27205, Asheboro, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27205, Asheboro, North Carolina is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.33 percent of the residents in 27205 has some form of health insurance. 40.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.79 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 27205 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,829 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27205. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,827 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,838 health care providers accessible to residents in 27205, Asheboro, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Asheboro, NC (ZIP Code 27205)**

This analysis assesses the landscape of primary care and related healthcare resources within Asheboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 27205), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the available resources and identify areas of strength and potential improvement. This analysis will not provide a numerical 'score' but rather a comprehensive assessment of the key factors influencing lung cancer outcomes in this specific geographic area.

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

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible primary care. In Asheboro, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced preventative screenings, and challenges in managing chronic conditions often associated with lung cancer. Research into the specific physician-to-patient ratio for 27205 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) should be consulted. Any analysis must consider the types of physicians available. Are there enough general practitioners, internal medicine specialists, and family medicine doctors? The distribution of these physicians across the ZIP code is also vital. Are there underserved areas with limited access?

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout primary care practices within Asheboro is crucial. These practices often demonstrate superior performance in areas like preventative screenings, early detection, and patient education. Factors to evaluate include:

* **Screening Rates:** Practices with high rates of lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers), are of paramount importance.
* **Patient Education:** Robust patient education programs regarding smoking cessation, risk factors, and the importance of early detection are vital.
* **Care Coordination:** Effective care coordination between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is critical for seamless patient care.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided.

Researching these practices involves reviewing online directories, patient reviews, and potentially contacting the practices directly. Understanding the specific services offered by these practices, their staffing levels, and their commitment to lung cancer prevention and early detection is critical.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role**

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Asheboro. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices can significantly improve lung cancer outcomes by:

* **Expanding Access:** Telemedicine can connect patients with specialists who may not be readily available in Asheboro.
* **Facilitating Consultations:** Virtual consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists can streamline the diagnostic and treatment process.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of patients' health, particularly those undergoing treatment or managing chronic conditions.
* **Behavioral Health:** Telemedicine can provide access to behavioral health specialists, which is critical for smoking cessation and managing the emotional impact of a lung cancer diagnosis.

Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which primary care practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on patients' mental health. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. Evaluating mental health resources in Asheboro involves:

* **Availability of Mental Health Professionals:** Assessing the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors in the area.
* **Integration with Primary Care:** Identifying primary care practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals.
* **Support Groups:** Determining the availability of lung cancer support groups or other patient support programs.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Evaluating the extent to which mental health services are covered by insurance plans accepted by primary care practices in the area.

The availability of mental health resources directly impacts the ability of patients to cope with the emotional and psychological challenges associated with lung cancer.

**Specific Considerations for Asheboro**

Asheboro's specific demographics and socioeconomic factors should be considered. These factors can influence lung cancer incidence rates, access to care, and patient outcomes. For example, if a significant portion of the population is uninsured or underinsured, this can create significant barriers to accessing timely and appropriate care. The prevalence of smoking and other risk factors within the community should also be considered.

**Conclusion**

A thorough assessment of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources is essential for understanding the lung cancer care landscape in Asheboro (27205). This analysis highlights the need for comprehensive data collection, ongoing monitoring, and targeted interventions to improve lung cancer outcomes.

**Call to Action**

For a visual representation of this data, including the locations of primary care practices, specialists, and mental health resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can visualize geographic data, helping to identify areas with limited access to care and opportunities for improvement.