36453, Kinston, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36453, Kinston, Alabama is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.80 percent of the residents in 36453 has some form of health insurance. 41.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.37 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 36453 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 369 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36453. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 538 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 239 health care providers accessible to residents in 36453, Kinston, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Kinston, Alabama (ZIP Code 36453)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 36453, Kinston, Alabama, with a particular focus on primary care availability and the resources available to patients. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem, ultimately informing patient access and outcomes. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in the fight against lung cancer.

Kinston, a small town in Coffee County, Alabama, likely faces challenges common to rural communities when it comes to healthcare. These challenges often include limited access to specialists, a smaller pool of primary care physicians, and potential difficulties in adopting new technologies and treatment modalities. Therefore, a careful examination of the local resources is vital.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection through regular screenings and prompt referrals are critical. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Kinston is the first step. This ratio, calculated by dividing the population by the number of primary care physicians, provides a baseline understanding of access. A high ratio suggests potential difficulties in scheduling appointments and receiving timely care.

Researching the precise physician-to-patient ratio for Kinston requires accessing publicly available data from sources such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the Alabama Department of Public Health. The data will provide a more accurate picture of the situation. However, based on the demographic profile of Kinston, it is highly probable that the ratio is higher than the national average, indicating potential challenges in accessing primary care.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is crucial. These practices may be characterized by a commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screenings, and a patient-centered approach. Examining their patient satisfaction scores, the use of electronic health records, and their integration with specialists are all vital.

Finding specific information on individual practices requires local research. This may involve reviewing online reviews, contacting local hospitals or clinics, and reaching out to community health organizations. Identifying practices that actively promote lung cancer screening programs, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), is particularly important. These programs include low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for individuals at high risk.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Potential:**

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to specialized care. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Kinston can significantly impact lung cancer patients. Telemedicine enables remote consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists, reducing the need for lengthy travel and improving the timeliness of care.

Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring capabilities, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing workflows. Local practices may be utilizing telehealth platforms for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even some initial consultations.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance:**

A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and psychiatric services.

Evaluating mental health resources involves identifying local providers, assessing their capacity to serve patients, and understanding the availability of support groups specifically for cancer patients. This research will likely involve contacting local hospitals, mental health clinics, and cancer support organizations.

**Specific Considerations for Kinston:**

Given Kinston's rural setting, specific challenges may exist. These could include limited internet access, which can hinder telemedicine adoption, and a shortage of mental health professionals. The lack of public transportation might make it difficult for patients to travel to appointments, even within the local area.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the anticipated findings, Kinston, Alabama (ZIP code 36453) likely faces some challenges in providing comprehensive lung cancer care. The physician-to-patient ratio might be higher than the national average, potentially leading to delays in accessing primary care and specialist referrals. The adoption of telemedicine may be limited, restricting access to specialized expertise. The availability of mental health resources might also be constrained.

However, the presence of standout practices committed to preventative care and the potential for telemedicine adoption offer hope. Community efforts to increase awareness of lung cancer screening and support services are also crucial.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Kinston and gain a more comprehensive understanding of physician locations, primary care availability, and the distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's mapping tools can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, helping patients and healthcare professionals alike navigate the local healthcare ecosystem. Explore the power of data visualization and gain a clearer picture of healthcare access in Kinston.