27239, Denton, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27239, Denton, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.56 percent of the residents in 27239 has some form of health insurance. 35.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.17 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 27239 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,405 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27239. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,668 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,195 health care providers accessible to residents in 27239, Denton, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Denton, NC (ZIP Code 27239)

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare, specifically concerning lung cancer care within Denton, North Carolina (ZIP code 27239), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider factors impacting access to care, physician availability, and the overall quality of services offered. The goal is to develop a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the ease with which residents can access timely and effective lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The analysis will also address the availability of primary care, a crucial entry point for early detection and referral.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Denton, the availability of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer patient outcomes. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with population estimates for ZIP code 27239, would be essential to determine the actual ratios. This data would then be compared against national benchmarks to assess the relative adequacy of physician availability in the area. The presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is vital. Their availability directly impacts the ability to quickly diagnose and manage lung cancer cases.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. Primary care physicians often serve as the first line of defense in lung cancer detection. They are responsible for screening patients, referring them to specialists if needed, and coordinating care. The presence of established primary care practices in Denton, and their willingness to adopt evidence-based screening guidelines, significantly influences the Lung Cancer Score. The implementation of proactive screening programs, particularly for high-risk individuals (smokers and former smokers), is a key indicator of quality primary care. Practices that actively promote and facilitate these screenings will score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations with specialists, especially for follow-up appointments or second opinions, can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Denton. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies can potentially mitigate the impact of limited physician availability. This technology could also be useful for mental health support, which is vital to lung cancer patients. The availability of mental health resources for lung cancer patients is a critical component of comprehensive care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to counseling, support groups, and psychiatric services is essential for managing the psychological impact of the disease. Practices that actively integrate mental health services into their care plans will receive a higher score.

Identifying standout practices within Denton is crucial. These practices serve as models for others and can highlight best practices in lung cancer care. Factors to consider include their commitment to screening, their use of advanced diagnostic techniques, their patient satisfaction scores, and their integration of mental health services. Practices with a multidisciplinary approach, involving primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and mental health professionals, are more likely to provide comprehensive and effective care. These practices can serve as a hub for information and resources, educating the community about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options.

The Lung Cancer Score would also consider the availability of diagnostic and treatment facilities. The presence of advanced imaging equipment, such as low-dose CT scanners, is essential for early detection. The availability of radiation therapy and chemotherapy services within a reasonable distance is also critical. Patients should not have to travel excessive distances to receive life-saving treatments. Proximity to larger medical centers that offer specialized lung cancer care, including surgical oncology, is another important factor.

The score should incorporate data on patient outcomes. This would involve tracking metrics such as survival rates, time to diagnosis, and patient satisfaction. Publicly available data on these metrics, if available, would be a valuable indicator of the overall quality of care. However, accessing and interpreting this data can be challenging, and the privacy of patient information must always be protected.

Finally, the Lung Cancer Score would be dynamic. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and guidelines emerging regularly. The score should be updated periodically to reflect these changes. This ensures that the score remains relevant and provides an accurate assessment of the quality of lung cancer care in Denton.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of lung cancer care in Denton, NC (ZIP code 27239) involves a complex evaluation of physician availability, primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to diagnostic and treatment facilities. The resulting Lung Cancer Score provides a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify areas for improvement.

To gain a comprehensive visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Denton, including physician locations, facility locations, and demographic data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping solutions that can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing lung cancer care in your community.