42259, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 42259, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.02 percent of the residents in 42259 has some form of health insurance. 71.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.73 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 42259 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 184 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42259. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 341 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 159 health care providers accessible to residents in 42259, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Mammoth Cave, KY (ZIP Code 42259)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer-related healthcare within ZIP code 42259, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) access, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for individuals concerned about breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This analysis is based on publicly available data and may not reflect real-time changes in the healthcare environment.

Mammoth Cave, KY, and the surrounding area present unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the region can impact access to specialized care, potentially influencing the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Understanding the local resources is critical for informed decision-making.

**Primary Care Availability in Mammoth Cave**

The foundation of breast cancer care often begins with a primary care physician. PCPs play a crucial role in preventative care, including breast cancer screenings like mammograms and clinical breast exams. Assessing PCP availability is therefore paramount. Within the 42259 ZIP code and the immediate surrounding area, the number of PCPs compared to the population size is a key indicator. The analysis considers factors such as the number of practicing PCPs, their acceptance of new patients, and the wait times for appointments. If the PCP-to-patient ratio is low, it can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely care, particularly for routine screenings and follow-up appointments.

The availability of PCPs is further complicated by factors such as insurance acceptance. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, are essential for ensuring equitable access to care for all residents. The analysis also considers the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or community clinics, which often provide essential primary care services to underserved populations. These clinics can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The ratio of physicians, including PCPs, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, to the population within the 42259 ZIP code and its surrounding counties is a vital metric. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of physicians, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer outcomes. This analysis will compare the physician-to-patient ratio in this area to state and national averages to understand the relative availability of specialists involved in breast cancer care.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine the distribution of specialists. Are specialists concentrated in a single location, or are they spread across multiple practices? This can impact the ease of access for patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The proximity of specialists to the population is a critical factor in the overall "Breast Cancer Score."

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions**

Identifying standout practices within the region is crucial. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, early detection, and treatment protocols. The analysis will consider factors such as:

* **Accreditation:** Practices accredited by organizations like the American College of Radiology (ACR) for mammography demonstrate a commitment to quality and adherence to rigorous standards.
* **Patient Outcomes:** While specific outcome data is often difficult to obtain publicly, the analysis will look for practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives or have published patient satisfaction surveys.
* **Technology Adoption:** The use of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), can improve the detection of breast cancer, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Practices that offer a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between PCPs, radiologists, oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists, often provide more comprehensive and coordinated care.

**Telemedicine Adoption**

Telemedicine has the potential to improve access to care, especially in rural areas. The analysis will assess the extent to which practices in the 42259 ZIP code have adopted telemedicine technologies for breast cancer-related services. This includes:

* **Teleconsultations:** The ability to conduct virtual consultations with specialists can reduce the need for travel and improve access to expert opinions.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Telemedicine can be used to monitor patients undergoing treatment or in survivorship, allowing for early detection of complications and improved management of side effects.
* **Patient Education:** Telemedicine platforms can be used to provide patients with educational resources and support groups.

The adoption of telemedicine can significantly enhance the "Breast Cancer Score" by improving access to care and reducing barriers to treatment.

**Mental Health Resources**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on mental health. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health resources for breast cancer patients in the 42259 ZIP code and surrounding areas. This includes:

* **Psychiatrists and Therapists:** The number of mental health professionals available to provide counseling and therapy.
* **Support Groups:** The presence of local support groups for breast cancer patients and survivors.
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** The extent to which mental health services are integrated into breast cancer care, such as offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals.

Adequate mental health support is a critical component of comprehensive breast cancer care. The availability of these resources can significantly impact the quality of life for patients.

**Conclusion: A Snapshot of Breast Cancer Care in Mammoth Cave**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for the 42259 ZIP code and the surrounding area will be a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. It is essential to remember that this analysis is a snapshot in time and may not reflect the evolving healthcare landscape. The score will be presented with caveats, acknowledging the limitations of publicly available data.

**Actionable Insights with CartoChrome Maps**

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and their impact on breast cancer care, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can visualize the data analyzed in this report, allowing you to identify areas with higher or lower access to care, visualize physician density, and understand the proximity of specialists to the population. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve access to quality breast cancer care.