27258, Haw River, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27258, Haw River, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.83 percent of the residents in 27258 has some form of health insurance. 32.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.10 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 27258 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,083 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27258. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 918 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,256 health care providers accessible to residents in 27258, Haw River, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Haw River, NC (ZIP Code 27258)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape of Haw River, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27258) through the lens of lung cancer care necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, notable medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, ultimately culminating in a 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment. This score, while not a formal clinical metric, will provide an informed perspective on the community's preparedness to address lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care system rests upon the availability of accessible and competent primary care physicians (PCPs). In Haw River, the presence of PCPs is crucial for early detection through screening and for managing the overall health of patients undergoing treatment. Evaluating primary care availability involves considering the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, factoring in their specialties (internal medicine, family medicine), and assessing the ease with which patients can schedule appointments. A shortage of PCPs, or long wait times for appointments, negatively impacts the ability to catch lung cancer early, when treatment is often most effective.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a critical indicator of healthcare access. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care, including the ability to establish relationships with PCPs, undergo timely screenings, and receive prompt referrals to specialists if needed. Data on the physician-to-patient ratio in 27258, and the surrounding counties, is essential. The analysis should consider the distribution of physicians across various specialties, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists, all of whom play vital roles in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Within the 27258 ZIP code, identifying standout medical practices is vital. These practices may be recognized for their commitment to preventative care, their proactive approach to lung cancer screening, or their patient-centered approach to care. Researching these practices involves evaluating their patient reviews, their use of technology, and their participation in community health initiatives. Do they offer low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals? Do they have dedicated patient navigators to guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment? Identifying these practices can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, provide remote monitoring for patients undergoing treatment, and offer convenient follow-up appointments. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices in and around 27258 offer telehealth services, the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients. Telemedicine can be a game-changer for patients, reducing the need for travel and improving their overall experience.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. Assessing mental health resource availability involves evaluating the presence of mental health professionals (therapists, counselors, psychiatrists) in the area, the availability of support groups for cancer patients and their families, and the integration of mental health services into the healthcare system. Does the local hospital offer counseling services for cancer patients? Are there support groups specifically for lung cancer survivors? Addressing mental health needs is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Synthesizing these factors allows for the creation of a 'Lung Cancer Score'. This score, expressed on a scale (e.g., 1-10, with 10 being the best), reflects the overall preparedness of the community to address lung cancer. The score would consider the following:

* **Primary Care Availability (Weight: 30%):** Based on the number of PCPs, appointment wait times, and the availability of preventative services.
* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio (Weight: 25%):** Reflecting the access to specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists.
* **Standout Practices (Weight: 15%):** Assessing the presence of practices with a strong focus on lung cancer screening, patient navigation, and patient-centered care.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (Weight: 15%):** Evaluating the availability and accessibility of telehealth services.
* **Mental Health Resources (Weight: 15%):** Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and integrated mental health services.

The final score would provide a snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 27258, highlighting areas that require improvement. This score should be accompanied by specific recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, and promoting the integration of mental health services into cancer care.

This analysis is not a definitive clinical assessment. It is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Haw River, NC, and to identify key factors that impact lung cancer care. The information gathered will enable a better understanding of the resources available and the gaps that need to be addressed.

The findings of this analysis can be further enhanced by visualizing the data geographically. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to illustrate the distribution of physicians, the location of medical practices, and the availability of mental health resources within the community. By visualizing this data, healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas that require attention.

**Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Haw River and beyond? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain deeper insights and drive informed decision-making. Contact us today to learn more about how our mapping solutions can transform your understanding of healthcare access and resource allocation.**