41271, Williamsport, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 41271, Williamsport, Kentucky is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 41271 has some form of health insurance. 85.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 14.29 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 41271 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 84 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41271. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 921 health care providers accessible to residents in 41271, Williamsport, Kentucky.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 41271 & Primary Care Availability in Williamsport**

Williamsport, Kentucky, nestled in the Appalachian region, faces unique challenges regarding healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning lung cancer. This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 41271, which encompasses Williamsport, and evaluates their potential impact on lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. A “Lung Cancer Score” is implied by the factors examined, though no single numerical score will be assigned. Instead, a qualitative assessment is provided.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection is crucial, and PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. The physician-to-patient ratio in 41271 is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, suggests limited access to timely appointments, preventative screenings, and ongoing care. This scarcity can delay diagnosis, reduce the likelihood of early-stage detection, and negatively impact patient outcomes. The analysis will examine publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure to determine the approximate physician-to-patient ratio in this area.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care offered by PCPs is paramount. Are physicians up-to-date on the latest lung cancer screening guidelines, including the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals? Do they proactively discuss smoking cessation strategies and provide referrals to smoking cessation programs? The analysis will investigate the prevalence of these practices through available data, surveys, and publicly available information about individual practices.

Standout practices within the 41271 ZIP code will be evaluated based on their commitment to lung cancer prevention and early detection. This includes identifying practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer on-site LDCT screening, or have established strong referral networks with pulmonologists and oncologists. The presence of these elements suggests a higher level of commitment to lung cancer care. The analysis will attempt to identify these practices, though specific practice-level data may be limited.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve healthcare access in rural areas like Williamsport. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances. The analysis will assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among PCPs in 41271. Are they offering virtual appointments? Are they utilizing telehealth platforms for specialist referrals? The degree of telemedicine integration will be a key factor in evaluating the overall quality of care.

Mental health resources are another crucial aspect of comprehensive lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and its treatment, can take a heavy toll on a patient’s mental and emotional well-being. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Are PCPs equipped to identify and address the mental health needs of their patients? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? The presence of robust mental health support is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The analysis will consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on lung cancer care in Williamsport. Poverty, limited access to transportation, and lower levels of education can all contribute to health disparities. The analysis will explore how these factors may influence access to care, screening rates, and treatment outcomes.

Furthermore, the analysis will explore the role of community resources in supporting lung cancer patients. This includes identifying local support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and any other resources that can provide assistance and information to patients and their families.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialized lung cancer care within a reasonable distance of Williamsport. Are there pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists in nearby cities or towns? The proximity of these specialists is critical for ensuring timely access to advanced diagnostics and treatment.

The analysis will attempt to identify any barriers to care that may exist in the Williamsport area. This could include issues such as insurance coverage, transportation limitations, or a lack of awareness about lung cancer screening guidelines.

The analysis will conclude with an overall assessment of the lung cancer care landscape in ZIP code 41271. This assessment will consider all the factors discussed above and provide a qualitative evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The analysis will attempt to identify any areas where improvements are needed and suggest potential solutions to address these challenges.

The final report will offer a comprehensive overview of the situation in Williamsport, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities for improving lung cancer care. It is important to note that this analysis is based on publicly available data and may not capture all aspects of the local healthcare system. However, it will provide a valuable starting point for understanding the current state of lung cancer care in Williamsport and identifying areas where targeted interventions can make a difference.

The information gathered and analyzed for this report can be visualized and further explored using advanced mapping tools. To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. Their platform allows for interactive visualization and analysis, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing lung cancer care in Williamsport and beyond.