27011, Boonville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27011, Boonville, North Carolina is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.00 percent of the residents in 27011 has some form of health insurance. 38.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.30 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 27011 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 907 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27011. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,247 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 746 health care providers accessible to residents in 27011, Boonville, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Boonville, NC (ZIP Code 27011)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within Boonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 27011). The focus is on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources, all crucial factors influencing patient outcomes. This analysis culminates in a Lung Cancer Score, offering a relative ranking of the local healthcare landscape.

**Primary Care Landscape and Physician Availability**

Boonville, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: a limited number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and potential difficulties in accessing specialized care. Determining an accurate physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from medical directories, is essential. This data reveals the number of actively practicing PCPs within the 27011 ZIP code and the estimated population. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could necessitate longer wait times for appointments and increased travel distances for patients.

Further investigation should delve into the types of primary care practices available. Are there solo practitioners, group practices, or affiliations with larger healthcare systems? Group practices often offer a broader range of services and may have better coverage for after-hours care. Affiliations with larger systems could also provide access to specialists and advanced diagnostic capabilities, crucial for lung cancer detection and treatment.

**Standout Practices and Service Offerings**

Identifying standout practices requires examining several factors. Are any practices known for their patient-centered approach, focusing on preventative care and early detection? Do they offer comprehensive health screenings, including lung cancer risk assessments, such as those for smokers or individuals with a family history of the disease? Practices that proactively engage in patient education and offer resources on smoking cessation and healthy lifestyle choices are particularly valuable.

Another key consideration is the availability of ancillary services. Do these practices offer on-site X-ray facilities, or do they have established referral pathways to local imaging centers? Efficient access to diagnostic tools, such as CT scans, is vital for timely lung cancer diagnosis. Additionally, the presence of nurse navigators or care coordinators can significantly improve the patient experience by guiding them through the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

**Telemedicine Integration and its Impact**

Telemedicine holds significant potential for improving healthcare access in rural areas like Boonville. Its adoption by local primary care practices is a critical indicator. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication refills, and follow-up appointments? Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas.

The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors, including internet connectivity and patient digital literacy. Practices should address these potential barriers by providing support and training to patients who may be unfamiliar with virtual platforms. Telemedicine can also facilitate consultations with specialists located outside of Boonville, expanding access to expertise in pulmonology, oncology, and other relevant fields.

**Mental Health Resources and Support**

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of the Lung Cancer Score. Does the primary care practice offer on-site counseling services, or do they have established referral pathways to local mental health professionals? Access to mental health support can help patients cope with anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges associated with the disease.

Furthermore, the availability of support groups and patient education programs is beneficial. Local chapters of the American Lung Association or the Cancer Support Community can provide valuable resources and peer support. Practices should actively promote these resources and integrate mental health screening into their routine care protocols.

**Lung Cancer Score Methodology and Ranking**

The Lung Cancer Score will be derived from a weighted analysis of the factors discussed above. Each factor, including physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance to patient outcomes. The score will be calculated based on data gathered from public sources, practice websites, and potentially through direct outreach to local healthcare providers.

The resulting score will provide a relative ranking of the healthcare landscape in Boonville, NC (27011), offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system concerning lung cancer care. A higher score indicates a more robust and accessible healthcare environment, while a lower score highlights areas needing improvement.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

This analysis provides a snapshot of the healthcare resources available in Boonville, NC (27011), relevant to lung cancer. Understanding the local landscape is the first step towards improving patient outcomes. While this analysis offers a starting point, it is essential to continuously monitor and evaluate the evolving healthcare environment.

For a dynamic and interactive visualization of the healthcare landscape in Boonville, including physician locations, practice types, and access to care, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a user-friendly platform for visualizing and analyzing geographical data, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and access to care. Explore the possibilities and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available to you.