30144, Kennesaw, Georgia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 30144, Kennesaw, Georgia is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.24 percent of the residents in 30144 has some form of health insurance. 19.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.01 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 30144 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14,190 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 30144. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,974 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 28,275 health care providers accessible to residents in 30144, Kennesaw, Georgia.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical “Lung Cancer Score” ranking for primary care physicians in ZIP code 30144 (Kennesaw, Georgia) and evaluates the availability of primary care services within the broader Kennesaw area. This score, for illustrative purposes, considers factors relevant to lung cancer detection and treatment, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The methodology for this hypothetical score would involve several key components. First, a comprehensive assessment of physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed screenings, and reduced opportunities for preventative care – all factors that could negatively impact early lung cancer detection. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Georgia Composite Medical Board would be used to determine the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 30144 ZIP code and the surrounding areas, allowing for the calculation of these ratios.

Next, the analysis would identify and evaluate "standout practices." This involves researching practices known for their commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening programs. Practices that actively promote and facilitate low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, according to guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), would receive higher scores. The analysis would consider factors such as the availability of on-site imaging services, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient eligibility for screening, and the implementation of patient outreach programs to encourage screening participation. Furthermore, practices with a strong track record of collaboration with pulmonologists and oncologists for timely referrals and treatment would be highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and discussions about test results, can improve patient access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, allowing for secure video conferencing and remote monitoring, would receive higher scores. The analysis would assess the ease of use of these platforms, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine services into the practice's overall workflow.

Finally, the analysis would assess the availability of mental health resources. A lung cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that have established partnerships with mental health professionals, either through on-site services or referral networks, would be viewed favorably. The analysis would consider the availability of mental health screenings, counseling services, and support groups for patients and their families. This holistic approach to patient care is essential for improving overall outcomes.

For the 30144 ZIP code, the hypothetical Lung Cancer Score would be calculated based on a weighted average of these factors. For example, physician-to-patient ratios might account for 20% of the score, the presence of standout practices for 30%, telemedicine adoption for 25%, and mental health resources for 25%. Each factor would be assigned a numerical value based on the findings of the research.

Evaluating primary care availability in Kennesaw involves considering the geographical distribution of practices, transportation options, and insurance acceptance. Areas with a higher concentration of primary care physicians would receive higher scores, particularly if these practices are accessible via public transportation or are located in areas with a high population density. The analysis would also consider the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, to ensure that care is accessible to a wide range of patients.

The hypothetical score for Kennesaw would also reflect the overall healthcare infrastructure, including the presence of hospitals and specialized cancer centers. Proximity to these facilities is crucial for patients requiring advanced diagnostic testing, treatment, and supportive care. The analysis would evaluate the accessibility of these facilities, considering factors such as travel time and the availability of transportation services.

In practice, a real-world Lung Cancer Score would be a dynamic tool, regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare practices, regulations, and patient needs. The methodology would be transparent and clearly communicated to ensure that the score is fair, reliable, and useful for patients and healthcare providers. The score would not only provide an overall assessment of primary care quality but also highlight areas for improvement and promote best practices in lung cancer detection and treatment.

The primary care landscape in Kennesaw appears to be relatively well-served, with a moderate concentration of primary care physicians. However, the analysis reveals a need for increased focus on preventative care, particularly lung cancer screening. Many practices have begun incorporating LDCT screening into their protocols, but there is room for improvement in terms of patient outreach, education, and the use of EHRs to track eligibility.

Telemedicine adoption is also on the rise, but there is a need for greater standardization and integration of these services into routine care. Practices that offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring can improve patient access to care and reduce the burden on patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

The availability of mental health resources is another area for improvement. Many practices have established partnerships with mental health professionals, but there is a need for increased awareness of the importance of mental health support for lung cancer patients and their families.

Overall, the hypothetical Lung Cancer Score for the 30144 ZIP code would likely fall in the moderate range, reflecting the presence of some strong practices, but also highlighting areas where improvements can be made. The score would serve as a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care, providing them with information to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To gain a more visual understanding of the primary care landscape in Kennesaw, including the locations of physician practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable spatial perspective, allowing you to assess the accessibility of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.