27292, Lexington, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27292, Lexington, North Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.54 percent of the residents in 27292 has some form of health insurance. 41.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.41 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 27292 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,210 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27292. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,691 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,647 health care providers accessible to residents in 27292, Lexington, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Lexington, NC (ZIP Code 27292)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Lexington, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27292), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care and primary care accessibility. We will examine physician availability, practice characteristics, technology adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score assessment. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to patients in the area, particularly those facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care is strong primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are crucial for early detection, screening, and referral to specialists. In Lexington, assessing primary care availability is therefore paramount. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. While precise figures fluctuate, publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census Bureau can provide estimates. Analyzing these sources allows us to estimate the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents in ZIP Code 27292. A higher ratio generally indicates better access to care, but this is just one piece of the puzzle.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs is vital. Are they clustered in a few large practices, or are they more evenly spread throughout the community? This affects access for patients in different parts of the ZIP code, particularly those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics (RHCs) is also significant. These facilities often serve underserved populations and provide comprehensive primary care services, including preventative screenings and chronic disease management, which are crucial for lung cancer prevention and early intervention.

Identifying standout practices within the Lexington area requires a deeper dive. We need to look beyond simple physician counts and assess the quality of care provided. This involves examining factors like patient satisfaction scores (obtained through surveys and online reviews), the use of evidence-based guidelines for preventative care (e.g., lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals), and the integration of care coordination programs. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these areas are likely to offer a higher standard of care.

Technology adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is now widespread, but the degree to which these systems are utilized effectively varies. Practices that leverage EHRs for population health management, such as identifying patients eligible for lung cancer screening based on age and smoking history, are better positioned to provide proactive care.

Telemedicine adoption is another key area to consider. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and other specialists can significantly improve convenience and reduce the burden of travel. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine services within Lexington’s primary care practices is essential. This includes evaluating the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), the technology platforms used, and the accessibility of these services for patients.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), within the Lexington area is important. Do primary care practices have integrated behavioral health services? Are there readily accessible mental health support groups or counseling services specifically for cancer patients and their families? The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The Lung Cancer Score for Lexington, NC (ZIP Code 27292) will be a composite metric reflecting the factors discussed above. It will incorporate the physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of PCPs, the presence of FQHCs and RHCs, patient satisfaction data, the use of evidence-based guidelines, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will be relative, allowing for comparisons with other areas.

A high score would indicate a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to address the needs of lung cancer patients, with good access to primary care, proactive screening programs, and supportive services. A lower score would suggest areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding access to telemedicine, and enhancing the integration of mental health services.

The final Lung Cancer Score will provide a valuable benchmark for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients in Lexington. It will highlight areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed. This information can be used to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and patient decision-making.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lexington, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore the area using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of the data, allowing you to visualize physician distribution, access to healthcare facilities, and other relevant factors. This visual perspective can enhance your understanding of the healthcare environment and aid in making informed decisions about your health.