31017, Danville, Georgia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 31017, Danville, Georgia is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.77 percent of the residents in 31017 has some form of health insurance. 43.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.28 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 31017 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 287 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31017. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 508 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 794 health care providers accessible to residents in 31017, Danville, Georgia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Danville, GA (ZIP Code 31017)**

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within Danville, Georgia (ZIP code 31017), focusing on primary care physician availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas ripe for improvement to enhance the quality of care for residents.

Danville, a small community in central Georgia, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its rural setting often translates to limited resources and access to specialized care, making the role of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the efficiency of the healthcare system paramount.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

Assessing primary care availability is the cornerstone of this analysis. The ability to secure timely appointments with PCPs is critical for early detection and effective management of lung cancer. Delays in diagnosis can significantly impact patient outcomes. Research into the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 31017 is essential. A high ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians serving a large population, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, inadequate screening and follow-up care.

Publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Georgia Department of Public Health will be the primary sources for these statistics. These datasets provide information on the number of licensed physicians, the population size, and the distribution of healthcare professionals across different specialties. Additional data will be gathered from healthcare directories and local hospital systems.

A crucial factor in determining the "Lung Cancer Score" is the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) within or near Danville. These facilities often serve as a safety net, providing affordable and accessible care to underserved populations. The availability of these resources can mitigate the negative effects of a high physician-to-patient ratio.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care delivered by individual physicians and healthcare organizations. This assessment goes beyond simple metrics like patient volume and focuses on elements directly related to lung cancer care.

Key indicators include the adoption of evidence-based screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for individuals at high risk (e.g., current smokers or former smokers with a significant smoking history). Practices that proactively offer or facilitate lung cancer screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, receive higher scores.

Further, the presence of multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, is a positive indicator. These teams facilitate comprehensive care, ensuring that patients receive the expertise of multiple specialists throughout their treatment journey. The availability of these specialists within a reasonable travel distance from Danville is a significant factor.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their integration with other healthcare providers is also crucial. EHRs enable the seamless sharing of patient information, facilitating communication and coordination of care. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively, particularly those that integrate with regional or national networks, will be favored.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Distance**

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Danville. Its adoption can significantly improve the "Lung Cancer Score" by mitigating the challenges of geographic isolation.

Telemedicine can be employed in several ways to improve lung cancer care. It can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, allowing patients to access expert opinions without traveling long distances. It can also be used for remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, enabling healthcare providers to track their progress and make necessary adjustments.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the extent to which healthcare providers in Danville have adopted telemedicine. This will involve examining the availability of virtual consultations, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing workflows. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine, particularly those that offer services like virtual follow-up appointments and remote symptom management, will receive higher scores.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. The availability of mental health resources is, therefore, an essential component of comprehensive lung cancer care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the availability of mental health services within Danville and the surrounding area. This includes evaluating the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and support groups. The integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan is also crucial. Practices that offer on-site counseling, referrals to mental health professionals, and support groups for patients and their families will receive higher scores.

The assessment will also consider the level of awareness and training among primary care physicians and other healthcare providers regarding mental health issues. PCPs who are trained to screen for mental health conditions and make appropriate referrals play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the support they need.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Danville, GA (ZIP code 31017) will be a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. By analyzing primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, this analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the quality of lung cancer care in the area. This analysis is designed to identify areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome allows you to visualize the data, identify patterns, and gain a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Danville and beyond.