27262, High Point, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27262, High Point, North Carolina is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.19 percent of the residents in 27262 has some form of health insurance. 35.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.06 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 27262 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,804 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27262. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,907 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,988 health care providers accessible to residents in 27262, High Point, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: High Point, NC (ZIP Code 27262) – A Comprehensive Analysis

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of healthcare resources in High Point, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27262), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. We will examine primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for the area. This score reflects the overall preparedness of the local healthcare ecosystem to address the challenges of lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon accessible and competent primary care. Early detection through screening is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients. The availability of PCPs in ZIP Code 27262 is a critical factor. A higher physician-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups, proactive screening recommendations, and prompt referrals to specialists if needed. Information on the exact physician-to-patient ratio for this specific ZIP code is essential. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the US Census Bureau, and professional medical organizations would be the primary sources for this data. A low ratio, meaning more patients per physician, might suggest potential challenges in accessing timely care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to preventive care, including lung cancer screening guidelines (e.g., for individuals with a history of smoking or other risk factors), are highly valued. Practices actively promoting smoking cessation programs and offering comprehensive patient education are also essential. Assessing individual practices would involve reviewing their websites, patient reviews (while acknowledging their limitations), and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their screening protocols and patient support services. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate seamless information sharing between PCPs and specialists is another critical indicator of quality.

Specialized care is another cornerstone of effective lung cancer management. The presence of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists within or near ZIP Code 27262 is crucial. The proximity of these specialists significantly impacts the speed and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment. Hospitals with comprehensive cancer centers, equipped with advanced imaging technologies (e.g., PET/CT scans) and treatment modalities (e.g., radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy), are highly desirable. Identifying the location of these specialists and the facilities where they practice is a key component of the analysis.

Telemedicine has rapidly transformed healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Its adoption in High Point could significantly improve access to specialists, especially for patients who may face transportation challenges or reside in areas with limited local resources. Assessing the availability of telemedicine consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is crucial. This includes evaluating the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring) and the insurance coverage for telemedicine services. Practices that actively promote and utilize telemedicine platforms demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is vital for patients and their families. Assessing the presence of these resources in the community, including the availability of mental health professionals specializing in oncology, is a crucial element of the "Lung Cancer Score." Partnerships between cancer centers and mental health providers, as well as the availability of support groups facilitated by trained professionals, are highly desirable. The accessibility of these resources, including their cost and insurance coverage, is also critical.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in the overall assessment of lung cancer care. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the presence of specialists would likely carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, although the latter is increasingly important. The score will provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in High Point, NC, offering a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Standout practices within the area, if any, would be those demonstrating excellence in several key areas. This might include practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, strong emphasis on preventative care and screening, advanced EHR systems, and a commitment to patient education. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials and research related to lung cancer would also be highly regarded. Identifying these standout practices would involve detailed research and analysis of their services, patient outcomes, and community involvement.

The overall assessment of primary care availability in High Point, NC, and the surrounding areas will influence the "Lung Cancer Score." This includes the number of PCPs, the quality of their services, and their commitment to preventative care. The score will also consider the proximity of specialized care, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and cancer centers. The adoption of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources will also be factored in.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static measure; it should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare resources and practices. This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in High Point, NC, and identifying areas for improvement.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in High Point, NC, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physicians, specialists, and cancer centers, we recommend utilizing the powerful mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations, allowing you to analyze spatial data and gain deeper insights into the accessibility and availability of healthcare services in your area.