27203, Asheboro, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27203, Asheboro, North Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.40 percent of the residents in 27203 has some form of health insurance. 45.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.90 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 27203 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,465 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27203. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,144 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,022 health care providers accessible to residents in 27203, Asheboro, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Asheboro, NC (ZIP Code 27203)**

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of primary care resources and their potential impact on lung cancer outcomes within Asheboro, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27203). The evaluation considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support, all factors crucial in early detection, treatment adherence, and overall patient well-being. The ultimate goal is to provide a 'Lung Cancer Score' that reflects the community's preparedness to address this significant health challenge.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and readily available primary care. In Asheboro, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians relative to the population, can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced preventative screenings, and compromised follow-up care. Research into the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 27203 is paramount. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau will be essential. Analyzing the distribution of primary care physicians (PCPs) across the ZIP code is also necessary. Are PCPs concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? This geographical analysis is crucial for understanding access barriers.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout primary care practices within Asheboro is vital. These practices often serve as models for others. Key characteristics to evaluate include:

* **Preventative Screening Programs:** Do practices actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screenings, particularly for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history)?
* **Patient Education:** Are patients educated about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection?
* **Care Coordination:** Do practices have established protocols for coordinating care with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient experience.

Practices that excel in these areas are likely to contribute to better lung cancer outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role**

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Asheboro. Its adoption by primary care practices can significantly improve lung cancer care. Telemedicine can facilitate:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Patients can consult with PCPs and specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Patients can be monitored for symptoms and side effects through telehealth platforms.
* **Education and Support:** Telemedicine can be used to deliver educational materials and support groups.

Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among Asheboro primary care practices is a key component of the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to offer more accessible and convenient care.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices and the broader community is, therefore, crucial.

* **On-site Counseling:** Do practices offer on-site mental health services or have partnerships with mental health providers?
* **Referral Networks:** Are PCPs equipped to identify patients in need of mental health support and refer them to appropriate resources?
* **Support Groups:** Are there local support groups for lung cancer patients and their families?

The integration of mental health services into primary care significantly improves patient well-being and adherence to treatment plans, ultimately impacting lung cancer outcomes.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The 'Lung Cancer Score' will be a composite metric that reflects the overall preparedness of Asheboro's primary care system to address lung cancer. The score will be derived from the following factors:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A lower ratio will negatively impact the score.
* **Preventative Screening Programs:** Practices with robust screening programs will positively impact the score.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Practices with high telemedicine adoption will positively impact the score.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Practices with strong mental health integration will positively impact the score.
* **Care Coordination:** Practices with established care coordination protocols will positively impact the score.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Higher patient satisfaction scores will positively impact the score.

The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear and concise understanding of the community's strengths and weaknesses.

**Addressing Limitations and Future Considerations**

This analysis is based on available data and may be subject to limitations. The accuracy of the physician-to-patient ratio depends on the reliability of the data sources. Patient satisfaction data may be limited by the availability of reviews and surveys. Future analyses should incorporate data from local hospitals, cancer centers, and community organizations. Regular updates to the Lung Cancer Score are essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

Understanding the landscape of primary care resources in Asheboro is crucial for improving lung cancer outcomes. The 'Lung Cancer Score' provides a valuable framework for assessing the community's preparedness and identifying areas for improvement. By focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, we can work towards a future where lung cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and patients receive the comprehensive support they need.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can help visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, providing a comprehensive picture of lung cancer care in Asheboro. **Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a more detailed and insightful perspective.**