41766, Thousandsticks, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 41766, Thousandsticks, Kentucky is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.64 percent of the residents in 41766 has some form of health insurance. 73.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 15.19 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 41766 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 131 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41766. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 183 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 183 health care providers accessible to residents in 41766, Thousandsticks, Kentucky.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Thousandsticks, KY (ZIP Code 41766)

This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care and primary care availability within the Thousandsticks, Kentucky, ZIP code of 41766. Our assessment considers factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement in the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible and qualified medical professionals. In evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, we must consider the specific needs of breast cancer patients, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and primary care physicians capable of providing coordinated care. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for specialists, can lead to delayed diagnoses, treatment delays, and overall poorer patient outcomes. Data collection from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure will be crucial to establish a baseline and identify potential shortages. This data would then be analyzed to determine the relative accessibility of these specialists within the 41766 ZIP code or within a reasonable commuting distance.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in breast cancer prevention and early detection. They are often the first point of contact for patients, responsible for routine screenings like mammograms and educating patients about risk factors. The availability of PCPs in the Thousandsticks area is therefore a key determinant of overall breast cancer care. A shortage of PCPs can lead to patients delaying or foregoing preventative care, which can have severe consequences. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs per capita, the average wait times for appointments, and the geographic distribution of practices within the community.

Identifying standout practices is essential to understanding the quality of care available. This involves evaluating practices based on several criteria, including the experience and expertise of their physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offer comprehensive services, and participate in clinical trials are particularly noteworthy. Reviews from patients and professional organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA) will be evaluated.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool to improve healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Thousandsticks. Its adoption can significantly benefit breast cancer patients by providing access to specialists, facilitating remote consultations, and offering support groups and educational resources. The analysis will assess the extent to which local practices have adopted telemedicine, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services to patients. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the integration of telemedicine platforms with existing electronic health records (EHRs).

The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Mental health resources are therefore an integral component of comprehensive care. This analysis will investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), within the Thousandsticks area. It will also assess the availability of support groups, counseling services, and other mental health resources specifically tailored to breast cancer patients. Collaboration between medical practices and mental health providers is vital to ensure seamless access to these essential services.

The assessment of mental health resources will also consider the integration of mental health services within primary care and oncology practices. Co-location of mental health professionals or referral pathways can streamline access to care and improve patient outcomes. The availability of resources that address the unique needs of patients, such as support groups for survivors, is also a key factor.

The evaluation of the healthcare landscape in 41766 will also include an assessment of the availability of specialized services, such as genetic counseling and breast reconstruction surgery. Genetic counseling is crucial for patients with a family history of breast cancer, while breast reconstruction can significantly improve the quality of life for patients undergoing mastectomy. The analysis will determine the accessibility of these services and the extent to which they are integrated into the overall care plan.

Further, the analysis will incorporate data on the prevalence of breast cancer in the 41766 ZIP code, using data from the Kentucky Cancer Registry and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This data will provide context for the analysis, allowing for a comparison of local healthcare resources with the needs of the population. The analysis will also consider socioeconomic factors, such as income levels and access to insurance, which can significantly impact healthcare access and outcomes.

The analysis will also evaluate the availability of patient education materials and resources. These materials should be available in multiple formats, including written materials, online resources, and educational videos. The analysis will also assess the extent to which healthcare providers are proactive in educating patients about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options.

The overall goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in Thousandsticks, KY (41766). This assessment will identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The findings will be used to inform strategies to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The data will be synthesized to provide a 'Breast Cancer Score' for the area, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of care.

The final 'Breast Cancer Score' will be a composite measure, integrating data from various sources and weighting factors based on their relative importance. This score will provide a clear and concise overview of the state of breast cancer care in the 41766 ZIP code.

The availability of transportation options is a crucial aspect of healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. This analysis will consider the availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and patient transportation programs. The analysis will also assess the geographic distribution of healthcare facilities and the distance patients must travel to access care.

The analysis will also consider the cultural sensitivity of healthcare providers and the availability of culturally competent services. This includes assessing the diversity of the healthcare workforce, the availability of interpreters, and the provision of culturally tailored educational materials.

The analysis will also evaluate the extent to which healthcare providers are using data analytics to improve patient care. This includes assessing the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and personalize treatment plans.

Finally, the 'Breast Cancer Score' will be presented in a visually compelling and easily understandable format. This will allow stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, to quickly grasp the key findings and identify areas for action.

To further visualize and understand the complex data associated with this analysis, we recommend exploring the power of geographic information systems (GIS) through CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive and insightful way to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data points within the 41766 ZIP code and beyond. By using CartoChrome, you can gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas that need improvement. **Explore the data and gain a clearer perspective – visit CartoChrome maps today.**