40348, Millersburg, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40348, Millersburg, Kentucky is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.32 percent of the residents in 40348 has some form of health insurance. 57.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.26 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 40348 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 123 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40348. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 105 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 811 health care providers accessible to residents in 40348, Millersburg, Kentucky.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Millersburg, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40348)**

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources within Millersburg, Kentucky (ZIP code 40348), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care and primary care accessibility. The goal is to evaluate the landscape for patients, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services.

Millersburg, a small community in Bourbon County, presents unique healthcare challenges. Rural areas often face shortages in specialized medical professionals, potentially impacting timely diagnosis and treatment for complex conditions like lung cancer. This analysis attempts to quantify the availability and quality of care within the confines of available public data and common medical knowledge.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of healthcare access. In rural settings, this ratio is often significantly lower than in urban areas. Determining the exact ratio for Millersburg requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure. This data would reveal the number of practicing physicians, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), within the specified ZIP code.

Primary care availability is the bedrock of preventative care and early detection. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer. They are responsible for initial screenings, referrals to specialists (like pulmonologists and oncologists), and coordinating overall care. Limited PCP availability can lead to delayed diagnoses, which significantly impacts patient outcomes. The analysis needs to determine the number of PCPs accepting new patients, their wait times for appointments, and the types of insurance they accept.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics**

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into individual clinic profiles. Factors to consider include:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Are practices accredited by reputable organizations like the Joint Commission or the American College of Radiology (for imaging services)? These accreditations often indicate adherence to high standards of care.
* **Specialty Services:** Do practices offer on-site diagnostic services like CT scans or bronchoscopies? The availability of these services streamlines the diagnostic process.
* **Patient Reviews and Ratings:** Online reviews (e.g., from Google, Healthgrades) provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication, and overall satisfaction.
* **Staffing and Expertise:** The presence of experienced nurses, respiratory therapists, and support staff contributes to the quality of care.
* **Technology Adoption:** The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals can improve communication and care coordination.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It can bridge geographical barriers and provide access to specialists who may not be physically present in Millersburg. The analysis must assess:

* **Telemedicine Services Offered:** Do local practices offer telehealth consultations for primary care, pulmonology, or oncology?
* **Types of Telemedicine Platforms:** Are these platforms secure and user-friendly?
* **Availability of Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring devices to track patients' conditions and provide timely interventions?
* **Impact on Access:** Does telemedicine improve access to care for patients in Millersburg?

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are emotionally taxing. Access to mental health resources is crucial for patients' well-being. The analysis should evaluate:

* **Availability of Mental Health Professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed therapists in the area?
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do local practices offer integrated mental health services or have referral pathways to mental health providers?
* **Support Groups:** Are there lung cancer support groups or patient advocacy organizations in the area?
* **Palliative Care Services:** The availability of palliative care, which focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, is essential for patients with advanced lung cancer.

**Specific Examples and Data Points**

* **PCP Availability:** If data reveals only a few PCPs serving the area, with long wait times for appointments, this would negatively impact the score.
* **Specialist Access:** The absence of a pulmonologist or oncologist within a reasonable driving distance would be a significant concern.
* **Telemedicine Integration:** Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for specialist consultations or remote monitoring would receive higher scores.
* **Mental Health Support:** The presence of a local support group or integrated mental health services would be a positive factor.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Recommendations**

Based on the assessment of the factors above, a 'Lung Cancer Score' would be assigned. This score would reflect the overall accessibility and quality of lung cancer-related care in Millersburg. The score would be based on a scale, for example, from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of care.

Recommendations would be based on the findings. If the score is low, recommendations might include:

* **Recruiting Additional Physicians:** Efforts to attract PCPs and specialists to the area.
* **Expanding Telemedicine Services:** Encouraging local practices to adopt or expand telemedicine offerings.
* **Improving Mental Health Support:** Establishing partnerships with mental health providers and patient support groups.
* **Raising Awareness:** Educating the community about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and available resources.

**Conclusion**

This Lung Cancer Score analysis aims to provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Millersburg, Kentucky. The analysis highlights the importance of access to primary care, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support in improving outcomes for lung cancer patients. The results of this analysis can be used to inform healthcare planning, improve patient care, and advocate for better resources in the community.

**Call to Action:**

For a more detailed and visually compelling understanding of healthcare resources in Millersburg and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their mapping technology allows you to visualize physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data, providing a powerful tool for patients and healthcare providers alike.