27349, Snow Camp, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27349, Snow Camp, North Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.74 percent of the residents in 27349 has some form of health insurance. 27.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.23 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 27349 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,347 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27349. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,020 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 969 health care providers accessible to residents in 27349, Snow Camp, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27349 & Primary Care in Snow Camp

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 27349, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, with specific consideration given to primary care availability in the rural community of Snow Camp. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The evaluation considers physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial components of a patient-centered approach to lung cancer care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible and quality primary care. Snow Camp, as a rural community within ZIP code 27349, likely faces challenges related to primary care access. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians, could lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced preventative screenings, and poorer overall health outcomes. Data from local and state health departments, along with publicly available physician directories, should be utilized to ascertain the current ratio. This data would be compared against national benchmarks to determine if Snow Camp is underserved.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is also critical. The analysis should investigate the presence of practices that actively promote lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals at high risk (e.g., smokers, former smokers). This includes assessing the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the gold standard for early detection. Practices that proactively engage in patient education about risk factors, smoking cessation programs, and screening guidelines are considered more favorable. Furthermore, the analysis should consider the presence of patient navigators, who can guide patients through the often-complex healthcare system.

Telemedicine adoption is another key area of evaluation. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for residents of rural areas like Snow Camp. The analysis should determine the extent to which primary care practices in ZIP code 27349 offer telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments. Practices that embrace telemedicine can overcome geographical barriers, reduce travel time for patients, and improve the overall efficiency of care delivery. This is especially important for patients who may have mobility issues or limited transportation options.

The availability of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a crucial component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis should identify the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, within the community. It should also assess whether primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of support groups and other community resources that can provide emotional support to patients and their families.

Identifying standout practices is a key objective. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, proactive screening, and innovative service delivery should be recognized. This could include practices that have implemented robust electronic health record systems, offer extended hours, or actively participate in community outreach programs. These practices serve as models for others, demonstrating best practices and contributing to improved healthcare outcomes.

The analysis must also address potential disparities in care. It should consider the demographic makeup of the population within ZIP code 27349 and identify any potential barriers to care for specific groups, such as low-income individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, or those with limited English proficiency. This could include assessing the availability of culturally sensitive healthcare providers, language services, and financial assistance programs. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring equitable access to lung cancer care for all residents.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the proximity to specialized cancer care centers. While primary care is the cornerstone, access to oncologists, pulmonologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists is essential for diagnosis and treatment. The analysis should identify the location of these specialists and assess the ease of access for residents of Snow Camp and the broader ZIP code. This includes considering travel time, transportation options, and the availability of specialized services, such as clinical trials.

The evaluation process should involve a multi-faceted approach. This would incorporate data from public sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. It would also include reviewing physician directories, practice websites, and patient reviews. Additionally, it could involve conducting interviews with healthcare providers, community leaders, and patients to gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

The final Lung Cancer Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the various factors discussed above. The score could be presented as a numerical rating or a qualitative assessment, such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor." The score would provide a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 27349, with a specific focus on primary care availability in Snow Camp and its implications for lung cancer care. The analysis emphasizes the importance of physician-to-patient ratios, proactive screening practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve access to care, enhance the quality of care, and ultimately, improve the health outcomes of residents in the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 27349, including the location of healthcare providers, access to services, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome.