30087, Stone Mountain, Georgia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 30087, Stone Mountain, Georgia is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.67 percent of the residents in 30087 has some form of health insurance. 32.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.03 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 30087 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,827 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 17 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 30087. An estimate of 20 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,205 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 28,661 health care providers accessible to residents in 30087, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Stone Mountain, GA (ZIP Code 30087)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 30087 ZIP code, focusing on factors crucial for early detection, effective treatment, and overall patient well-being. The analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources. This information aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stone Mountain, GA, as it relates to lung cancer care.

The foundation of any LCS assessment lies in the availability of primary care. In Stone Mountain, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A high ratio, indicating a limited number of PCPs for the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Assessing this ratio requires data on the total population of 30087 and the number of actively practicing PCPs within the area. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Georgia Composite Medical Board can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs across the ZIP code is essential. Are the physicians concentrated in specific areas, creating healthcare deserts for some residents? Geographic information system (GIS) mapping can reveal these disparities, highlighting areas where access to care is limited. This spatial analysis is crucial for understanding the true accessibility of primary care services.

The characteristics of individual practices significantly impact the LCS. Practices with a focus on preventative care, including routine screenings for high-risk individuals (smokers, those with a family history of lung cancer), receive higher scores. This includes the implementation of smoking cessation programs, a critical component of lung cancer prevention. Practices that proactively offer or refer patients for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the recommended screening tool for high-risk individuals, also score favorably. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability allows for efficient data sharing and coordination of care, contributing positively to the LCS.

Standout practices in Stone Mountain, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This includes practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, promoting awareness of lung cancer risks and screening guidelines. Practices with dedicated care coordinators who guide patients through the screening process, from scheduling appointments to managing follow-up care, would also be highly regarded. Additionally, practices that participate in clinical trials or research related to lung cancer receive a higher score, indicating a commitment to advancing medical knowledge and providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the LCS. The ability to offer virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and patient education, can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, allowing for early detection of complications and improved management of side effects. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated it seamlessly into their workflows receive a higher score.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial component of a comprehensive LCS. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals, are better equipped to address these needs. This includes providing access to counseling, support groups, and other resources to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological effects of the disease. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns and offer appropriate interventions score favorably.

The availability of specialized services, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within the 30087 ZIP code and the surrounding areas is also critical. The LCS considers the proximity of these specialists, the efficiency of referral processes, and the overall coordination of care between PCPs and specialists. Practices that have established strong relationships with pulmonologists and oncologists, facilitating seamless referrals and communication, receive a higher score.

The analysis also considers the diversity of the physician workforce. A diverse physician workforce, reflecting the demographic makeup of the community, can improve patient-physician communication and cultural sensitivity. Practices that prioritize diversity and inclusion receive a higher score.

Finally, the LCS incorporates patient satisfaction data. Patient reviews, surveys, and feedback provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by each practice. Practices with high patient satisfaction scores, indicating a positive patient experience, receive a higher score.

This comprehensive analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stone Mountain, GA, as it relates to lung cancer care. By considering physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other relevant factors, the LCS offers a valuable tool for patients seeking quality care and for healthcare providers striving to improve their services.

To visualize this data, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care, we invite you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of the LCS, allowing you to identify areas with high and low scores, visualize healthcare disparities, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.