42328, Centertown, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 42328, Centertown, Kentucky is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.17 percent of the residents in 42328 has some form of health insurance. 51.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.54 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 42328 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 351 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42328. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 216 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,440 health care providers accessible to residents in 42328, Centertown, Kentucky.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Centertown, KY (ZIP Code 42328)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians and the overall healthcare landscape within Centertown, Kentucky (ZIP code 42328), focusing on factors relevant to early detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to understand the availability of resources and their potential impact on lung cancer outcomes. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care.

Centertown, a rural community, likely faces unique challenges in healthcare access. The primary challenge is the availability of primary care physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates a potential strain on existing resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and publicly available population estimates will be used to calculate this ratio. A low ratio would negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Standout practices within the area would be those that demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening and early detection. This includes practices that actively implement guidelines for screening high-risk individuals, such as those with a history of smoking or exposure to other carcinogens. These practices should have readily available information about screening criteria, and offer low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, which are crucial for detecting lung cancer in its early stages. Furthermore, practices that have established relationships with pulmonologists and oncologists for prompt referrals would be highly regarded.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers often exist. Practices that offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations, can improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. The ability to receive specialized care, such as consultations with pulmonologists or oncologists, through telemedicine can be a game-changer for patients in Centertown. The Lung Cancer Score will reflect the level of telemedicine adoption, with higher scores awarded to practices that embrace this technology.

Mental health support is frequently overlooked in the context of cancer care, but it is a vital component of patient well-being. A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, will receive higher scores. This includes access to support groups, counseling, and psychiatric services. The Lung Cancer Score will consider the availability and accessibility of these resources.

The availability of resources for smoking cessation is also crucial. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing patients with support to quit smoking is an essential part of preventative care. Practices that offer smoking cessation programs, including counseling, medication, and nicotine replacement therapy, will be viewed favorably. The Lung Cancer Score will reflect the availability and accessibility of these resources.

Further, the score considers the patient experience. This includes factors such as the ease of scheduling appointments, the wait times for appointments, the clarity of communication from healthcare providers, and the overall level of patient satisfaction. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care and provide a positive patient experience will receive higher scores. This is often reflected in patient reviews and testimonials.

The Lung Cancer Score will be determined by analyzing the following factors: physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of screening services (LDCT scans), the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, the availability of smoking cessation programs, and the overall patient experience. Each factor will be assigned a weighted value based on its importance in the overall assessment. The final score will be a composite score, reflecting the overall quality of care available in Centertown for lung cancer patients.

For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, the score will be negatively impacted. If practices are actively involved in early detection, offer telemedicine services, and provide mental health support, the score will increase. The availability of smoking cessation programs will also positively affect the score. Patient satisfaction and ease of access to care will also contribute to the final Lung Cancer Score.

The analysis will provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Centertown, specifically concerning lung cancer care. It will identify areas of strength and weakness, highlighting opportunities for improvement. The goal is to provide valuable information to patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, to make informed decisions and improve lung cancer outcomes in the community.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be presented in a clear and concise format, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology used. The analysis will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This ongoing assessment will help to ensure that the community has access to the best possible care.

The analysis will also consider the presence of any community health initiatives or partnerships that support lung cancer awareness and prevention. This includes collaborations with local organizations, such as the American Cancer Society or the Lung Association, to provide educational programs and outreach events. These partnerships can play a crucial role in raising awareness about lung cancer and promoting early detection.

The analysis will also consider the availability of transportation services for patients who may have difficulty getting to appointments. This is particularly important in rural areas where access to transportation may be limited. Practices that offer transportation assistance or have partnerships with transportation providers will be viewed favorably.

The Lung Cancer Score is designed to be a dynamic tool that can be used to track progress and identify areas for improvement. By regularly assessing the healthcare landscape, we can work together to improve lung cancer outcomes in Centertown. The goal is to create a community where everyone has access to the care they need to live a long and healthy life.

Ultimately, the Lung Cancer Score is a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in Centertown, Kentucky. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the resources available to lung cancer patients and identifies areas for improvement. This information can be used to make informed decisions and improve lung cancer outcomes in the community.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Centertown, Kentucky, and explore the locations of medical facilities, physician availability, and other relevant data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the information analyzed in this report, making it easier to understand the distribution of resources and identify areas of need. Use CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Centertown.