40958, Kettle Island, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40958, Kettle Island, Kentucky is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.36 percent of the residents in 40958 has some form of health insurance. 47.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.37 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 40958 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 75 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40958. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 38 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 893 health care providers accessible to residents in 40958, Kettle Island, Kentucky.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Kettle Island, KY (ZIP Code 40958)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within the 40958 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to early detection, treatment access, and patient support. The assessment considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components in the fight against lung cancer. This is not a definitive ranking, but a comparative analysis based on publicly available information and industry best practices.

The 40958 ZIP code encompasses the rural community of Kettle Island, Kentucky. This location presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Limited resources and geographic isolation can significantly impact access to care, particularly for specialized services like oncology. Therefore, the Lung Cancer Score analysis emphasizes factors that mitigate these challenges.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

A fundamental aspect of this analysis is the physician-to-patient ratio. The availability of primary care physicians directly influences the ability of individuals to receive regular checkups and screenings, crucial for early lung cancer detection. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Kentucky Department for Public Health are vital in determining the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 40958 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates greater accessibility. However, simply counting physicians is insufficient. The analysis considers the types of practices, hours of operation, and patient acceptance policies of these providers.

The availability of primary care is further evaluated by examining the distribution of practices within Kettle Island. Are there multiple locations? Are they accessible via public transportation or easily reached by residents? Factors such as the proximity of practices to the population, and the ability of patients to make appointments are considered. A high score reflects a greater density of primary care providers, convenient locations, and readily available appointments.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key indicators. Practices that actively promote preventative care, including lung cancer screenings, receive higher scores. This includes practices that adhere to current screening guidelines, such as those established by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The presence of dedicated staff trained in smoking cessation programs is also a significant positive factor. These programs are essential in reducing the risk of lung cancer.

Another important aspect is the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate efficient data sharing, allowing primary care physicians to easily access patient histories, order screenings, and coordinate care with specialists. Practices with robust EHR systems and established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists are highly valued. Practices that offer extended hours or weekend appointments, making it easier for working individuals to access care, also receive higher scores.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine plays a crucial role in bridging the geographic barriers often found in rural communities. Practices that have embraced telemedicine receive higher scores. This includes the use of video conferencing for consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and the ability to provide virtual follow-up appointments. The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely is particularly valuable in areas where access to specialized care is limited.

The analysis considers the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use for patients, and the availability of technical support. Practices that have implemented user-friendly telemedicine platforms, with clear instructions and readily available technical assistance, are highly rated. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for appointments.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Importance:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis evaluates the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, within the 40958 ZIP code and the surrounding areas.

The analysis considers the proximity of mental health services to primary care practices, as well as the ease of referral and coordination of care between primary care physicians and mental health professionals. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns and provide referrals to appropriate resources receive higher scores. The presence of support groups or counseling services specifically for cancer patients and their families is also a significant positive factor.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Recommendations:**

The Lung Cancer Score is a composite assessment, weighting each of the above factors. A higher score indicates a greater likelihood of early detection, access to treatment, and comprehensive patient support. The final score reflects the overall quality of primary care available within the 40958 ZIP code, specifically in relation to lung cancer prevention and treatment.

The analysis will provide recommendations for improving the Lung Cancer Score. These recommendations may include encouraging practices to adopt telemedicine, promote smoking cessation programs, improve coordination of care, and increase the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance the quality of care for individuals at risk of or diagnosed with lung cancer in Kettle Island.

**Conclusion:**

This Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a valuable overview of the healthcare landscape in Kettle Island, KY (40958). It highlights the importance of accessible primary care, proactive screening practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources in the fight against lung cancer. Understanding these factors is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.

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