42206, Auburn, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 42206, Auburn, Kentucky is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.94 percent of the residents in 42206 has some form of health insurance. 38.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.75 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 42206 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,344 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42206. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 947 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 268 health care providers accessible to residents in 42206, Auburn, Kentucky.

The analysis below assesses the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP code 42206, focusing on primary care availability in Auburn, Kentucky. This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial factors in delivering comprehensive and effective care.

Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is fundamental. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. In Auburn, the specific physician-to-patient ratio needs to be ascertained through data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure. This data, when analyzed, reveals the potential strain on the healthcare system, particularly for primary care physicians, who often serve as the first point of contact for patients concerned about breast health.

The availability of primary care physicians is paramount. These doctors are essential for initial consultations, ordering mammograms and other diagnostic tests, and providing ongoing support. A shortage of primary care physicians can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with limited transportation options. Assessing the geographic distribution of primary care practices within 42206, including their proximity to residential areas and public transportation routes, is a key part of this evaluation. This includes considering the number of family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners practicing in the area.

Identifying standout practices involves examining their service offerings, patient reviews, and accreditations. Practices that offer comprehensive breast health services, including mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy capabilities, are highly valuable. Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Radiology (ACR) signifies adherence to high standards of quality and safety. Patient reviews, available on platforms like Healthgrades and Zocdoc, provide insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication with physicians, and overall satisfaction. These reviews help to identify practices that consistently deliver excellent care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Auburn. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and increasing access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Evaluating the extent to which practices in 42206 utilize telemedicine, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technology used (e.g., secure video conferencing platforms), is essential. This analysis should also consider the availability of telemedicine for breast cancer screening and follow-up care.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical aspect of comprehensive breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient’s mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Assessing the availability of mental health services within primary care practices and in the broader community is important. This includes identifying whether practices have on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, and whether they offer support groups or other resources for patients.

The quality of breast cancer care is not solely determined by the presence of specialists but also by the coordination of care. This includes the seamless transfer of information between primary care physicians, radiologists, oncologists, and other specialists. Analyzing the extent to which practices in 42206 utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and other technologies to facilitate communication and collaboration is important. This also involves assessing the availability of patient navigators or care coordinators who can help patients navigate the healthcare system and access the resources they need.

Furthermore, the affordability of care is a significant factor. Assessing the insurance acceptance policies of practices in 42206, including their participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans, is crucial. This analysis should also consider the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who are unable to afford the cost of care. Transparency regarding pricing and billing practices is also important.

The availability of support services, such as patient education materials, support groups, and survivorship programs, is also a key element of comprehensive breast cancer care. Practices that provide these resources demonstrate a commitment to supporting patients throughout their journey. Assessing the availability of these services within 42206 and their accessibility to patients is important.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by the practices in 42206. This includes assessing the prevalence of breast cancer risk factors, such as age, race, and family history, and the extent to which practices tailor their services to meet the specific needs of their patients. Cultural sensitivity and language accessibility are also important considerations.

The ongoing monitoring of these factors is essential. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and practices need to adapt to changing needs and technologies. Regular updates to this analysis, based on the latest data and information, are important to ensure that patients in Auburn have access to the best possible care.

In conclusion, assessing the breast cancer care landscape in Auburn, Kentucky, requires a multi-faceted approach. By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other key factors, a comprehensive understanding of the quality and accessibility of care can be achieved. This analysis provides a foundation for improving breast cancer care in the community.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and demographic information, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and informative view of the healthcare landscape in 42206.