40390, Wilmore, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40390, Wilmore, Kentucky is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.66 percent of the residents in 40390 has some form of health insurance. 24.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.40 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 40390 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,859 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40390. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 854 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,754 health care providers accessible to residents in 40390, Wilmore, Kentucky.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Wilmore, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40390)

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within Wilmore, Kentucky (ZIP code 40390), focusing on the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care, and the resources available to patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. This analysis doesn't provide a single numerical score but offers a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Wilmore, a small community in Jessamine County, presents a unique challenge in healthcare access. The area's rural setting often translates to fewer healthcare providers compared to more urban environments. This scarcity necessitates a careful examination of the physician-to-patient ratio, which is a critical indicator of access. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and ultimately, poorer patient outcomes, especially for time-sensitive conditions like lung cancer.

Primary care availability forms the bedrock of effective lung cancer screening and early detection. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients, and they play a vital role in educating patients about risk factors, recommending screenings (like low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), and coordinating care. The number of PCPs practicing within ZIP code 40390 and the surrounding areas directly impacts the community's ability to effectively combat lung cancer. The analysis will assess the number of PCPs, their acceptance of new patients, and the availability of same-day or next-day appointments.

Beyond the sheer number of physicians, the quality of care provided is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices of the PCPs and their ability to provide comprehensive care. This includes assessing the practices' adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate information sharing, and their referral patterns to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to patient education will receive higher marks in this assessment.

The presence of standout practices within the area significantly impacts the overall Lung Cancer Score. These practices often serve as models for others, demonstrating best practices in patient care and offering a higher level of service. Identifying these practices involves analyzing their patient satisfaction scores, their adoption of innovative technologies, and their commitment to community outreach programs. Practices that actively engage in community education about lung cancer risks and screening options will be recognized for their proactive approach.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and receive consultations remotely. The availability of telemedicine services for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment can significantly improve access to care for residents of Wilmore. The analysis will evaluate the availability of telehealth options offered by local practices and hospitals, including the types of services available and the ease of access.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, the physical side effects of treatment, and the uncertainty about the future can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans will be recognized for their holistic approach to patient care.

The referral network for lung cancer care is another critical factor. The ease with which PCPs can refer patients to specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists, is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will examine the proximity of specialists to Wilmore, the efficiency of the referral process, and the availability of multidisciplinary cancer care teams. Strong referral networks ensure that patients receive the comprehensive care they need.

The analysis also considers the availability of resources such as smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and access to effective cessation programs is vital for preventing the disease. The analysis will evaluate the availability of smoking cessation programs in Wilmore, including the types of programs offered, their accessibility, and their success rates.

The analysis will also consider the availability of financial assistance programs for patients. The cost of lung cancer treatment can be significant, and financial barriers can prevent patients from accessing the care they need. The analysis will evaluate the availability of financial assistance programs in Wilmore, including the types of programs offered, their eligibility requirements, and their ease of access.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of support groups and patient advocacy organizations. These resources provide patients with emotional support, information, and advocacy. The analysis will evaluate the availability of support groups and patient advocacy organizations in Wilmore, including the types of services offered, their accessibility, and their impact on patients' lives.

Finally, the analysis will consider the overall community awareness of lung cancer. Public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and community events can play a vital role in raising awareness about lung cancer risks, screening options, and treatment. The analysis will evaluate the level of community awareness of lung cancer in Wilmore, including the frequency of public awareness campaigns, the availability of educational materials, and the level of community participation in lung cancer-related events.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Wilmore, Kentucky (ZIP code 40390) is a complex assessment, not a simple number. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the strength of the referral network. The analysis reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem, highlighting areas for improvement and identifying resources available to patients.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wilmore and surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, consider exploring the mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of healthcare resources in your community.