40828, Evarts, Kentucky Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 40828, Evarts, Kentucky is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.07 percent of the residents in 40828 has some form of health insurance. 72.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.45 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 40828 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,199 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40828. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 764 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 345 health care providers accessible to residents in 40828, Evarts, Kentucky.

This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of prostate cancer care accessibility and primary care availability within Evarts, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40828). It moves beyond simple rankings, striving to paint a picture of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The focus is on the practical realities faced by residents seeking quality care.

The core of this analysis is the "Prostate Cancer Score," a composite metric reflecting factors crucial to timely diagnosis and effective treatment. This score considers several key elements: the number of physicians specializing in urology and oncology within a reasonable radius, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools like MRI and PET scans, the presence of radiation therapy facilities, and the overall primary care infrastructure, which plays a vital role in early detection through regular screenings.

Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is fundamental. In Evarts, a rural area, the density of specialists can be a significant hurdle. While pinpointing the exact number of urologists and oncologists practicing *within* the 40828 ZIP code requires detailed, often proprietary, data, we can infer accessibility by examining the surrounding counties and cities. Access to specialists may require travel to larger population centers, impacting the timeliness of care. The score will reflect the estimated travel time and the availability of transportation options.

Primary care availability is a critical component. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers to early detection. They are responsible for initiating prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and referring patients to specialists when necessary. The score will assess the number of PCPs practicing in Evarts and the surrounding areas, along with the average patient load. A high patient-to-physician ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will also investigate the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can supplement the work of PCPs and improve access.

Standout practices deserve recognition. Identifying practices that excel in prostate cancer care requires examining their patient outcomes, the technologies they employ, and their commitment to patient education. This includes evaluating their adherence to national guidelines for prostate cancer screening and treatment. Practices with a multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and potentially therapists, will score higher. The analysis will attempt to identify practices that actively participate in clinical trials or offer innovative treatment options.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. The score will evaluate the availability of telemedicine services for prostate cancer consultations and follow-up appointments. Practices that offer virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online patient portals will receive higher marks. This is particularly relevant for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for patients facing a prostate cancer diagnosis. The emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis can be significant, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The score will assess the availability of mental health services in Evarts and the surrounding areas, including therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health support into their care plans will be recognized. The analysis will consider the availability of resources specifically tailored to cancer patients.

The score will also consider the availability of patient education materials. Practices that provide clear, concise information about prostate cancer, treatment options, and side effects will be favored. This includes offering written materials, online resources, and educational programs. Patient empowerment is a key element of effective care.

The analysis will also consider the availability of financial assistance programs. The cost of prostate cancer treatment can be substantial, and patients may need help navigating insurance coverage and accessing financial aid. Practices that assist patients in accessing these resources will receive higher scores.

The data gathering for this analysis is complex. It involves compiling information from various sources, including public health databases, physician directories, hospital websites, and insurance provider networks. The accuracy of the score depends on the completeness and reliability of this data. The score is intended to be a starting point for patients seeking care, not a definitive ranking.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for physicians in ZIP Code 40828 and primary care availability in Evarts will reflect a holistic assessment of the healthcare landscape. It will consider not only the availability of specialists and advanced technologies but also the accessibility of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of patient education and financial assistance. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview that empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care. The score, while not a perfect measure, aims to highlight areas of strength and weakness within the healthcare system, promoting a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing residents of Evarts.

In conclusion, understanding the healthcare landscape in Evarts is crucial for residents. The "Prostate Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of care. To gain a visual representation of the healthcare resources available, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other facilities, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps can offer a dynamic and interactive view of the area, helping you navigate the healthcare system with greater confidence.