27043, Pinnacle, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27043, Pinnacle, North Carolina is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.90 percent of the residents in 27043 has some form of health insurance. 44.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.36 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 27043 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,626 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27043. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,141 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,484 health care providers accessible to residents in 27043, Pinnacle, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Pinnacle, NC (ZIP Code 27043)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within Pinnacle, North Carolina (ZIP code 27043) necessitates a comprehensive understanding of primary care accessibility, physician resources, and the availability of support services relevant to lung cancer patients. This analysis, framed as a "Lung Cancer Score," aims to evaluate the local environment based on factors impacting patient care and outcomes. This score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in the area.

Primary care access forms the cornerstone of this evaluation. The ability to secure timely appointments with a primary care physician (PCP) is crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing management of lung cancer. In Pinnacle, the availability of PCPs is a significant factor. The physician-to-patient ratio within the 27043 ZIP code and the surrounding areas needs careful examination. A low ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Data from local healthcare providers, insurance networks, and public health resources will be essential to determine this ratio accurately.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care. These practices often integrate multiple services, including preventative screenings, diagnostic capabilities, and patient education. Identifying these practices involves researching local healthcare providers, assessing their services, and examining patient reviews and testimonials. Practices with a focus on preventative care, such as offering regular lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history), would receive a higher score. The availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as X-ray machines and CT scanners, also enhances the score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine offers a valuable avenue for patients, particularly those in rural areas like Pinnacle, to access medical consultations, follow-up appointments, and specialist referrals. The availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists, significantly impacts the overall Lung Cancer Score. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering secure video conferencing and remote patient monitoring, will be viewed favorably.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is crucial for supporting patients through the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The Lung Cancer Score considers the availability of mental health services within Pinnacle and the surrounding areas. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, support groups, and access to psychiatric medications. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans will score higher.

The specific data points needed to formulate a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score for Pinnacle include the number of practicing PCPs within the 27043 ZIP code and surrounding areas. This data needs to be cross-referenced with the population demographics to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. The availability of lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose CT scans, offered by local practices and hospitals must be assessed. The presence of on-site diagnostic capabilities, like X-ray and CT scanners, is also important. The adoption of telemedicine services by local practices, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, needs to be evaluated. Finally, the availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, should be researched.

The analysis also requires understanding the insurance coverage landscape in Pinnacle. The acceptance of various insurance plans by local providers impacts patient access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans will be considered more accessible. The availability of financial assistance programs for patients struggling with the costs of treatment and medication is also a factor.

The overall assessment of the healthcare environment in Pinnacle, NC, will be based on the compilation of these data points. A high Lung Cancer Score would reflect a healthcare system characterized by a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, readily available primary care services, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Such a system would provide a supportive environment for lung cancer patients, facilitating early detection, effective treatment, and comprehensive care. A lower score would indicate areas for improvement, highlighting potential challenges in accessing care and the need for greater investment in resources.

The evaluation would also consider the proximity of Pinnacle to larger medical centers and specialized cancer treatment facilities. While local resources are crucial, access to specialized care, such as radiation oncology and surgical oncology, is essential for advanced lung cancer cases. The distance and ease of access to these facilities are relevant to the overall assessment.

The Lung Cancer Score is not simply a measure of the presence of services but also of the quality of those services. Patient reviews, testimonials, and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices with positive patient feedback, demonstrating a commitment to compassionate care and effective communication, will be rated more favorably. The integration of patient education materials and resources, empowering patients to actively participate in their care, is also a factor.

The analysis should also consider the presence of community outreach programs focused on lung cancer awareness and prevention. These programs, often run by local hospitals or non-profit organizations, play a vital role in educating the public about risk factors, screening guidelines, and the importance of early detection. The involvement of local healthcare providers in these programs enhances the overall Lung Cancer Score.

The final assessment will synthesize all these factors, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pinnacle, NC, as it relates to lung cancer care. It will highlight the strengths of the local healthcare system and identify areas where improvements can be made to better serve the needs of lung cancer patients. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear and actionable overview of the local healthcare environment.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Pinnacle and the surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can display physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points, offering a visual representation of the healthcare resources available in the area.