40026, Goshen, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40026, Goshen, Kentucky is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.70 percent of the residents in 40026 has some form of health insurance. 20.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.72 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 40026 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,112 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40026. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 776 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,865 health care providers accessible to residents in 40026, Goshen, Kentucky.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Goshen, KY (ZIP Code 40026)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within Goshen, Kentucky (ZIP code 40026), focusing on primary care availability and the resources available to patients. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" perspective, considering factors crucial for early detection, treatment access, and overall patient well-being. This assessment goes beyond simply counting doctors; it delves into the quality, accessibility, and integration of services within the community.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. Early detection through screening, timely referrals, and ongoing support are all critical. In Goshen, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the first key indicator. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally translates to more accessible appointments and potentially more personalized care. Publicly available data, such as that from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the US Census Bureau, can be analyzed to estimate this ratio. A low ratio is a significant red flag, suggesting potential delays in care and increased patient burden.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is also important. Are they clustered in one area, creating access challenges for residents in other parts of Goshen? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics is particularly important, as these often serve vulnerable populations and provide crucial preventative services, including lung cancer screening.

Once primary care access is established, the next layer of the analysis focuses on the specific practices within Goshen. Do these practices actively promote lung cancer screening guidelines, particularly for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history)? This involves examining the practice's adherence to guidelines from organizations like the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Do they have established protocols for ordering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the primary screening tool for lung cancer? This is critical.

Identifying standout practices involves looking for those that go above and beyond. This includes practices with dedicated patient navigators who guide patients through the complex healthcare system, assisting with appointments, insurance, and emotional support. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, facilitating seamless communication between PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists, are also highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component of the Lung Cancer Score. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who may have mobility issues or live in more remote areas of the ZIP code. Practices that offer telemedicine options demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and improved access.

Mental health resources are integral to a comprehensive lung cancer care plan. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis must examine the availability of mental health services within Goshen. Do primary care practices have on-site mental health professionals or established referral pathways to mental health providers? Are there support groups or counseling services specifically for cancer patients and their families? Strong integration of mental health services is crucial for holistic patient care.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the proximity and accessibility of specialized care. Are there pulmonologists and oncologists within or near Goshen? The distance to these specialists, as well as their availability and wait times for appointments, directly impacts the patient experience. The existence of a multidisciplinary cancer center, where specialists from various fields collaborate to provide comprehensive care, would significantly boost the Lung Cancer Score.

The analysis also examines the availability of patient education materials and resources. Do practices provide patients with clear and concise information about lung cancer, screening, treatment options, and support services? This includes information on smoking cessation programs, which are crucial for both prevention and improved outcomes for those diagnosed with lung cancer.

Finally, the overall Lung Cancer Score for Goshen, KY (ZIP code 40026) will be a composite of all these factors. A high score would indicate a community with excellent primary care access, proactive screening practices, readily available specialists, integrated mental health services, and a strong commitment to patient education and support. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as a need for increased primary care physician availability, enhanced screening protocols, and better integration of mental health services.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of lung cancer care within Goshen. It is a snapshot in time, and the landscape is constantly evolving. The availability of specific data, such as physician-to-patient ratios and practice-specific screening rates, will greatly influence the accuracy of the score.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Goshen, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and other relevant resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare access within your community.