27252, Goldston, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27252, Goldston, North Carolina is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 74.85 percent of the residents in 27252 has some form of health insurance. 40.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.43 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 27252 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 299 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27252. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 267 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 144 health care providers accessible to residents in 27252, Goldston, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Goldston, NC (ZIP Code 27252)**

This analysis examines the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 27252 (Goldston, North Carolina), focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide an informed “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals in this rural community.

Goldston, a small town in Chatham County, presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. Its rural setting often translates to fewer healthcare providers and longer travel distances for specialized services. This analysis acknowledges these realities and aims to provide a realistic evaluation of the available resources.

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

Primary care forms the bedrock of preventative care and early detection, crucial for successful lung cancer treatment. Assessing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is paramount. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be used to determine the number of PCPs practicing within the 27252 ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. This information will be cross-referenced with population data to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care.

The analysis will also consider the types of primary care practices available: solo practices, group practices, and those affiliated with larger healthcare systems. Group practices often offer broader access to specialists and ancillary services. Affiliation with larger systems can also provide access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

**Standout Practices: Identifying Centers of Excellence**

Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to lung cancer screening, early detection, and patient-centered care is crucial. This analysis will delve into the practices' offerings, looking for specific indicators. This includes the availability of:

* **Lung cancer screening programs:** Are they actively promoting and providing low-dose CT scans for eligible patients?
* **Patient education materials:** Do they provide resources to help patients understand lung cancer risks, symptoms, and treatment options?
* **Smoking cessation programs:** Are they offering support to help patients quit smoking, a major risk factor for lung cancer?
* **Care coordination:** Do they have systems in place to coordinate care with specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and surgeons?
* **Accreditation and recognition:** Are they recognized by organizations for excellence in cancer care?

The analysis will also consider patient reviews and testimonials to assess the quality of patient experience.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Distance**

Telemedicine can play a vital role in overcoming the geographic barriers to healthcare in rural areas. The analysis will examine the extent to which practices in the 27252 ZIP code have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes:

* **Virtual consultations:** Do they offer virtual appointments for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and consultations?
* **Remote monitoring:** Are they using remote monitoring devices to track patients' vital signs and symptoms?
* **Online patient portals:** Do they offer online portals for patients to access their medical records, communicate with their providers, and schedule appointments?

The availability of telemedicine services can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments.

**Mental Health Resources: Addressing the Psychological Impact**

A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues are common. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources for lung cancer patients in the 27252 ZIP code. This includes:

* **Mental health professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists available in the area?
* **Support groups:** Are there support groups for lung cancer patients and their families?
* **Counseling services:** Do the primary care practices or cancer centers offer counseling services?
* **Integration of mental health services:** Do healthcare providers screen for mental health issues and integrate mental health care into the overall treatment plan?

Access to mental health support is critical for helping patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of lung cancer.

**Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

Based on the above factors, a "Lung Cancer Score" will be assigned to the 27252 ZIP code. This score will be a composite measure reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of lung cancer care. The score will be based on a scale, with higher scores indicating better access to care. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the assessment.

**Caveats and Limitations**

This analysis is based on publicly available data and information. The accuracy of the information depends on the availability and reliability of the data sources. The analysis does not account for individual patient experiences or the specific needs of each patient. The analysis also does not include a cost analysis of the services.

**Conclusion**

Access to quality lung cancer care in rural areas like Goldston, NC, requires a multifaceted approach. The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the existence of standout practices all contribute to the overall quality of care. This "Lung Cancer Score" analysis provides a snapshot of the current landscape and highlights areas where improvements are needed.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Goldston and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, explore interactive maps powered by CartoChrome. This powerful tool allows you to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the accessibility of care in your community.