41843, Pine Top, Kentucky Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 41843, Pine Top, Kentucky is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.49 percent of the residents in 41843 has some form of health insurance. 68.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.73 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 41843 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 45 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41843. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 86 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 388 health care providers accessible to residents in 41843, Pine Top, Kentucky.

Prostate cancer screening and treatment access within ZIP code 41843, encompassing the Pine Top area, requires a multifaceted analysis. This assessment considers physician availability, the quality of primary care, and the integration of supportive services. A comprehensive 'Prostate Cancer Score' is difficult to assign with absolute precision without proprietary data, but this analysis offers a framework for understanding the landscape and identifying potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of prostate cancer care is strong primary care. In Pine Top, assessing primary care availability involves examining physician-to-patient ratios. National averages suggest a benchmark of around 1:1,300. However, rural areas often face shortages. Determining the exact ratio in 41843 necessitates data on the number of primary care physicians actively practicing and the total population. A lower ratio indicates greater accessibility. Information from local health departments and hospital systems can provide insights.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' commitment to preventative screenings, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams. Do the primary care physicians actively encourage men to undergo these screenings, especially those over 50 or with a family history of prostate cancer? Are they knowledgeable about the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Urological Association (AUA)? Patient reviews and online ratings, while not definitive, can offer clues about patient experiences and satisfaction with preventative care.

Standout practices in the area would likely demonstrate a proactive approach to prostate cancer screening. They may have dedicated staff members focused on preventative care, use electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient screening history, and provide patient education materials. Practices that offer extended hours or weekend appointments can also improve accessibility, especially for those with work commitments. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into local healthcare provider information, including their websites, patient testimonials, and information from local healthcare networks.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, making it easier for patients in rural areas to access specialist consultations and follow-up care. Does the primary care infrastructure in Pine Top support telemedicine? Are physicians equipped with the technology to conduct virtual appointments? Are there partnerships with urologists or oncologists in larger cities that facilitate remote consultations? The availability of telemedicine can significantly improve access to specialized prostate cancer care, particularly for those needing expert opinions or treatment guidance.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for prostate cancer patients. A diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, and patients may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Assessing the availability of mental health services in Pine Top is crucial. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, available locally? Do primary care practices have integrated mental health services or referral pathways? Partnerships with support groups or cancer centers can also provide valuable emotional support.

The 'Prostate Cancer Score' for 41843 would also need to consider the proximity to specialized cancer centers. While Pine Top may not have its own urology or oncology facilities, the distance to nearby cities with these resources is a factor. How easily can patients access these centers for diagnosis, treatment (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy), and follow-up care? Transportation options, including public transportation and patient assistance programs, also play a role.

The overall score would be a composite, weighing the factors discussed. A high score would indicate good primary care availability, proactive screening practices, telemedicine adoption, access to mental health resources, and proximity to specialized cancer centers. A low score would indicate the opposite. This framework allows for a nuanced assessment of the prostate cancer care landscape in Pine Top.

Analyzing the specifics of physician-to-patient ratios in 41843 requires data from sources like the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, the U.S. Census Bureau, and local hospital systems. These sources can provide information on the number of practicing physicians and the population of the area.

Furthermore, understanding the quality of primary care requires more than just numbers. It necessitates examining the practices' approach to preventative care, their use of EHRs, and patient feedback. Information from the Kentucky Medical Association, local hospital systems, and patient review websites can provide valuable insights.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Assessing the level of adoption requires identifying which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the technology used. Information from local healthcare networks and the practices' websites can provide details.

The availability of mental health resources is also crucial. Identifying local therapists, counselors, and support groups, as well as the referral pathways from primary care practices, is essential. Information from the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, and local community centers can be helpful.

Finally, the distance to specialized cancer centers and the availability of transportation options must be considered. Information from local hospitals and cancer centers can provide insights.

This detailed analysis, while not a precise score, provides a comprehensive understanding of the prostate cancer care landscape in Pine Top. To visualize this data and gain even deeper insights into healthcare access, consider using CartoChrome maps. Explore the spatial relationships between physician locations, patient demographics, and healthcare resources.