengths and weaknesses. The analysis would also consider patient satisfaction surveys and reviews, where available, to gauge the patient experience and identify areas for improvement.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Tollesboro, within the ZIP code 41189, necessitates a similar approach. Assessing the number of primary care physicians, the availability of same-day appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans are crucial. The presence of after-hours care options, such as urgent care clinics or on-call physicians, is also important. The analysis would also consider the availability of preventative care services, such as vaccinations and health screenings, and the ability of primary care physicians to coordinate care with specialists.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors that may impact access to care. These factors include the poverty rate, the percentage of uninsured individuals, and the availability of transportation. Addressing these factors is essential for ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all residents of 41189.

In conclusion, evaluating the healthcare landscape in 41189 is a complex endeavor that requires a comprehensive and data-driven approach. By assessing physician-to-patient ratios, examining the practices and resources available, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and exploring the availability of mental health resources, we can gain a more complete understanding of the quality of breast cancer care and primary care availability in Tollesboro and the surrounding areas. This information can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for policies and programs that enhance access to care and improve patient outcomes.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of 41189 and gain a visual understanding of the data, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that allow you to visualize healthcare data, identify areas with limited access to care, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in your community.