42376, Utica, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 42376, Utica, Kentucky is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.84 percent of the residents in 42376 has some form of health insurance. 34.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.76 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 42376 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,620 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42376. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 998 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,114 health care providers accessible to residents in 42376, Utica, Kentucky.

The analysis below assesses the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care access within ZIP code 42376 (Utica, Kentucky), focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, and related resources. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment for residents of this community.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure provide insights into the number of practicing physicians within the specified ZIP code and the surrounding area. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and comprehensive care, particularly for specialized services like pulmonology and oncology, crucial in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will delve into these ratios, comparing them to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of medical professionals in Utica.

Primary care availability is another key consideration. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms potentially related to lung cancer. The ease with which individuals can access a PCP impacts early detection and intervention. This analysis will examine the number of PCPs practicing in Utica, their acceptance of new patients, and the average wait times for appointments. Furthermore, the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services, will be factored into the assessment.

Identifying standout practices is vital. This involves evaluating practices based on several criteria. These include the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment, such as low-dose CT scanners, which are essential for lung cancer screening. The presence of on-site pulmonologists and oncologists, or affiliations with nearby hospitals that offer these specialists, significantly impacts the quality of care. Patient reviews and satisfaction scores, accessible through online platforms, also provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to patient education and support services, such as smoking cessation programs, are viewed favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in Utica to consult with specialists remotely. The analysis will explore the extent to which practices in the area offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote locations.

Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services in Utica, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, and the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, are important indicators of a supportive healthcare environment. The availability of these resources can help patients cope with the psychological challenges associated with lung cancer.

The analysis will consider the specific healthcare facilities in Utica, including any hospitals or clinics. It will examine the range of services offered, including diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The proximity of these facilities to patients’ homes is a key factor in accessibility. The quality of care at these facilities, as measured by patient outcomes and accreditation, will be considered. Affiliations with larger healthcare systems, which can provide access to a wider range of specialists and resources, will also be assessed.

The presence of community health initiatives is also important. These may include lung cancer screening programs, smoking cessation programs, and educational campaigns. The analysis will identify any such initiatives in Utica and evaluate their effectiveness in promoting early detection and prevention. Partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations can play a crucial role in improving lung cancer outcomes.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact healthcare access. This includes the percentage of residents with health insurance coverage, the prevalence of poverty, and the transportation options available to patients. These factors can significantly influence a patient's ability to access and afford healthcare services. The analysis will consider the impact of these factors on the overall healthcare environment in Utica.

The analysis will synthesize all the data points to create a Lung Cancer Score for the area. This score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care and primary care availability. The score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing residents and healthcare providers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare environment in Utica. This score will be a valuable tool for identifying areas for improvement and for guiding healthcare planning and resource allocation.

The analysis will also provide recommendations for improving lung cancer care and primary care access in Utica. These recommendations may include increasing the number of physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and promoting community health initiatives. The recommendations will be tailored to the specific needs of the community and will be based on the findings of the analysis. These recommendations will be actionable and will provide a roadmap for improving the healthcare environment in Utica.

This comprehensive analysis of the healthcare landscape in Utica (ZIP code 42376) provides a nuanced view of the resources available for lung cancer care and primary care access. The analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. It also considers socioeconomic factors and community health initiatives. The result is a Lung Cancer Score that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care in the area, and actionable recommendations for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Utica and surrounding areas, including physician locations, facility details, and demographic data, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome.