27313, Pleasant Garden, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27313, Pleasant Garden, North Carolina is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.21 percent of the residents in 27313 has some form of health insurance. 29.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.91 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 27313 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,281 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27313. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,041 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,819 health care providers accessible to residents in 27313, Pleasant Garden, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Pleasant Garden, NC (ZIP Code 27313)**

This analysis assesses the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs) and related resources in Pleasant Garden, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27313), focusing on factors pertinent to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the accessibility and quality of care available within this specific geographical area, informing residents about their healthcare options.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in robust primary care. Early detection through screening, smoking cessation support, and coordinated care are all crucial components of a successful strategy. The availability and accessibility of PCPs, therefore, are paramount. We must examine the physician-to-patient ratio within the 27313 ZIP code, considering the population size and the number of actively practicing PCPs. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and ultimately, delayed diagnoses. Data from reputable sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, will be essential to accurately determine this ratio.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care is crucial. We will delve into identifying standout practices within the area. This involves examining factors such as the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening (e.g., low-dose computed tomography or LDCT scans for high-risk individuals), their commitment to smoking cessation programs, and their overall patient satisfaction scores. Reviews from patient feedback platforms and ratings from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) are valuable resources in this evaluation. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to lung cancer prevention and early detection will receive higher scores.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals living in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The ability to access healthcare services remotely can facilitate timely follow-up appointments, medication management, and support groups, all of which are essential for lung cancer patients. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine technologies to enhance patient care will be recognized for their forward-thinking approach.

Mental health support is often overlooked but is an integral part of a lung cancer patient’s journey. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can lead to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health resources, such as counselors, therapists, and support groups, within the community is therefore vital. We will assess the proximity of mental health providers to the 27313 ZIP code, the types of services offered, and the integration of mental health services into the primary care practices. Practices that prioritize mental health and offer integrated behavioral health services will be highly regarded.

Smoking cessation programs are a cornerstone of lung cancer prevention. The availability and accessibility of these programs within the community are critical. We will evaluate the presence of smoking cessation programs offered by local healthcare providers, hospitals, and community organizations. The effectiveness of these programs, measured by success rates and patient testimonials, will also be considered. Practices that actively promote and offer comprehensive smoking cessation support will be viewed favorably.

The presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable distance is also important. While PCPs are often the first point of contact, access to specialists for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care is essential. We will assess the proximity of specialists to the 27313 ZIP code and the ease with which patients can access their services.

The overall score will be a composite of all these factors, reflecting the strength of the primary care infrastructure in the 27313 ZIP code in addressing the needs of individuals at risk for, or diagnosed with, lung cancer. This score is not a definitive ranking but a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, designed to inform residents and encourage them to make informed choices about their healthcare.

The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the available resources, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. This analysis will not only benefit residents seeking primary care but also healthcare providers looking to understand the needs of their community and identify opportunities for improvement.

The analysis will also consider the availability of resources for individuals with limited English proficiency or other communication barriers. Language access services, such as interpreters and translated materials, are essential to ensure that all residents can receive the care they need. Practices that prioritize inclusivity and offer language assistance will be recognized for their commitment to equitable healthcare.

Furthermore, the analysis will assess the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may struggle to afford the cost of care. This includes programs that help with the cost of screening, treatment, and medications. Practices that are knowledgeable about and can help patients access these resources will be viewed favorably.

The analysis will also consider the level of community outreach and education efforts undertaken by local healthcare providers. This includes initiatives to raise awareness about lung cancer, promote early detection, and provide information about available resources. Practices that actively engage in community outreach and education will be recognized for their commitment to public health.

The ultimate goal is to empower residents of Pleasant Garden with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure, individuals can proactively seek out the care they need and advocate for improvements in the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 27313 ZIP code and visualize the location of physicians, specialists, and resources, consider exploring the comprehensive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.