27040, Pfafftown, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27040, Pfafftown, North Carolina is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.28 percent of the residents in 27040 has some form of health insurance. 31.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.62 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 27040 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,074 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27040. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,419 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,842 health care providers accessible to residents in 27040, Pfafftown, North Carolina.

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 27040, encompassing Pfafftown, North Carolina, focusing on primary care physician availability and related resources. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment, particularly concerning early detection and treatment pathways for lung cancer. This analysis will not provide a simple numerical score, but rather a qualitative assessment of the available resources and their impact on patient care.

Pfafftown, like many suburban and rural communities, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery. The availability of primary care physicians is a cornerstone of effective lung cancer screening and management. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, making access to a primary care physician crucial for timely interventions. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying necessary screenings or referrals. This analysis will attempt to gauge the physician-to-patient ratio in the 27040 ZIP code, using publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices are paramount. Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including proactive lung cancer screening protocols. These practices often employ advanced technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient patient data management and communication. They may also have dedicated staff, such as nurses or medical assistants, trained in lung cancer screening and patient education. Identifying these practices requires careful examination of their websites, patient reviews, and publicly available information about their services.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, particularly for patients who live in geographically remote areas or who have mobility limitations. Virtual consultations can facilitate initial assessments, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The extent to which primary care practices in 27040 have embraced telemedicine can significantly impact the overall accessibility of lung cancer care. Researching which practices offer telemedicine services and the types of services they provide is essential to understanding the landscape.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. A diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals to specialists, is a vital component of comprehensive care. This analysis will investigate the presence of mental health support services, such as counseling or psychiatric care, within the primary care network in 27040.

The assessment will also consider the availability of specialized services, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable distance of Pfafftown. While primary care physicians are the gatekeepers to early detection and screening, access to specialists is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of lung cancer. The proximity of these specialists and the ease of referral pathways from primary care practices are important factors in determining the overall quality of care.

The analysis will delve into the types of lung cancer screening protocols employed by primary care practices. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals who meet specific criteria, including age and smoking history. The extent to which practices adhere to these guidelines, and the availability of LDCT scanning facilities within the area, will be assessed.

Furthermore, the analysis will explore the level of patient education and support provided by primary care practices. This includes information about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options. Practices that offer patient education materials, support groups, or access to patient navigators can significantly improve the patient experience and outcomes.

The presence of community resources, such as support groups or advocacy organizations, is another factor to consider. These resources can provide valuable emotional support, practical assistance, and information to patients and their families. Identifying and assessing the availability of these resources will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the support network available to lung cancer patients in 27040.

The findings of this analysis will be synthesized to provide a qualitative assessment of the lung cancer care landscape in Pfafftown. This assessment will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare environment and identify areas where improvements are needed. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the available resources and their impact on patient care, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The analysis will also consider the role of insurance coverage in accessing lung cancer care. The availability of affordable health insurance and the acceptance of various insurance plans by local healthcare providers are critical factors in ensuring that patients can access the care they need. This will involve researching the insurance plans accepted by primary care practices and specialist providers in the area.

Finally, the analysis will consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to lung cancer care. Factors such as income, education, and access to transportation can significantly affect a patient's ability to access screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The analysis will consider the socioeconomic profile of the 27040 ZIP code and its potential impact on healthcare access.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 27040, including the location of primary care practices, specialist providers, and healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides detailed geospatial data and mapping capabilities, allowing you to visualize the distribution of healthcare providers and other relevant information.