30161, Rome, Georgia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 30161, Rome, Georgia is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.47 percent of the residents in 30161 has some form of health insurance. 37.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.29 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 30161 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,269 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 30161. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,316 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,869 health care providers accessible to residents in 30161, Rome, Georgia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Rome, GA (ZIP Code 30161) & Primary Care Landscape

This analysis evaluates the primary care landscape in Rome, Georgia (ZIP Code 30161), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The assessment considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, ultimately providing a "Lung Cancer Score" perspective on the community's readiness to address this significant health concern.

The availability of primary care physicians is a foundational element. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to preventative screenings, crucial for early lung cancer detection. While precise figures fluctuate, understanding the general ratio within the 30161 ZIP code is paramount. Public health data, including information from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to determine the current ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and characteristics of primary care practices are critical. Practices offering comprehensive services, including smoking cessation programs, are highly valued. These programs provide patients with the resources and support necessary to quit smoking, a leading cause of lung cancer. Practices that actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screenings, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., those with a history of smoking), also contribute positively to the score. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient data sharing and coordination of care between specialists is also a significant factor.

Standout practices in the Rome area deserve specific recognition. Identifying those with a demonstrably strong focus on preventative care, patient education, and proactive screening initiatives would be a key part of this analysis. This would involve reviewing practice websites, patient testimonials, and public health data to identify those practices that excel in these areas. A practice with a dedicated lung cancer screening program and a strong track record of patient outcomes would receive a higher score.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial aspect. Telemedicine offers patients convenient access to care, particularly those in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations can improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients. Practices actively utilizing telehealth technologies, including secure video conferencing and remote patient monitoring, would be favorably evaluated. The ability to offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet vital, component of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, including counseling and support groups, within primary care practices or through readily accessible referrals, is essential. Practices that actively screen for mental health concerns and provide or facilitate access to mental health support would receive a higher score. This includes partnerships with local mental health providers and support groups specializing in cancer care.

The assessment also considers the availability of specialists. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the ability of primary care physicians to refer patients to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is essential. The proximity of these specialists and the efficiency of the referral process are important. Practices with established relationships with specialists, ensuring timely referrals and seamless communication, would be favored.

The “Lung Cancer Score” itself would be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in the context of lung cancer care. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of preventative screening programs would likely be given higher weights than telemedicine adoption. The score would be presented on a scale, perhaps from 1 to 10, with higher scores indicating a more favorable environment for lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support.

The analysis would also identify areas for improvement. This might include recommendations for increasing the physician-to-patient ratio, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, or expanding access to mental health services. Identifying gaps in care and suggesting targeted interventions is a crucial part of the assessment.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the primary care landscape in Rome, GA, and to highlight its strengths and weaknesses in relation to lung cancer care. By understanding the current state of affairs, the community can work towards improving access to care, promoting preventative measures, and providing comprehensive support for patients affected by this devastating disease. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions and improve the overall health of the community.

Want to visualize the primary care landscape and identify areas with the greatest need? Explore the power of data with CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resources in Rome, GA, and beyond.