27521, Coats, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27521, Coats, North Carolina is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.97 percent of the residents in 27521 has some form of health insurance. 45.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.86 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 27521 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,648 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27521. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,334 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,281 health care providers accessible to residents in 27521, Coats, North Carolina.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians within ZIP code 27521, encompassing the town of Coats, North Carolina. This score considers various factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient care, including primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This analysis is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in this specific area, enabling informed decision-making for patients and healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care access. In Coats, assessing primary care availability requires examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. This metric directly impacts the likelihood of early detection through routine screenings and the ability to manage chronic conditions that may increase lung cancer risk. A higher PCP-to-patient ratio generally signifies better access, leading to more opportunities for preventative care and timely interventions. Investigating the average wait times for appointments, both for routine checkups and for urgent care, is crucial. Shorter wait times facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical element of the Lung Cancer Score. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians serving a large population, can strain resources and potentially lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to care and the potential for more personalized attention. Within ZIP code 27521, it is essential to identify the specific number of PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists actively practicing. Analyzing their patient load and the geographic distribution of their practices within the ZIP code is vital. Factors such as the presence of specialists, their proximity to patients, and the availability of diagnostic equipment such as CT scanners and bronchoscopy suites directly influence the score.

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. This involves evaluating practices based on several criteria. The first is their commitment to preventative care, including their screening rates for lung cancer. Practices that proactively offer low-dose CT scans to high-risk patients demonstrate a commitment to early detection. Another factor is their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer treatment. This includes the use of appropriate staging protocols, the availability of multidisciplinary care teams (including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists), and the use of the latest treatment modalities. Patient satisfaction surveys and reviews also provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by each practice. Practices with consistently high patient satisfaction scores often indicate a patient-centered approach and a commitment to providing excellent care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by providing remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. The Lung Cancer Score should assess the extent to which practices in 27521 utilize telemedicine technologies. This includes the availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists. The use of remote monitoring devices for patients with lung cancer, such as those used to track vital signs or medication adherence, is another factor to consider. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, reduce travel burdens for patients, and facilitate more timely interventions.

The mental health of patients is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the Lung Cancer Score must assess the availability of mental health resources for patients in 27521. This includes the presence of mental health professionals within the practices, the availability of referrals to mental health specialists, and the provision of support groups or counseling services. Integration of mental health services into the overall care plan can significantly improve patients' quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of their illness.

The Lung Cancer Score should also consider the availability of supportive care services, such as palliative care and smoking cessation programs. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, improving quality of life for both patients and their families. Smoking cessation programs are essential for helping patients quit smoking, which is the leading cause of lung cancer. The availability of these services within the community, or through referrals, is a crucial component of comprehensive lung cancer care.

Finally, the Lung Cancer Score requires an analysis of the overall healthcare infrastructure within the area. This includes the presence of hospitals, cancer centers, and other healthcare facilities. The availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, such as radiation therapy and immunotherapy, is also essential. The score should assess the proximity of these facilities to the residents of 27521 and the ease with which patients can access them.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for physicians in ZIP code 27521, Coats, NC, is a multifaceted assessment that considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. It also examines the availability of supportive care services and the overall healthcare infrastructure. This comprehensive analysis is designed to provide a detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in this specific area, enabling informed decision-making for patients and healthcare providers.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Coats, NC, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant data, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing complex healthcare data, enabling a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in lung cancer care within the community.