27107, Winston Salem, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27107, Winston Salem, North Carolina is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.45 percent of the residents in 27107 has some form of health insurance. 41.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.78 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 27107 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14,407 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 96 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27107. An estimate of 74 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,220 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,549 health care providers accessible to residents in 27107, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Winston-Salem (ZIP Code 27107)**

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of lung cancer-related care within Winston-Salem's 27107 ZIP code, focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, particularly concerning the critical need for early detection and effective treatment of lung cancer.

The foundation of any successful lung cancer care pathway rests upon robust primary care. In 27107, assessing primary care availability is crucial. This involves investigating the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas that residents commonly access. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and insurance provider directories can provide a baseline. The analysis must then consider the population size of 27107 to calculate a physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and early interventions for lung cancer. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, although the quality of care remains paramount.

Beyond mere numbers, the analysis should examine the types of primary care practices available. Are there solo practitioners, large group practices, or affiliations with larger healthcare systems? Group practices often offer advantages such as extended hours, access to a broader range of specialists, and integrated electronic health records (EHRs), which can improve care coordination. Affiliations with major hospitals or cancer centers in Winston-Salem, such as Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center or Wake Forest Baptist Health, are particularly significant. These affiliations often translate to seamless referrals for diagnostic imaging (like low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening), pulmonology consultations, and oncology services.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth, and its continued presence in primary care offers several benefits, including increased access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment for lung cancer. The analysis needs to identify which primary care practices in 27107 offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., video visits, phone consultations), and the technologies they utilize.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet essential, component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis, and its treatment, can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis must identify mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who are either directly integrated into primary care practices or readily accessible through referral networks. Are there support groups, counseling services, or psychiatric care available locally? The availability of these resources can greatly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Identifying standout practices within 27107 requires a deeper dive into their operations and patient outcomes. This involves reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, if available, and examining the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer lung cancer screening for eligible patients (those meeting specific age and smoking history criteria), and have established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists are particularly noteworthy. The analysis should also consider the practice's commitment to patient education, providing patients with clear and concise information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects.

Physician-to-patient ratios, while informative, are not the sole determinant of care quality. The analysis must consider the experience and specialization of physicians. Are there pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and medical oncologists practicing within or readily accessible to patients in 27107? The proximity of these specialists is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The presence of a multidisciplinary team, including radiologists, pathologists, and radiation oncologists, is another positive indicator. Furthermore, the analysis should examine the practices' use of advanced technologies, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques and targeted therapies, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact access to care. Is there a significant population of uninsured or underinsured individuals in 27107? Are there programs in place to assist patients with the cost of care, such as financial assistance programs or partnerships with community organizations? Addressing these socioeconomic barriers is essential to ensuring equitable access to high-quality lung cancer care.

The availability of clinical trials is another important consideration. Are there opportunities for patients in 27107 to participate in clinical trials that may offer access to innovative treatments? Affiliations with major cancer centers often provide access to a wider range of clinical trials.

In conclusion, assessing the lung cancer care landscape in Winston-Salem's 27107 ZIP code requires a comprehensive approach. It involves evaluating primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of specialized cancer care providers. The analysis must also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact access to care and the availability of clinical trials. A holistic assessment of these factors is crucial for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 27107, and to identify specific practices, specialists, and resources, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data and making informed decisions about your health.