40170, Stephensport, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40170, Stephensport, Kentucky is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.67 percent of the residents in 40170 has some form of health insurance. 73.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.84 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 40170 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 82 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40170. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 190 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 246 health care providers accessible to residents in 40170, Stephensport, Kentucky.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Stephensport, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40170)**

Stephensport, Kentucky, nestled within the 40170 ZIP code, presents a unique challenge when assessing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning lung cancer care. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score," aims to evaluate the availability of resources and the overall healthcare landscape for individuals in this rural community. The score is not a single number, but rather a composite of factors, each weighted to reflect its importance in lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. This analysis will focus on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. In Stephensport, the availability of PCPs is a crucial factor. Assessing this requires considering the physician-to-patient ratio, which provides a snapshot of the potential burden on each doctor. A high ratio, indicating a larger patient population per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less time dedicated to each patient. The Stephensport area, being rural, likely faces a lower physician density than more urban settings. This scarcity can translate to limited access to PCPs, particularly for those with transportation challenges or limited mobility. The impact of this scarcity is further amplified when considering the specialized needs of lung cancer patients.

Standout practices within the 40170 ZIP code, if any, are critical to the score. These practices are defined as those that demonstrate a commitment to early detection, comprehensive care, and patient-centered service. This assessment includes factors such as the availability of in-house diagnostic tools (e.g., X-ray, CT scan), a history of proactive screening programs (e.g., offering low-dose CT scans to high-risk individuals), and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. A practice that collaborates with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists would score higher. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) related to lung cancer management and treatment are highly valued. The presence of dedicated lung cancer navigators or patient support staff also significantly boosts a practice's score.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to mitigate some of the challenges of rural healthcare access. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially shortening wait times. In Stephensport, the extent of telemedicine adoption is a key component of the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis considers whether local PCPs offer telemedicine consultations, the availability of remote monitoring services for patients undergoing treatment, and the degree to which specialists outside the immediate area are accessible via telemedicine platforms. The integration of telemedicine into the local healthcare system is a significant factor in improving the score, particularly for those with mobility issues or transportation limitations.

The mental health of lung cancer patients is often overlooked, yet it is a critical aspect of their overall well-being. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score incorporates the availability of mental health resources within the 40170 ZIP code. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, psychiatrists) who specialize in oncology, the availability of support groups for cancer patients and their families, and the integration of mental health services into the overall treatment plan. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns and offer referrals to appropriate resources receive a higher score.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Stephensport is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, negatively impacts the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis considers the number of PCPs practicing within the 40170 ZIP code and the estimated population served. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is used to calculate this ratio. The score is adjusted based on the ratio, with a higher ratio (more physicians per capita) contributing to a better score. The impact of this ratio is further compounded by the specialized needs of lung cancer patients, who require frequent check-ups and close monitoring.

The presence of standout practices, as defined earlier, significantly improves the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection, comprehensive care, and patient-centered service are highly valued. The analysis seeks to identify practices that offer in-house diagnostic tools, proactive screening programs, and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. The presence of dedicated lung cancer navigators or patient support staff also boosts a practice's score. These practices serve as beacons of excellence, offering a higher standard of care to patients in the area.

The adoption of telemedicine is a critical factor in mitigating the challenges of rural healthcare access. The analysis considers the availability of telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring services, and access to specialists outside the immediate area. The integration of telemedicine into the local healthcare system is a significant factor in improving the score, particularly for those with mobility issues or transportation limitations. The score is adjusted based on the level of telemedicine adoption, with a higher level contributing to a better score.

Mental health resources are a crucial aspect of the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and the integration of mental health services into the overall treatment plan. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns and offer referrals to appropriate resources receive a higher score. The score is adjusted based on the availability of these resources, with a higher availability contributing to a better score.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Stephensport, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40170) is a multifaceted assessment that considers the availability of PCPs, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for lung cancer patients in this rural community. The challenges of rural healthcare access are evident, but the score also highlights the potential for improvement through increased PCP availability, the development of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services.

For a visual representation of healthcare access in Stephensport and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you understand the healthcare landscape and identify potential areas for improvement.