27014, Cooleemee, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27014, Cooleemee, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.72 percent of the residents in 27014 has some form of health insurance. 48.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.85 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 27014 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 191 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27014. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 132 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,550 health care providers accessible to residents in 27014, Cooleemee, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Cooleemee, NC (ZIP Code 27014)**

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Cooleemee, North Carolina (ZIP code 27014) requires a multi-faceted approach. The goal is to assess the availability, quality, and accessibility of care, focusing on primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, and the adoption of modern technologies like telemedicine. This analysis aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" framework, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers to early detection, screening, and referral. In Cooleemee, assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This includes family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and any other providers who offer comprehensive primary care services. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio suggests potential access challenges, leading to delayed appointments, increased wait times, and potentially reduced opportunities for early intervention.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes assessing the availability of preventive services, such as smoking cessation programs, and the adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines, particularly for individuals at high risk (e.g., those with a smoking history). The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability is another key factor. EHRs streamline communication between providers, facilitate data sharing, and improve care coordination, all of which are essential for managing complex conditions like lung cancer.

Identifying standout practices within Cooleemee is critical. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care, including a proactive approach to screening, a patient-centered approach to treatment, and a strong focus on patient education. These practices often have a well-coordinated care team, including nurses, medical assistants, and potentially patient navigators who can guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in enhancing access to care, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to expertise. Assessing the availability of telehealth services for primary care, pulmonology, and oncology is crucial. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of digital tools for patient education and support.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Assessing the availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential. This includes evaluating the integration of mental health services into primary care practices and the availability of support groups and other resources for patients and their families.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Cooleemee, NC, would be a composite metric, considering these factors. It would likely be a numerical value or a categorical rating (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) based on the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score would also consider the presence of standout practices and their adherence to best practices in lung cancer care.

The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios involves gathering data from various sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the North Carolina Medical Board, and healthcare directories. This data is then used to calculate the ratio of primary care physicians to the population within ZIP code 27014 and the surrounding areas. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, would negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

The assessment of telemedicine adoption involves identifying which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered, and the technologies used. This information can be obtained through practice websites, surveys, and interviews. Practices that have fully embraced telemedicine and use it to provide comprehensive care would contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score.

The evaluation of mental health resources involves identifying the availability of mental health providers, the types of services offered, and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. This information can be obtained through healthcare directories, practice websites, and community resources. The availability of robust mental health support would positively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

The identification of standout practices involves a combination of data analysis, peer review, and patient feedback. This includes evaluating the practice's commitment to patient care, its adherence to best practices, and its patient satisfaction scores. Practices that consistently demonstrate excellence in lung cancer care would contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not just about numbers; it’s about understanding the lived experience of patients in Cooleemee. It’s about identifying the barriers to care and the opportunities for improvement. It’s about ensuring that all residents have access to the best possible care, regardless of their location or circumstances.

The findings of this analysis can be used to inform healthcare planning, resource allocation, and policy decisions. It can also be used to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care and to advocate for improvements in the local healthcare system. A comprehensive analysis provides a snapshot of the current state of lung cancer care in Cooleemee, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

This in-depth assessment, while complex, is crucial for understanding the healthcare landscape in Cooleemee. The ultimate goal is to improve outcomes for individuals affected by lung cancer.

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