27278, Hillsborough, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27278, Hillsborough, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.46 percent of the residents in 27278 has some form of health insurance. 30.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.18 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 27278 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,492 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27278. An estimate of 11 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,045 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,466 health care providers accessible to residents in 27278, Hillsborough, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Hillsborough, NC (ZIP Code 27278)

This analysis delves into the critical aspects of lung cancer care within Hillsborough, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27278), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services. We aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, considering factors that directly impact a patient's journey from early detection to ongoing support. This assessment is particularly relevant given the significant impact primary care plays in early screening and the overall management of lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and responsive primary care. Early detection through regular screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, is crucial for improving survival rates. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients, making their role in identifying risk factors, recommending screenings, and coordinating care paramount.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In Hillsborough, the availability of PCPs directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely and consistent care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests a more accessible healthcare system, allowing for proactive interventions and improved patient outcomes. Analyzing the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 27278, and comparing it to regional and national averages, provides a critical benchmark for assessing the community's healthcare capacity. This data point is a key element in the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is equally important. We must examine the practices within Hillsborough, identifying those that stand out for their commitment to lung cancer prevention and management. This includes evaluating their adherence to national guidelines for screening, their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and coordinate care, and their integration of patient education and support programs. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer comprehensive risk assessments, and facilitate seamless referrals to specialists deserve recognition. The Lung Cancer Score considers these factors when evaluating individual practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical consideration. The ability to access healthcare remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, can significantly improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and can improve the overall Lung Cancer Score. This is especially important in a rural area like Hillsborough, where travel distances can pose a barrier to care.

The psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Mental health resources are essential for supporting patients throughout their journey. The Lung Cancer Score incorporates the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting and the broader community. Practices that offer on-site counseling, partner with mental health professionals, or provide referrals to support groups are better equipped to address the emotional and psychological challenges associated with the disease. Access to mental health support is a critical factor in the overall well-being of lung cancer patients.

Furthermore, the Lung Cancer Score considers the availability of specialized resources, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, within a reasonable distance of Hillsborough. The ability to access these specialists quickly and efficiently is crucial for timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The score also evaluates the presence of comprehensive cancer centers or affiliations with larger healthcare systems that offer advanced treatment options and clinical trials.

The integration of these factors – physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to specialists – allows us to create a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score for Hillsborough. This score provides a valuable snapshot of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the fight against lung cancer. It serves as a tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the current state of care and identify areas for improvement.

The analysis will also consider the specific demographics of the population served by primary care practices in Hillsborough. Factors such as age, smoking history, and socioeconomic status can influence lung cancer risk and access to care. Understanding these demographic characteristics allows for a more targeted and effective assessment of the healthcare system's ability to meet the needs of the community.

The process of compiling the Lung Cancer Score involves gathering data from various sources, including publicly available information, healthcare provider websites, and patient surveys. This data is then analyzed and weighted based on its relevance to lung cancer care. The resulting score provides a numerical representation of the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare services within ZIP Code 27278.

This detailed analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hillsborough, NC, specifically in relation to lung cancer care. It emphasizes the importance of primary care in early detection, screening, and overall patient management. The assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources provides a nuanced view of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

For a visual representation of this data, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Hillsborough and beyond, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. These maps can offer a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and identifying potential disparities.