27229, Candor, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27229, Candor, North Carolina is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.11 percent of the residents in 27229 has some form of health insurance. 37.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.73 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 27229 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 633 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27229. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 449 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 162 health care providers accessible to residents in 27229, Candor, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Candor, NC (ZIP Code 27229)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources within ZIP code 27229, focusing on factors crucial for early lung cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. We will assess the physician landscape, primary care access, and related support services, culminating in a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" evaluation. This score aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer in Candor, North Carolina.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in accessible and competent primary care. Early detection through screening, prompt referrals to specialists, and ongoing patient support are all heavily reliant on a robust primary care infrastructure. Within Candor, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of the overall Lung Cancer Score. We need to consider the physician-to-patient ratio, a fundamental metric reflecting the potential burden on each physician. A higher ratio could indicate longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed access to preventative screenings and diagnostic testing.

Unfortunately, precise physician-to-patient ratio data for Candor (ZIP code 27229) is often challenging to obtain at such a granular level. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board or the U.S. Census Bureau provides broader county-level figures. However, these figures may not accurately reflect the specific situation within Candor. Further investigation would require contacting local healthcare providers, county health departments, and possibly the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. This data collection is crucial to accurately gauge the accessibility of primary care.

Beyond the sheer number of physicians, the quality and reputation of local practices are essential. Identifying standout practices that prioritize preventative care, offer comprehensive services, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education is vital. These practices often serve as a cornerstone for early detection initiatives. Researching patient reviews, examining practice websites for information on lung cancer screening programs (e.g., low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), and assessing the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., X-rays) would be key steps in this evaluation.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Candor. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, potentially reducing travel time and improving access to specialists. The availability of telehealth services for primary care, pulmonology, and oncology within the Candor area is a significant factor in our Lung Cancer Score assessment. We need to investigate the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms, the types of services offered remotely, and the ease with which patients can access these services.

The mental health of patients diagnosed with or at risk of lung cancer is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of care. A cancer diagnosis can induce significant emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the Candor area is a key component of our Lung Cancer Score. We must investigate the presence of mental health professionals in the area, the types of mental health services offered, and the integration of mental health support within the local healthcare system. Ideally, practices would have established referral pathways to mental health providers and actively screen patients for mental health concerns.

The presence of dedicated lung cancer specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is crucial for advanced care. While primary care physicians are vital for early detection and referral, specialists are essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Score must consider the proximity of specialists to Candor, the availability of specialized diagnostic and treatment services (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy), and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists. Assessing the quality of these specialist services would include examining their experience, expertise, and patient outcomes.

The availability of support services, such as smoking cessation programs, patient navigation services, and financial assistance programs, also contributes to the Lung Cancer Score. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and access to effective smoking cessation programs is crucial for prevention and early intervention. Patient navigation services can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and access resources. Financial assistance programs can help patients manage the costs of treatment and medication.

The Lung Cancer Score for Candor (ZIP code 27229) will be a composite measure, incorporating all the factors discussed above. It will reflect the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of healthcare resources available to individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. The final score will be a qualitative assessment, utilizing a scale (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) based on the availability and quality of the aforementioned resources. The score will be a tool to inform individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Candor and to identify areas for improvement.

The score will be impacted by the lack of specific data at the ZIP code level. County-level data will provide a general overview, but it is essential to gather more specific information to refine the analysis. This might involve contacting local healthcare providers, community organizations, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

The Candor area's Lung Cancer Score is not just a number; it's a reflection of the community's commitment to health and well-being. It underscores the importance of accessible, high-quality healthcare, preventative care, and comprehensive support services for individuals at risk or affected by lung cancer.

For a detailed visual representation of healthcare resources in Candor and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and access to specialized services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide valuable insights that complement the analysis presented here.