42461, Uniontown, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 42461, Uniontown, Kentucky is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.91 percent of the residents in 42461 has some form of health insurance. 47.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.86 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 42461 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 162 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42461. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 189 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 392 health care providers accessible to residents in 42461, Uniontown, Kentucky.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Uniontown, KY (ZIP Code 42461)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the medical landscape in Uniontown, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42461), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, including primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to assess the community's preparedness to address the multifaceted challenges of lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. This is not a definitive ranking, but an informed assessment.

Uniontown, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The availability of primary care physicians forms the bedrock of early detection and ongoing management of chronic conditions, including lung cancer. A robust primary care system is crucial for screening, referrals, and coordinating care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio generally suggests better access. Publicly available data from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the U.S. Census Bureau will provide the foundation for this ratio calculation. Any analysis will need to account for specialists in the area, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists.

Standout practices within Uniontown, if any, could be identified through patient reviews, awards, and affiliations with larger healthcare systems. Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, and actively participating in clinical trials would be considered favorably. The presence of a dedicated oncology center or a strong affiliation with a comprehensive cancer center in a nearby city would significantly enhance the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine expands access to specialists, facilitates remote monitoring, and provides convenient follow-up appointments. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms for consultations, medication management, and patient education would receive higher scores. The ability to connect patients with specialists outside of Uniontown via telemedicine is a significant advantage.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, but critical, component of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services specifically tailored to cancer patients significantly impacts the overall quality of care. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices or cancer centers would be highly beneficial.

Specific considerations must be made for Uniontown. The community's size and rural location may present challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. This can impact the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialists. However, the close-knit nature of a small town can also foster strong patient-provider relationships and facilitate community support.

Evaluating the primary care landscape involves assessing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 42461 ZIP code, as well as the broader Union County area. The ideal scenario is a sufficient number of PCPs to serve the population adequately, with a balance between general practitioners and internal medicine specialists. The availability of same-day appointments, extended hours, and weekend clinics also contributes to accessibility.

The analysis will also consider the presence of ancillary services such as diagnostic imaging (X-ray, CT scans, etc.) and laboratory services. These are essential for timely diagnosis and monitoring of lung cancer. The proximity of these services to primary care practices is a key factor.

The assessment of standout practices involves looking beyond basic metrics. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, provide comprehensive care coordination, and actively engage in community outreach programs will be considered favorably. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals also contributes to a positive score.

Telemedicine adoption requires an examination of the specific platforms used, the types of services offered, and the patient experience. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education through secure platforms will receive higher scores. The ability to connect patients with specialists in other areas via telemedicine is also crucial.

Mental health resources must be assessed based on availability, accessibility, and the specific needs of cancer patients. The presence of licensed therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer care is essential. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices or cancer centers is highly desirable.

The analysis will consider the availability of resources for smoking cessation, a critical factor in lung cancer prevention and treatment. Programs that offer counseling, medication, and support groups for smokers are essential.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" is a composite measure, reflecting the availability and quality of various healthcare resources. The score is not a definitive ranking but an assessment of the community's preparedness to address the challenges of lung cancer. The score will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of smoking cessation programs.

The score will also reflect the presence of a dedicated oncology center or a strong affiliation with a comprehensive cancer center in a nearby city. The ability to connect patients with specialists outside of Uniontown via telemedicine is a significant advantage.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape in Uniontown, KY (ZIP Code 42461) reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the community's ability to address lung cancer care. The analysis emphasizes the importance of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview that informs patients, providers, and policymakers about the current state of lung cancer care in Uniontown.

To visualize this information and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Uniontown and surrounding areas, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome allows for interactive exploration of healthcare data, providing a valuable tool for patients and healthcare professionals alike.