40346, Means, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40346, Means, Kentucky is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.53 percent of the residents in 40346 has some form of health insurance. 69.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 23.39 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 40346 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 324 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40346. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 90 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,754 health care providers accessible to residents in 40346, Means, Kentucky.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Means, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40346)**

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 40346, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, including physician access, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to residents of Means, Kentucky, and to highlight areas of strength and potential improvement.

Means, Kentucky, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical starting point. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of accessibility. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care, which is crucial for early lung cancer detection. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a greater likelihood of timely access to care. Specific data on the physician-to-patient ratio in 40346 is essential for a precise evaluation. Publicly available data from sources like the US Department of Health & Human Services or state medical boards can provide this critical information.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is also important. Are physicians concentrated in a single clinic, or are they spread out across the community? This distribution impacts travel time and convenience for patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The presence of multiple primary care practices, including those affiliated with larger healthcare systems, often indicates a more robust and resilient healthcare infrastructure.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This includes evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and the availability of specialized services, such as smoking cessation programs. Practices that actively engage in preventative screenings, including lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, are particularly valuable. Data on these metrics can be gathered from patient reviews, quality reports from healthcare organizations, and information available on practice websites.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in assessing healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Means. It reduces the need for travel, making it easier for patients to connect with their physicians. The availability of telemedicine services for primary care and specialist consultations, including pulmonology, is a significant advantage. The extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered and the technology used, is a key indicator of their commitment to patient access.

The importance of mental health resources in lung cancer care cannot be overstated. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Access to mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential for supporting patients through this difficult journey. The availability of mental health services within the community, either directly through primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is a critical consideration. Integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, including screening for depression and anxiety, is a best practice.

The presence of support groups and other community resources for lung cancer patients and their families is also important. These resources provide a sense of community, emotional support, and practical assistance. The availability of these resources, including their accessibility and the types of support offered, can significantly improve the quality of life for patients. Information on these resources can be gathered from local hospitals, cancer support organizations, and community centers.

Assessing the overall healthcare landscape in 40346 also requires considering the availability of specialized care. While primary care is the foundation, access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is essential for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The proximity of specialists, the ability to get timely referrals, and the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment options are all important considerations. The presence of a hospital or clinic within a reasonable distance that offers these services is a significant advantage.

Evaluating the overall 'Lung Cancer Score' for 40346 requires a holistic approach, considering all the factors discussed above. The score should reflect the availability of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of specialized care. The score should also consider the quality of care provided by local practices, as measured by patient satisfaction, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and the availability of support services.

The data used to determine the 'Lung Cancer Score' should be gathered from multiple sources, including government agencies, healthcare organizations, patient reviews, and practice websites. The data should be analyzed carefully to identify areas of strength and potential improvement. The 'Lung Cancer Score' should be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing residents of Means to understand the healthcare resources available to them.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in 40346, highlighting the resources available to residents and identifying areas where improvements can be made. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improved access to care. The analysis should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Means, Kentucky, and to explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful tool for visualizing the data discussed in this analysis, allowing you to see the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare resources in relation to the population. This can help you to better understand the accessibility of care and to identify areas where improvements are needed.