27315, Providence, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27315, Providence, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.00 percent of the residents in 27315 has some form of health insurance. 39.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.53 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 27315 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 433 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27315. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 542 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 535 health care providers accessible to residents in 27315, Providence, North Carolina.

The following analysis examines the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP Code 27315, focusing on physician availability, and then expands to consider primary care access in Providence, Rhode Island. This combined perspective provides a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients, particularly those facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

ZIP Code 27315, a specific geographic area, requires a granular approach to assess its healthcare infrastructure. Evaluating lung cancer care necessitates considering the availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, meaning fewer specialists per capita, can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely diagnosis and treatment. Researching the number of specialists practicing within 27315, and comparing it to the population size, offers a preliminary view of accessibility. Publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other healthcare databases can be utilized to determine the number of physicians and their specialties within the defined geographic area.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors such as patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer), and participation in clinical trials. Practices with a strong reputation for patient-centered care, advanced treatment options, and multidisciplinary teams are more likely to deliver superior outcomes. Furthermore, exploring the availability of support services, such as smoking cessation programs, genetic counseling, and palliative care, is essential. These services play a crucial role in comprehensive lung cancer management.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of modern healthcare. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and deliver educational resources can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Investigating which practices in 27315 offer telemedicine services, and the types of services provided, is essential. This includes assessing the availability of virtual follow-up appointments, remote monitoring of symptoms, and access to online patient portals.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but they are vital. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health services, such as individual therapy, support groups, and psychiatric care, within 27315 is essential. This also includes assessing the integration of mental health services into the cancer care pathway.

Shifting the focus to Providence, Rhode Island, the analysis broadens to examine primary care access. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gateway to the healthcare system. They often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms that may indicate lung cancer. The availability of PCPs in Providence, and the ease with which patients can access them, directly impacts the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment.

The physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs in Providence needs to be considered. A shortage of PCPs can lead to longer wait times for appointments, making it difficult for patients to receive prompt care. Data from the Rhode Island Department of Health and other sources can be used to determine the number of PCPs practicing in Providence and the population they serve.

Furthermore, the distribution of PCPs across different neighborhoods within Providence is important. Areas with a higher concentration of PCPs are likely to have better access to care than areas with fewer PCPs. Analyzing the geographic distribution of PCPs helps identify potential health disparities and areas where access to care may be limited.

The adoption of value-based care models in Providence can also impact primary care access. Value-based care emphasizes quality over quantity, and it often involves a team-based approach to patient care. Practices that have adopted value-based care models may be more likely to provide comprehensive care and coordinate services effectively.

Another crucial aspect of primary care access is the availability of same-day appointments and extended hours. Patients experiencing symptoms that may indicate lung cancer need to be seen promptly. Practices that offer same-day appointments and extended hours can help ensure that patients receive timely care.

The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important factor. EHRs allow PCPs to easily share patient information with specialists, which can improve care coordination and reduce delays in treatment.

The analysis also considers the availability of specialized primary care services, such as geriatric care, pediatric care, and women's health services. These services are essential for providing comprehensive care to all patients, including those who may be at higher risk for lung cancer.

The analysis considers the availability of mental health resources for patients in Providence. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing mental health challenges. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their primary care practices can provide comprehensive care and improve patient outcomes.

Ultimately, evaluating lung cancer care in ZIP Code 27315 and primary care access in Providence requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other factors that impact patient outcomes.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and visualize the data discussed, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can help you visualize physician density, primary care access, and other relevant data points.