27507, Bullock, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27507, Bullock, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.52 percent of the residents in 27507 has some form of health insurance. 51.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.59 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 27507 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 322 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27507. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 309 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 557 health care providers accessible to residents in 27507, Bullock, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27507 & Primary Care Availability in Bullock**

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment within ZIP code 27507 (likely a specific area, which will be treated as such) and the broader context of primary care access in Bullock County (assumed to be a county, which will also be treated as such). The focus is on factors impacting a patient's journey from initial suspicion to potential treatment, including physician availability, technological integration, and supportive services. This is a theoretical exercise, and real-world data would be necessary for a truly accurate assessment.

ZIP code 27507, assuming it is a defined area, presents a specific landscape. To begin, the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A high ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Determining this ratio requires precise data, including the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists practicing within the ZIP code, alongside the total population. Public health databases and local medical societies would be primary sources for this information. If the ratio is unfavorable, it suggests a potential bottleneck in accessing timely care.

Beyond raw numbers, the types of practices available are critical. Are there multi-specialty clinics offering integrated care, or are physicians primarily operating in solo practices? Integrated care, where primary care physicians, specialists, and ancillary services (like imaging) are located within the same facility or network, can streamline the diagnostic process. This integration can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients, who often require a multidisciplinary approach.

A standout practice would demonstrate a commitment to early detection and comprehensive care. This might include a practice with a strong emphasis on smoking cessation programs, regular lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals (based on age, smoking history, and family history), and rapid referral pathways to specialists. The practice's use of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, as well as its patient satisfaction scores, would also be important indicators. These factors would contribute to a higher 'Lung Cancer Score'.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists who may not be physically located within the ZIP code. This is particularly important for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. A practice with robust telemedicine capabilities can improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel. The availability of virtual support groups or educational resources through telemedicine also enhances the patient experience.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, yet they are vital for lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of on-site or readily accessible mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, is crucial. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, or have established referral networks to mental health specialists, would score higher.

Moving to the broader context of Bullock County, the availability of primary care is the foundation of the healthcare system. The primary care physician serves as the first point of contact for patients and plays a crucial role in early detection and referral. The number of primary care physicians per capita in Bullock County is a critical indicator. A shortage of primary care physicians can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.

The geographic distribution of primary care practices within Bullock County is also important. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving other communities underserved? This disparity can create barriers to access for patients in remote or underserved areas. Public transportation options, or lack thereof, further exacerbate these challenges.

The presence of a hospital or medical center within Bullock County is a significant factor. Hospitals provide essential diagnostic and treatment services, including imaging, surgery, and chemotherapy. The quality of the hospital's lung cancer program, its accreditation status, and its survival rates are all important considerations.

The availability of specialized services, such as pulmonology and oncology, within Bullock County is also crucial. If these specialists are not available locally, patients may need to travel to other areas for care, adding to the burden and potentially delaying treatment. The presence of support services, such as patient navigators and social workers, can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

To summarize, the 'Lung Cancer Score' for both ZIP code 27507 and Bullock County would be a composite measure reflecting the availability, accessibility, and quality of care. The score would consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of integrated care models, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialized services. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for lung cancer patients, with better access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. The analysis emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and the need for continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.

For a visual representation of these factors, including geographic distribution of healthcare resources and population demographics, consider using CartoChrome maps.