30518, Buford, Georgia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 30518, Buford, Georgia is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.06 percent of the residents in 30518 has some form of health insurance. 23.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.26 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 30518 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 17,019 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 77 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 30518. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,700 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 14,150 health care providers accessible to residents in 30518, Buford, Georgia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Buford, GA (ZIP Code 30518)**

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of healthcare resources in Buford, Georgia (ZIP code 30518), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. The assessment considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This information is then synthesized into a "Lung Cancer Score," providing a general indication of the community's preparedness to address this significant health concern.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on a strong primary care infrastructure. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. In Buford, the accessibility of PCPs is a crucial element. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater availability and potentially more personalized care. Data from sources like the Georgia Composite Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, coupled with local healthcare directories, are necessary to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio in 30518. This ratio is a key component of the Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond simple availability, the quality of primary care is equally important. The Lung Cancer Score considers factors like the adoption of evidence-based practices, participation in quality improvement initiatives, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate seamless information sharing between PCPs and specialists, improving care coordination. Practices that actively screen for lung cancer risk factors, such as smoking history and exposure to environmental hazards, receive a higher score. The presence of PCPs who are board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine, demonstrating a commitment to advanced training and expertise, is also factored in.

Specialized care is vital for lung cancer patients. The presence of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons in or near Buford is a significant advantage. These specialists provide the expertise necessary for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. The Lung Cancer Score evaluates the availability of these specialists, considering factors such as the number of specialists per capita, the proximity of their practices to 30518, and the types of services offered. For instance, practices that offer advanced diagnostic imaging, such as low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening, receive higher marks. The availability of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, involving pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists, is also highly valued.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The Lung Cancer Score assesses the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in Buford. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel time and costs, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide remote education and support are all considered. Practices that offer telemedicine services are ranked higher, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and access.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis can be substantial. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. The Lung Cancer Score evaluates the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, in Buford. The presence of support groups, counseling services, and access to palliative care, which focuses on improving the quality of life for patients and their families, is also considered. Practices that integrate mental health services into their cancer care programs receive a higher score, recognizing the importance of addressing the holistic needs of patients.

Standout practices in Buford that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care are identified. These practices may have a particularly strong focus on early detection, utilize advanced diagnostic technologies, offer comprehensive treatment options, or provide exceptional patient support. Their practices serve as models for other healthcare providers in the area. The Lung Cancer Score highlights these practices, recognizing their contributions to the community's overall health and well-being. The specific practices are identified based on their performance across all the criteria discussed above.

The analysis also considers the presence of hospitals and cancer centers in or near Buford. These facilities provide essential resources for lung cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. The Lung Cancer Score evaluates the quality of these facilities, considering factors such as their accreditation status, patient outcomes, and the availability of specialized services. The proximity of these facilities to 30518 is also a key factor.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape in Buford. Regular updates are necessary to account for changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the expansion of healthcare services. The score provides a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping them to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify areas for improvement.

The Lung Cancer Score for Buford, GA (ZIP code 30518) is a composite measure, weighted based on the relative importance of each factor. The final score is a numerical value, providing a general indication of the community's preparedness to address lung cancer. A higher score indicates a more robust and accessible healthcare system, while a lower score suggests areas where improvements are needed. The score is intended to be a starting point for further investigation and should not be interpreted as a definitive judgment of any individual healthcare provider or practice.

The data used to generate this analysis is derived from publicly available sources, including government databases, healthcare directories, and professional organizations. This data is supplemented by information gathered from local healthcare providers and community organizations. The accuracy of the Lung Cancer Score is dependent on the completeness and accuracy of the data used.

This analysis provides a general overview of healthcare resources in Buford. For a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape, including the precise location of healthcare providers and the availability of specific services, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to easily identify healthcare providers, assess their proximity to your location, and evaluate the services they offer.