27283, Julian, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27283, Julian, North Carolina is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.32 percent of the residents in 27283 has some form of health insurance. 27.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.85 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 27283 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 770 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27283. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 539 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,785 health care providers accessible to residents in 27283, Julian, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: Analyzing Healthcare in Julian, NC (ZIP Code 27283)

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 27283, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. We'll examine primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately providing a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for the area. This score reflects the overall capacity of the local healthcare system to address the needs of individuals at risk for, or diagnosed with, lung cancer.

Julian, North Carolina, is a rural community. This geographical context significantly influences healthcare access and resource availability. Distance to specialists, limited public transportation, and the potential for an older population all contribute to unique challenges in delivering comprehensive care. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers these factors.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Regular checkups, screenings, and early intervention are crucial. Assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the 27283 ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. The national average provides a benchmark. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) suggests potential strain on the system, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient.

Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and publicly available healthcare directories can be used to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. This calculation needs to be accurate, considering the population of the 27283 ZIP code and the number of actively practicing PCPs. The availability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often provide primary care services, must also be factored into the assessment.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their services, patient satisfaction, and commitment to preventative care. Practices that actively promote lung cancer screenings, offer smoking cessation programs, and provide patient education are considered high-performing. Patient reviews, online ratings, and practice websites can offer insights into the quality of care provided.

Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication, efficient appointment scheduling, and a supportive environment, are highly valued. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals can improve communication and care coordination.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role:**

Telemedicine plays a crucial role in bridging geographical barriers and improving access to healthcare in rural areas. The adoption rate of telemedicine services among PCPs and specialists in the 27283 ZIP code significantly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score."

Practices offering telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations can improve access to care. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists located outside the immediate area, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who are essential for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The availability of reliable internet connectivity in the area is a critical factor in the success of telemedicine initiatives.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive cancer care.

The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, in the 27283 ZIP code and its surrounding areas is assessed. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health specialists, is considered a positive factor. The availability of support groups for cancer patients and their families is also evaluated.

**Scoring Methodology and Assessment:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a composite measure based on the factors discussed above. Each factor is assigned a weighted value based on its importance in providing effective lung cancer care.

* **Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio (30%):** This reflects the fundamental importance of accessible primary care.
* **Standout Practices (25%):** This emphasizes the quality of care provided by individual practices.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (25%):** This recognizes the role of technology in improving access to care in a rural setting.
* **Mental Health Resources (20%):** This acknowledges the critical importance of mental health support.

Each factor is scored based on available data and information. The weighted scores are then combined to produce the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for the 27283 ZIP code. The score can be presented on a scale (e.g., 0-100), with higher scores indicating a more favorable healthcare environment for lung cancer care.

**Challenges and Limitations:**

This assessment is based on available data, which may have limitations. The accuracy of the physician-to-patient ratio depends on the availability of up-to-date information. Patient reviews and online ratings may not always be representative of the overall patient experience. The assessment also doesn't cover the quality of care provided, only the availability of resources.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

A comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources in Julian, NC (ZIP code 27283) is crucial for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This "Lung Cancer Score" analysis provides a framework for evaluating the availability of primary care, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The final score will be a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that individuals at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer receive the care they need.

**Call to Action:**

For a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape of Julian, NC (ZIP code 27283), explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to identify primary care providers, specialists, and other essential services in your area.