42716, Buffalo, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 42716, Buffalo, Kentucky is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.79 percent of the residents in 42716 has some form of health insurance. 47.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.83 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 42716 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 277 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42716. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 364 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,325 health care providers accessible to residents in 42716, Buffalo, Kentucky.

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility in two distinct geographical areas: ZIP Code 42716, and the broader context of primary care availability in Buffalo. The objective is to evaluate resources, identify strengths and weaknesses, and provide actionable insights for patients and healthcare providers. This is not a definitive ranking, but rather an analytical overview.

**Lung Cancer Score: ZIP Code 42716**

ZIP Code 42716, located in Kentucky, presents a unique challenge. Rural areas often experience disparities in healthcare access compared to urban centers. A comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' for this area requires evaluating several key factors.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically for primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and oncologists. A low ratio in any of these specialties can significantly hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. Researching the exact number of physicians practicing within this ZIP code, combined with population data, will reveal the availability of specialists. This data can be sourced from state medical boards, hospital directories, and potentially, local health departments. A low ratio indicates potential difficulties in securing appointments, leading to delayed care.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:** Identifying standout practices within 42716 is crucial. These practices might demonstrate excellence in early detection through screening programs, offer advanced treatment options, or possess a patient-centered approach. Researching local hospitals and clinics, reviewing patient testimonials (while respecting HIPAA regulations), and analyzing practice websites can reveal these high-performing entities. Their impact lies in improving patient outcomes, increasing survival rates, and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals battling lung cancer.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** The adoption of telemedicine is particularly important in rural settings. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists who may not be physically present in the area. Assessing the availability of telehealth consultations for lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care is essential. This includes evaluating the availability of video conferencing, remote monitoring technologies, and online patient portals. Practices with robust telemedicine programs demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

**Mental Health Resources:** Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Therefore, assessing the availability of mental health resources is critical. This includes evaluating the presence of on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, and access to support groups. Practices that prioritize mental health demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being.

**Primary Care Availability in Buffalo**

Evaluating primary care availability in Buffalo involves a different set of considerations, given the urban environment. Buffalo likely has a higher concentration of healthcare providers compared to a rural area.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio in Buffalo:** The physician-to-patient ratio, specifically for primary care physicians, is a crucial indicator of access. Data from the New York State Department of Health, local medical societies, and hospital systems will provide information on the number of primary care physicians and the overall population. A high ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, may lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to care.

**Standout Practices in Buffalo:** Identifying standout primary care practices in Buffalo requires a focus on factors such as patient satisfaction, preventative care services, and coordination of care. Researching patient reviews, evaluating practice websites, and assessing accreditations (e.g., Patient-Centered Medical Home) can help identify high-performing practices. These practices often prioritize preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and comprehensive patient education.

**Telemedicine in Buffalo:** Telemedicine adoption in Buffalo should be assessed, including the availability of virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. While the geographical barriers may be less significant than in rural areas, telemedicine can still improve convenience, reduce travel time, and enhance access for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

**Mental Health Resources in Buffalo:** The availability of mental health resources integrated into primary care settings is vital. Assessing the availability of on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, and access to mental health screenings within primary care practices is important. Integrated care models, where mental health services are seamlessly integrated with primary care, can lead to better outcomes for patients with co-occurring physical and mental health conditions.

**Comparative Analysis and Overall Assessment**

Comparing the two locations reveals distinct challenges and opportunities. ZIP Code 42716 likely faces greater challenges in terms of physician availability and access to specialized care. Buffalo, while having potentially better access, needs to focus on optimizing primary care practices, integrating mental health services, and leveraging telemedicine to improve patient outcomes.

**Conclusion**

This analysis provides a framework for assessing lung cancer care and primary care availability. The specific data points will vary depending on the sources. To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in these areas, including the locations of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and socioeconomic factors, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform complex data into interactive visualizations, enabling healthcare professionals and patients to make informed decisions about care and access.