41240, Paintsville, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 41240, Paintsville, Kentucky is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.47 percent of the residents in 41240 has some form of health insurance. 53.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.29 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 41240 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,332 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41240. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,504 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 692 health care providers accessible to residents in 41240, Paintsville, Kentucky.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Paintsville, KY (ZIP Code 41240)**

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape in Paintsville, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41240), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This score helps understand the accessibility and quality of care for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer strategy is strong primary care. Paintsville's primary care availability directly impacts early detection through regular screenings and referrals. Examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 41240 ZIP code, and the surrounding areas, is crucial. The ideal scenario involves a sufficient number of PCPs to manage the local population, allowing for timely appointments and preventative care. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, which is detrimental to lung cancer outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. This ratio indicates the number of patients served by each PCP. A higher ratio suggests a greater workload for each physician, potentially affecting appointment availability and the time dedicated to individual patient care. Analyzing the specific physician-to-patient ratio within the 41240 ZIP code provides insight into the accessibility of primary care services. Data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure can be utilized to determine these ratios accurately.

Beyond basic accessibility, the quality of primary care is paramount. The presence of standout practices within the area, those known for their commitment to preventative care and patient-centered services, is a positive indicator. These practices often implement robust screening protocols, including chest X-rays and, when appropriate, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. Identifying these practices and evaluating their adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines, as recommended by organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), is vital.

Telemedicine adoption represents a modern approach to healthcare delivery. The availability of telehealth services within the 41240 ZIP code can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telemedicine can facilitate consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption among local physicians and healthcare facilities is essential. This includes assessing the types of telehealth services offered, the technology used, and the patient's experience with these services.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment often involve significant emotional and psychological challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. Assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the 41240 ZIP code, is crucial. The proximity of these resources to primary care practices and cancer treatment centers is also a factor. Integration of mental health services into the overall care plan can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Paintsville, KY (41240) is ultimately a composite of these factors. It considers the availability of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor is weighted based on its impact on lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. A higher score indicates a more favorable healthcare environment for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer.

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. The proximity of these specialists to the 41240 ZIP code, and the ease of referral from primary care physicians, is a significant factor. Furthermore, the presence of cancer treatment centers and support groups within the area contributes to the overall "Lung Cancer Score".

Specific data points, such as the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents, the average wait time for a primary care appointment, and the percentage of physicians offering telemedicine services, are crucial for a detailed assessment. This data can be gathered from various sources, including healthcare directories, insurance providers, and local healthcare facilities.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not just a numerical value; it is a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem in Paintsville. It provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, allowing for targeted improvements. The score can be used to identify areas where resources are needed, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, or improving access to mental health support.

This analysis also considers the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Poverty, lack of insurance coverage, and limited access to transportation can all impact lung cancer detection and treatment. Evaluating these factors and their influence on the local healthcare landscape is essential for a complete assessment.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" should be presented with clear recommendations for improvement. These recommendations might include strategies to increase the number of PCPs, promote lung cancer screening, expand telemedicine services, and improve access to mental health support. The goal is to empower the community with the information and resources needed to improve lung cancer outcomes.

To fully visualize the healthcare landscape of Paintsville, KY (41240), including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a detailed, data-driven perspective, providing a visual representation of the healthcare resources available in your area.