42764, Mount Sherman, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 42764, Mount Sherman, Kentucky is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.26 percent of the residents in 42764 has some form of health insurance. 75.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.55 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 42764 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 107 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42764. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 88 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 754 health care providers accessible to residents in 42764, Mount Sherman, Kentucky.

This analysis explores the availability of lung cancer support resources and primary care access within and around ZIP Code 42764, focusing on Mount Sherman, Kentucky. The goal is to assess the landscape for patients needing these critical services, evaluating physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health support. The analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in this rural area.

The foundation of assessing lung cancer support begins with understanding the primary care infrastructure. In Mount Sherman, primary care availability serves as the initial gateway to diagnosis, referral, and ongoing management. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potential gaps in care. Data on this specific ratio in Mount Sherman is vital, but often difficult to obtain with granular accuracy. Publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state-level health departments would be the primary sources for this type of data.

Standout practices within the area are those demonstrating commitment to patient-centered care. This includes practices with a proven track record of early detection, comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, and strong referral networks to specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that actively participate in community outreach and education programs related to lung cancer prevention and screening are also highly valued. Identifying these standout practices involves reviewing patient testimonials, assessing the range of services offered, and evaluating their integration with local hospitals and cancer centers.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. Practices embracing telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients with lung cancer can significantly improve access and convenience. The availability of telemedicine capabilities, including video conferencing and remote monitoring devices, should be a key factor in assessing the quality of care. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow are likely to be more accessible and responsive to patient needs.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but are essential for patients battling lung cancer. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and potential recurrence is significant. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is critical. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either in-house or through referral networks, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Access to support groups, both in-person and online, can also play a vital role in helping patients cope with the challenges of lung cancer.

The specific characteristics of practices within ZIP Code 42764 and the surrounding areas, including Mount Sherman, will influence the overall ‘Lung Cancer Score.’ Factors such as the number of primary care physicians, the availability of specialists, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the score. A higher score would indicate a more robust and patient-centered healthcare environment.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios requires careful analysis of population data and physician demographics. Public health departments and medical associations are the primary sources for this type of information. The specific ratio in Mount Sherman, and the surrounding areas, is a crucial indicator of access to care. A low ratio might indicate a shortage of physicians, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced access to care.

The ability of practices to offer comprehensive diagnostic services, including access to imaging, biopsies, and pathology, is essential for early detection and accurate diagnosis. Practices that collaborate with local hospitals and cancer centers to ensure timely access to these services are better equipped to support patients. The presence of advanced diagnostic equipment and the expertise of medical professionals are key factors in determining the quality of care.

Telemedicine offers a significant advantage in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can provide remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients. This can reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for care, improving access and convenience. The adoption of telemedicine is a key indicator of a practice's commitment to patient-centered care.

Mental health support is a critical component of lung cancer care. The emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either in-house or through referral networks, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Access to support groups, both in-person and online, can also play a vital role in helping patients cope with the challenges of lung cancer.

The integration of these elements – physician availability, diagnostic capabilities, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support – forms the basis of the ‘Lung Cancer Score.’ A higher score reflects a more comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare environment, providing better support for individuals facing lung cancer. The score is a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts of practices to improve patient care.

For a detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in and around ZIP Code 42764, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable visual overview of the healthcare ecosystem, offering insights that can inform patient decision-making and healthcare planning.