40109, Brooks, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40109, Brooks, Kentucky is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.25 percent of the residents in 40109 has some form of health insurance. 40.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.75 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 40109 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 382 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40109. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 351 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 980 health care providers accessible to residents in 40109, Brooks, Kentucky.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Brooks, KY (ZIP Code 40109)

This analysis provides a nuanced assessment of the healthcare landscape in Brooks, Kentucky (ZIP code 40109), specifically focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The objective is to evaluate the availability and accessibility of resources for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer, considering primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. This analysis will culminate in a call to action to utilize CartoChrome maps for further exploration.

Brooks, KY, a community within the larger Louisville metropolitan area, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The proximity to Louisville offers access to specialized medical centers, but local resources are crucial for early detection and ongoing care. A comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' is not a single number but a composite evaluation of several interacting factors.

**Primary Care Availability in Brooks:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible primary care. Regular check-ups, screening recommendations, and smoking cessation counseling are all initiated by primary care physicians. Assessing primary care availability requires examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within or serving the 40109 ZIP code, alongside the population size. This yields a physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer patients per physician, generally suggests better access. Data from reputable sources like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure are essential for this calculation. Furthermore, the analysis should consider the types of primary care practices present: are there solo practices, large group practices, or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)? FQHCs often serve vulnerable populations and may offer sliding-scale fees, making care more accessible.

The physical location of primary care practices is also critical. Are they concentrated in a single area, or are they distributed throughout the ZIP code, making them accessible to residents in different neighborhoods? The availability of transportation options, including public transit and ride-sharing services, further influences accessibility. The presence of after-hours or weekend clinics can significantly improve access for working individuals.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Specialist Access:**

Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists is critical. This includes pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and thoracic surgeons. The physician-to-patient ratio for these specialists within a reasonable driving distance of Brooks is a key metric. The presence of a local hospital with a dedicated oncology department or affiliation with a major cancer center in Louisville is a significant advantage.

The analysis should also consider the time it takes to secure appointments with specialists. Long wait times can delay diagnosis and treatment, impacting patient outcomes. Data on wait times can be obtained through surveys, patient feedback, and potentially, through healthcare provider websites. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scanners for lung cancer screening, within the community or nearby is another critical factor.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their performance on key metrics. This includes patient satisfaction scores, derived from patient surveys and online reviews. Practices with high patient satisfaction often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. Another key metric is the rate of lung cancer screening referrals and the percentage of patients who complete the screening. Practices actively promoting and facilitating screening are likely to identify cancers at earlier, more treatable stages.

Practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Lung Cancer Roundtable, are also noteworthy. These initiatives often involve implementing evidence-based practices and tracking patient outcomes. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the ability to share patient information seamlessly between primary care physicians and specialists are essential for coordinated care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in and around Brooks is a critical factor. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and access to specialists who may not be readily available in person.

The analysis should assess the types of telemedicine services offered, such as video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and electronic prescription refills. The availability of telehealth platforms that are easy to use and accessible to patients with limited technological skills is also important. The reimbursement policies of insurance providers for telemedicine services influence its accessibility.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive care. The analysis should evaluate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community.

The presence of support groups for lung cancer patients and their families is also a significant factor. These groups provide a safe space for patients to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies. The availability of counseling services, either in-person or through telemedicine, is also important. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, with referrals from primary care physicians and oncologists, is ideal.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

This 'Lung Cancer Score' analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in Brooks, KY, and its ability to support individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. The availability of primary care, specialist access, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources are all critical components of a comprehensive care system.

To delve deeper into this analysis and visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can reveal the geographic location of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, offering a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Brooks and the surrounding areas. Utilize CartoChrome maps to identify areas of high need, assess accessibility, and ultimately, contribute to improving lung cancer care within the community.