42166, Summer Shade, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 42166, Summer Shade, Kentucky is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.23 percent of the residents in 42166 has some form of health insurance. 42.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.48 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 42166 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 631 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42166. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 483 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 873 health care providers accessible to residents in 42166, Summer Shade, Kentucky.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Summer Shade, KY (ZIP Code 42166)

This analysis provides a preliminary assessment of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within the Summer Shade, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42166) area. It examines factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being, focusing on primary care physician availability, specialist access, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to offer a snapshot of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement. It's important to note that this analysis is based on publicly available information and may not reflect the complete picture.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in robust primary care. In Summer Shade, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical indicator. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure should be consulted to determine the precise PCP-to-patient ratio within 42166. Analyzing this ratio against state and national averages will provide context for assessing the local situation. A shortage of PCPs necessitates exploring alternative healthcare delivery models, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, to ensure adequate access.

Beyond the raw number of PCPs, the characteristics of the practices are important. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer evening or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they actively promote breast cancer screening guidelines, such as mammograms, and provide reminders to patients? The practices’ integration of electronic health records (EHRs) also impacts care coordination. EHRs facilitate the seamless sharing of patient information between PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare providers, which is vital for effective breast cancer management. Practices with robust EHR systems can improve the efficiency of referrals, track patient progress, and ensure that all providers have access to the most up-to-date medical information.

Specialist access, particularly to oncologists and radiologists, is another critical component of the breast cancer care ecosystem. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer require timely access to these specialists for diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing care. The geographic proximity of specialists to Summer Shade is a significant factor. Patients may face challenges if they need to travel long distances for appointments, which can be particularly difficult for those undergoing treatment. This analysis will investigate the availability of oncologists and radiologists within a reasonable driving distance of 42166.

The presence of a comprehensive breast cancer center, offering a multidisciplinary approach to care, would be a significant asset. Such centers typically provide a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care services, all under one roof. The absence of a local breast cancer center necessitates assessing the referral patterns of local PCPs and the ease with which patients can access specialized care in nearby communities.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has gained prominence in recent years. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Summer Shade. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, provide access to educational resources, and offer remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The analysis will examine the extent to which local practices have integrated telemedicine into their services. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote patient monitoring devices, and the availability of online patient portals.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but essential aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common. The availability of mental health resources within the community is crucial. This analysis will investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in working with cancer patients. It will also examine the availability of support groups, educational programs, and other resources that can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of breast cancer.

The analysis will also consider the availability of patient navigation services. Patient navigators are healthcare professionals who help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. They can assist with scheduling appointments, understanding treatment options, accessing financial assistance, and coordinating care. Patient navigation services can be particularly helpful for patients who are newly diagnosed or who are facing complex treatment plans.

Assessing the quality of care requires looking at the practice’s adherence to evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This includes evaluating the practices’ use of mammography screening guidelines, their referral patterns for suspicious findings, and their adherence to treatment protocols. Data from sources like the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society can be used to benchmark local practices against national standards.

Furthermore, an assessment of the patient experience is essential. This involves gathering information about patient satisfaction with the care they receive. Patient surveys, online reviews, and other feedback mechanisms can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of local practices.

This analysis will aim to identify standout practices within the 42166 area. These practices may be recognized for their commitment to patient-centered care, their innovative use of technology, their strong patient satisfaction scores, or their adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Recognizing these practices can help to highlight best practices and inspire improvements across the community.

In conclusion, this preliminary breast cancer score analysis for Summer Shade (42166) provides a starting point for understanding the local healthcare landscape. The analysis will highlight areas of strength and identify areas where improvements are needed. Further investigation and data collection are necessary to develop a comprehensive and accurate assessment.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can offer a powerful visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of access and availability.