42266, Pembroke, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 42266, Pembroke, Kentucky is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 70.80 percent of the residents in 42266 has some form of health insurance. 38.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.24 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 42266 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 874 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42266. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 381 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,181 health care providers accessible to residents in 42266, Pembroke, Kentucky.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" ranking for physicians in Pembroke, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42266), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care and primary care access. This score is not a real metric but rather a conceptual framework to evaluate healthcare quality and accessibility. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all crucial aspects of effective lung cancer management and overall community health.

Pembroke, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas, particularly regarding healthcare access. The "Lung Cancer Score" attempts to illuminate these challenges and highlight potential areas for improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care. For Pembroke (ZIP Code 42266), assessing this ratio requires data on the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and oncologists practicing within the zip code and the total population. A low ratio, especially for specialists, would negatively impact the "Lung Cancer Score." Conversely, a favorable ratio, indicating sufficient physician availability, would positively influence the score. The availability of specialists is particularly crucial for lung cancer patients, who require timely access to pulmonologists for diagnosis and staging, and oncologists for treatment.

Standout practices within Pembroke would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This includes practices that offer or facilitate early detection programs, such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards, where pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists collaborate on patient treatment plans, would receive higher scores. The presence of dedicated oncology nurses, patient navigators, and support staff would also significantly enhance a practice's score. The ability to provide supportive care services, such as smoking cessation programs and palliative care, is equally vital.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Pembroke. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources without traveling long distances. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for pulmonary consultations, oncology follow-ups, or mental health support would receive a higher "Lung Cancer Score." The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow are all important considerations. The capacity for remote monitoring of patients, such as tracking symptoms or medication adherence, would further enhance the score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical for lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Practices that offer or have strong referral pathways to mental health services, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, would receive a higher score. The availability of mental health professionals with experience in oncology is particularly valuable. The integration of mental health screening into routine care and the provision of resources to address the emotional and psychological needs of patients would significantly impact the "Lung Cancer Score."

Primary care availability directly influences early detection and management of lung cancer. Primary care physicians play a vital role in screening for risk factors, educating patients about prevention, and referring patients for diagnostic testing. The availability of primary care physicians, the accessibility of their services (e.g., same-day appointments, extended hours), and their commitment to preventative care would significantly impact the overall "Lung Cancer Score." Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs and provide education on lung cancer risks would be highly regarded.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would also consider the practice's involvement in clinical trials. Participation in research studies allows patients access to cutting-edge treatments and contributes to advancements in lung cancer care. Practices that actively enroll patients in clinical trials would receive a higher score. The availability of information about clinical trials and the support provided to patients participating in these trials are also crucial.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for physicians in ZIP Code 42266 would be a composite measure, reflecting the availability of physicians, the quality of care provided, the integration of technology, and the support services offered to patients. The score would be dynamic, reflecting changes in healthcare practices and the evolving needs of the community. The score’s value lies in its ability to highlight strengths and weaknesses in the healthcare system and identify areas for improvement.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Pembroke, Kentucky, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you understand physician density, access to care, and other relevant factors. Explore the possibilities and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.