20052, Washington, District of Columbia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20052, Washington, District of Columbia is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.94 percent of the residents in 20052 has some form of health insurance. 4.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 95.98 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 20052 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,120 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 138 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 20052. An estimate of 29 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 21,751 health care providers accessible to residents in 20052, Washington, District of Columbia.

The analysis that follows provides a nuanced assessment of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within the specified geographical parameters. It focuses on physicians in ZIP Code 20052, a specific area within the broader context of primary care availability in Washington, D.C. The goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the landscape, touching upon crucial aspects like physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. This information is vital for patients seeking care and for healthcare providers aiming to improve their services.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. In ZIP Code 20052, and indeed throughout Washington, D.C., this ratio can fluctuate significantly depending on the specific specialty. Primary care physicians, who often serve as the initial point of contact for patients, may experience a higher patient load compared to specialists. The availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists involved in lung cancer treatment within this area is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially improved outcomes. Data from various sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and local health departments, is necessary to accurately determine these ratios and identify areas of potential shortage or surplus.

Identifying standout practices is essential for patients seeking high-quality care. Within ZIP Code 20052, and across Washington, D.C., hospitals and clinics with a strong reputation for lung cancer treatment should be highlighted. These practices often have multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses. They may also participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest advancements in treatment. Factors to consider include the practice's experience with minimally invasive surgical techniques, the availability of advanced imaging technologies like PET/CT scans, and the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Patient reviews, outcomes data (where available), and accreditations from organizations like the Commission on Cancer (CoC) are also important indicators of quality.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant factor in healthcare delivery, particularly in recent years. Its adoption within ZIP Code 20052 and across Washington, D.C., has the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in underserved areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and follow-up appointments. For lung cancer patients, telemedicine can be particularly useful for managing symptoms, providing emotional support, and coordinating care between different specialists. The extent to which practices in this area have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered and the technologies used, should be assessed. This includes evaluating the availability of secure video conferencing platforms, the integration of telemedicine into electronic health records (EHRs), and the training provided to physicians and staff on using these tools effectively.

The integration of mental health resources into lung cancer care is paramount. A cancer diagnosis, and its treatment, can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common. Practices within ZIP Code 20052 and throughout Washington, D.C., should provide access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. This includes offering individual therapy, group support sessions, and access to medications when needed. The availability of these resources, and the degree to which they are integrated into the overall care plan, is a critical indicator of the quality of care. This also involves assessing whether practices offer support groups for patients and their families, and whether they provide referrals to external mental health services.

Primary care availability in Washington, D.C., as a whole, impacts the care provided within ZIP Code 20052. A robust primary care system is essential for early detection of lung cancer. Primary care physicians play a crucial role in screening, providing health education, and referring patients to specialists. The density of primary care physicians, the accessibility of their services (including appointment availability and insurance acceptance), and the geographic distribution of practices are all important factors. Areas with limited primary care access may experience delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Initiatives aimed at expanding primary care access, such as community health centers and mobile clinics, can play a significant role in improving lung cancer outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within ZIP Code 20052 and Washington, D.C., requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis has touched upon physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. By considering these factors, patients can make informed decisions about their care, and healthcare providers can identify areas for improvement. The data used to create this analysis is dynamic and constantly evolving, so staying informed is crucial.

For a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area, including detailed maps of physician locations, practice specializations, and access to care metrics, we encourage you to explore the interactive resources available on CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.