27511, Cary, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27511, Cary, North Carolina is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.21 percent of the residents in 27511 has some form of health insurance. 27.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.75 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 27511 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,562 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 259 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27511. An estimate of 131 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,140 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 39,734 health care providers accessible to residents in 27511, Cary, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Cary, NC (ZIP Code 27511)

This analysis examines the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP Code 27511 (Cary, North Carolina), focusing on primary care physician availability, the quality of care provided, and the resources available to patients. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient well-being. This score is not a singular numerical value, but a comprehensive evaluation based on the elements discussed below.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible primary care. Cary, as a rapidly growing suburban area, presents a mixed picture. While the overall population has increased significantly, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) may not have kept pace. This leads to potential challenges in accessing timely appointments for routine check-ups, which are vital for early detection.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau should be analyzed to determine the current ratio within 27511. This analysis needs to account for the different types of PCPs, including internal medicine physicians, family medicine physicians, and general practitioners.

Furthermore, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is important. Are they concentrated in specific areas, potentially leaving underserved pockets? Public transportation options and the distance patients must travel to reach a PCP also influence accessibility. These factors contribute to the overall "Lung Cancer Score" by impacting the likelihood of early detection through regular screenings and consultations.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves assessing the quality of care delivered. This goes beyond simply the number of physicians. Key indicators include:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Are practices accredited by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)? Do physicians hold board certifications in relevant specialties?
* **Screening Protocols:** Do practices adhere to the latest guidelines for lung cancer screening, including the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals?
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** How quickly can patients access diagnostic tests, such as biopsies and imaging studies, after a suspicious finding?
* **Treatment Coordination:** Does the practice have established referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Are patient satisfaction scores consistently high, reflecting positive experiences with the care received?

Analyzing these factors helps identify practices that prioritize preventative care, provide efficient diagnostic services, and facilitate seamless transitions to specialized treatment. These practices contribute positively to the "Lung Cancer Score" by improving the chances of early detection and effective management of the disease.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant force in healthcare, particularly in areas with access challenges. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 27511 is a crucial factor.

* **Virtual Consultations:** Do physicians offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and discussing test results?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring technologies to track patient health metrics, such as blood pressure or blood sugar levels, for patients with chronic conditions that may increase their risk of lung cancer?
* **Accessibility for Remote Patients:** Does the practice have a system in place to accommodate patients who live in rural areas or who have mobility issues?

Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and enhance patient convenience. Practices that effectively integrate telemedicine into their services contribute positively to the "Lung Cancer Score" by improving access to care and facilitating patient adherence to treatment plans.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care.

* **Mental Health Integration:** Do primary care practices screen patients for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions?
* **Referral Networks:** Do practices have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists?
* **Support Groups:** Are patients connected to support groups or other resources that provide emotional support and peer-to-peer connections?
* **Counseling Services:** Does the practice offer counseling services or provide access to them?

The availability of mental health resources directly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score." Practices that prioritize mental health support demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care, leading to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life.

**Overall "Lung Cancer Score" Assessment:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 27511 is a composite assessment. It’s not a single number but a qualitative evaluation based on the factors discussed above. The score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in the area.

* **High Score:** Indicates a robust primary care system with high physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices with strong screening protocols, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources.
* **Moderate Score:** Suggests a functional system, but with areas for improvement. This might include moderate physician-to-patient ratios, some telemedicine adoption, and adequate, but not extensive, mental health resources.
* **Low Score:** Points to significant challenges, such as low physician-to-patient ratios, limited screening protocols, minimal telemedicine adoption, and inadequate mental health support.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" analysis should provide actionable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It can help identify areas where improvements are needed to enhance the quality of lung cancer care in Cary, NC.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the geographic distribution of primary care physicians, access to screening facilities, and other relevant data points within ZIP Code 27511, we recommend exploring interactive maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cary.