27101, Winston Salem, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27101, Winston Salem, North Carolina is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.14 percent of the residents in 27101 has some form of health insurance. 33.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.04 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 27101 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,098 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27101. An estimate of 8 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,403 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,343 health care providers accessible to residents in 27101, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

The task is to provide an analysis of lung cancer care within the context of primary care availability in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, specifically focusing on the 27101 ZIP code. This requires evaluating several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the framework of lung cancer treatment and support.

Winston-Salem, a city with a rich medical history, faces the same challenges as other communities in providing comprehensive lung cancer care. The 27101 ZIP code, like any geographic area, will have its own specific nuances regarding access to care, the quality of services, and the integration of various support systems.

One critical element in assessing lung cancer care is the physician-to-patient ratio. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is paramount. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer. Early detection, facilitated by PCPs, significantly improves treatment outcomes. A high PCP-to-patient ratio in the 27101 ZIP code suggests better access to initial screenings, referrals, and ongoing care. However, this ratio alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The presence of pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists is also essential. The density of these specialists within the area directly impacts the speed and quality of care. A low ratio of specialists can lead to delays in diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient management.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These practices often demonstrate excellence in various aspects of lung cancer care. This might include advanced diagnostic capabilities, such as access to state-of-the-art imaging technology and minimally invasive biopsy techniques. These practices often participate in clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. They may also have multidisciplinary teams, bringing together pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Patient outcomes, survival rates, and patient satisfaction scores are key indicators of a practice's success. Furthermore, the practice's commitment to patient education, support groups, and survivorship programs contributes significantly to overall care quality.

Telemedicine adoption has revolutionized healthcare access, especially in areas where geographic barriers exist. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and access to support groups. This is particularly beneficial for patients who live far from treatment centers or who have mobility issues. The 27101 ZIP code’s adoption rate of telemedicine, especially for lung cancer-related services, is a critical factor. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel burdens, and potentially expedite access to care. The availability of virtual support groups and educational resources through telemedicine can also enhance patient well-being.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have profound psychological effects on patients. Depression, anxiety, and fear are common. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is essential for supporting patients through their emotional challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. This may involve on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, and the availability of support groups. The availability of these resources within the 27101 ZIP code is an important factor in the overall assessment of lung cancer care.

Beyond these core elements, several other factors can influence the quality of lung cancer care in the 27101 ZIP code. The presence of a strong community network, including support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and volunteer programs, can significantly improve the patient experience. The availability of financial assistance programs and resources to help patients navigate the complexities of insurance and treatment costs is also important. The level of community awareness about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options can influence patient behavior and outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of lung cancer care in the 27101 ZIP code requires a multi-faceted approach. It's about more than just the number of doctors. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. The integration of these elements, along with a strong community support network, ultimately determines the quality of care available to lung cancer patients in Winston-Salem.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the landscape of healthcare in the 27101 ZIP code, including the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps.