27215, Burlington, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27215, Burlington, North Carolina is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.08 percent of the residents in 27215 has some form of health insurance. 35.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.37 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 27215 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,703 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27215. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,644 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,322 health care providers accessible to residents in 27215, Burlington, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Burlington, NC (ZIP Code 27215)**

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care within Burlington, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27215), focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and its potential impact on patient outcomes. This analysis does not constitute medical advice.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. The availability of PCPs in Burlington, therefore, directly influences the likelihood of timely diagnosis and intervention. Evaluating this involves assessing the number of PCPs practicing within the 27215 ZIP code and comparing it to the population size. A lower physician-to-patient ratio can indicate potential challenges in accessing care, leading to delayed diagnoses and potentially poorer outcomes. Data sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and publicly available demographic information are essential for this assessment.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs across the area is critical. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? This spatial analysis requires mapping the locations of practices and overlaying them with population density data. This helps identify potential healthcare deserts and areas where access to primary care might be limited.

Furthermore, the types of primary care practices available play a role. Do they offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments? These factors impact accessibility, especially for working individuals or those with limited transportation options. The presence of patient portals and online scheduling systems also contribute to accessibility and patient convenience.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves assessing whether PCPs in the area offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or other telehealth services. This can be determined through practice websites, patient reviews, and direct inquiries. Telemedicine can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations, improving the overall patient experience and potentially reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

The presence of mental health resources integrated into primary care is increasingly recognized as vital, especially for patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis. A cancer diagnosis is a traumatic experience, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are better equipped to support patients' emotional well-being. Assessing this involves researching the availability of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the types of mental health services offered, and the referral processes for patients needing specialized care.

Standout practices within Burlington may demonstrate excellence in several areas. These practices might have a lower patient-to-physician ratio, offer comprehensive telemedicine services, have integrated mental health support, or have a strong focus on patient education and preventative care. Identifying these standout practices requires a combination of data analysis, patient reviews, and potentially direct interviews with practices. This analysis aims to highlight best practices and provide a benchmark for other practices to emulate.

One key aspect to consider is the level of specialization within the primary care practices. Do the practices have physicians with specialized training or experience in oncology or pulmonology? The presence of such specialists can significantly improve the quality of care for patients with lung cancer. It allows for better coordination of care, improved access to specialized knowledge, and potentially faster referrals to oncologists and other specialists.

Furthermore, the availability of support services, such as smoking cessation programs, is a critical factor. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing access to effective smoking cessation programs is essential for preventing new cases and improving outcomes for current smokers. Assessing the availability of these programs involves researching the services offered by primary care practices and community organizations.

The analysis should also consider the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate information sharing between providers, and improve patient safety. Practices with robust EHR systems are better equipped to manage patient data, track progress, and provide personalized care. Assessing the use of EHRs involves reviewing practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially direct inquiries.

The overall assessment of lung cancer care in Burlington, NC (27215) involves integrating all these factors to create a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape. This includes the accessibility of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the presence of specialist physicians, and the availability of support services. The analysis should identify areas of strength and weakness and provide recommendations for improvement.

Finally, this analysis is not a static assessment. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and best practices emerging regularly. Therefore, ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that patients in Burlington, NC (27215) have access to the best possible lung cancer care. This could involve regular updates to the analysis, incorporating new data, and adapting to changes in the healthcare environment.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Burlington, NC (27215), and gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.