27295, Lexington, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27295, Lexington, North Carolina is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.41 percent of the residents in 27295 has some form of health insurance. 36.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.92 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 27295 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,835 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27295. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,030 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,138 health care providers accessible to residents in 27295, Lexington, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides an overview of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27295, Lexington, North Carolina, with a specific focus on factors relevant to lung cancer care and primary care accessibility. This assessment considers physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of telehealth and mental health resources, offering insights for patients and healthcare providers alike.

The initial step in assessing lung cancer care involves understanding the availability of primary care physicians. Lexington, and specifically ZIP Code 27295, is a relatively small community. Therefore, the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and other publicly available sources are required to calculate an accurate physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio provides a baseline understanding of access to care. Any significant deviation from the state or national averages warrants further investigation.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is critical. Are physicians concentrated in specific areas, leaving other parts of the community underserved? This geographic analysis is essential for identifying potential healthcare deserts. Furthermore, the types of primary care practices matter. Are there solo practitioners, or are most physicians part of larger group practices? Group practices often have advantages, such as shared resources and the ability to offer a wider range of services.

Standout practices in the area are identified based on several criteria. These include the quality of patient reviews, the adoption of advanced technologies, and the availability of specialized services. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care are prioritized. The presence of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as X-ray or basic lab services, is also a positive indicator, as it can streamline the diagnostic process.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telehealth services can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are considered more progressive. The availability of telehealth services can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and addressing minor health concerns. The ability to connect with a physician remotely can also reduce the need for travel, saving patients time and money.

Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive lung cancer care. The emotional and psychological toll of a cancer diagnosis can be significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health support services is a critical component of a patient's care plan. Practices that have integrated mental health professionals into their teams or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists are considered more patient-focused. This integration can ensure that patients receive the necessary emotional support throughout their treatment journey. The availability of support groups and counseling services specifically for cancer patients is also a positive indicator.

The analysis also considers the accessibility of lung cancer screening programs. Early detection is crucial for improving outcomes. The availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for high-risk individuals is a key factor. Practices that actively promote screening guidelines and offer screening services are considered more proactive in lung cancer prevention. This includes educating patients about the benefits of screening and identifying individuals who meet the eligibility criteria.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is another critical consideration. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, patients with suspected or confirmed lung cancer require specialized care. The proximity of these specialists and the ease of referral processes are important factors. Practices that have established relationships with pulmonologists and oncologists and can facilitate timely referrals are considered more patient-centric. The presence of a cancer center within a reasonable distance is also a positive indicator.

The analysis also examines the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of errors. Practices that utilize EHRs are generally considered more efficient and better equipped to manage patient data. The ability to access patient records electronically can also improve communication between physicians and patients.

In assessing the overall quality of care, patient satisfaction is a key metric. Patient reviews and feedback provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices that consistently receive positive reviews and demonstrate a commitment to patient satisfaction are considered more reputable. This includes factors such as wait times, the clarity of communication, and the overall level of care.

The assessment also considers the cost of care. The affordability of healthcare is a significant concern for many patients. Practices that are transparent about their pricing and offer financial assistance programs are considered more patient-friendly. This includes providing information about insurance coverage and payment options.

Finally, the analysis considers the community's overall health profile. Factors such as smoking rates, air quality, and access to healthy food options can impact lung cancer risk and overall health outcomes. Communities with high smoking rates or poor air quality may require additional resources and interventions to address these challenges.

To visualize and interact with this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing users to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lexington and beyond.