Health Scores Near 27310, Oak Ridge, North Carolina
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The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27310, Oak Ridge, North Carolina is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 97.96 percent of the residents in 27310 has some form of health insurance. 18.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.79 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 27310 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 2,442 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27310. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,155 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,659 health care providers accessible to residents in 27310, Oak Ridge, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 27310, Oak Ridge, North Carolina
| Lung Cancer Score | 92 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 79 |
| Provider Score | 90 |
| Hospital Score | 46 |
| Travel Score | 51 |
| 27310 | Oak Ridge | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27310 & Primary Care Availability in Oak Ridge**
This analysis assesses the quality of primary care available in Oak Ridge, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27310), with a specific focus on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and overall patient well-being. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and offering actionable insights for residents. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in delivering comprehensive and effective care.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care**
A fundamental aspect of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to better access to appointments, reduced wait times, and more personalized care. In ZIP Code 27310, data analysis is needed to determine the precise ratio. Information from the North Carolina Medical Board and other reliable sources is essential to ascertain the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code. This data must then be compared to the estimated population of Oak Ridge to calculate the ratio.
A high physician-to-patient ratio could indicate potential challenges. Patients might experience longer wait times for appointments, making it harder to schedule routine checkups or address urgent health concerns. This delay is particularly problematic for lung cancer screening and diagnosis, where early detection is critical for improved outcomes. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests a more accessible healthcare environment, facilitating timely interventions and preventative care.
**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**
Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the physicians' credentials and experience, the range of services offered, and patient satisfaction levels. Practices that actively promote preventive care, such as lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals, are particularly valuable.
Assessing the adoption of evidence-based practices is also crucial. Do practices adhere to the latest guidelines for lung cancer screening, including recommendations for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients? Are there established protocols for managing patients with suspicious findings, ensuring timely referrals to specialists such as pulmonologists and oncologists? Reviews from patients can offer valuable insights into the patient experience. Patient feedback can reveal aspects of care, such as communication skills, the attentiveness of staff, and the overall level of satisfaction.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**
Telemedicine has emerged as a significant force in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Its adoption in Oak Ridge is a critical factor in assessing primary care availability. Telemedicine offers several benefits. It expands access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living far from medical facilities. It can also facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health consultations.
The extent of telemedicine adoption can be evaluated by determining which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services provided through telemedicine, and the technology infrastructure in place. Practices that have embraced telemedicine may be better positioned to provide convenient and accessible care, which is particularly important for patients managing chronic conditions or those needing regular monitoring.
**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component**
The link between mental health and physical well-being is undeniable. Patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis, or those at high risk, often experience significant emotional distress. This underscores the importance of mental health resources within the primary care setting. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.
Assessing the availability of mental health resources involves determining whether primary care practices have on-site therapists or counselors, offer referrals to mental health specialists, or provide access to telehealth mental health services. Practices that prioritize mental health are better equipped to support patients through the emotional challenges associated with lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
**Specific Considerations for Lung Cancer**
The analysis must consider the specific needs of patients at risk for, or diagnosed with, lung cancer. This includes the availability of smoking cessation programs, which are essential for preventing lung cancer and improving outcomes for those already diagnosed. Practices that offer comprehensive smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication, play a crucial role in reducing lung cancer incidence.
The analysis should also assess the availability of lung cancer screening services, such as LDCT scans. Practices that actively promote and provide these screenings, following established guidelines, demonstrate a commitment to early detection. The presence of a robust referral network to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is also essential for ensuring timely and appropriate care.
**Conclusion and Call to Action**
Evaluating the quality of primary care in Oak Ridge (ZIP Code 27310) requires a comprehensive approach, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The findings of this analysis will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.
To gain a visual understanding of healthcare resources in the area, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and specialist clinics, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps offer a dynamic and informative way to visualize the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about your health.
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