27536, Henderson, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27536, Henderson, North Carolina is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.10 percent of the residents in 27536 has some form of health insurance. 53.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.06 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 27536 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,288 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27536. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,283 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,251 health care providers accessible to residents in 27536, Henderson, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 27536, focusing on their preparedness and resources related to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. This score is not a real, validated metric but a conceptual framework for understanding care quality. Additionally, the analysis will consider primary care availability in Henderson, North Carolina, and its impact on patient access.

**Understanding the Lung Cancer Score Framework**

The "Lung Cancer Score" is built upon several key pillars. These include: early detection practices (screening rates, adherence to guidelines), access to specialists (pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists), treatment capabilities (availability of advanced therapies, clinical trial participation), and supportive care resources (mental health, smoking cessation programs, palliative care). Each pillar is weighted based on its importance to patient outcomes. The higher the score, the better equipped the primary care physicians are to address the complexities of lung cancer.

**Analysis: Primary Care in ZIP Code 27536**

ZIP code 27536, encompassing a portion of Henderson, North Carolina, is the focus. Assessing the primary care landscape requires examining several factors. First, we need to consider the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio (fewer doctors per patient) could indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, leading to delayed screenings or consultations. Conversely, a high ratio suggests better accessibility. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with demographic information for 27536, would provide the basis for this ratio calculation.

Secondly, we must evaluate the practices themselves. Are they part of larger healthcare systems, or are they independent? Affiliation with a larger system often translates to better access to resources, including electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate care coordination, access to specialists, and participation in clinical trials. We would also need to assess the adoption of evidence-based practices, such as the use of the USPSTF guidelines for lung cancer screening (low-dose CT scans for eligible individuals).

**Screening and Early Detection Practices**

A critical element of the Lung Cancer Score is the emphasis on early detection. This involves evaluating the percentage of eligible patients (defined by age and smoking history) who are actually undergoing lung cancer screening. Practices with high screening rates, coupled with robust follow-up protocols for patients with suspicious findings, would receive higher scores. This includes a clear pathway for referrals to pulmonologists for further evaluation and diagnosis.

**Specialist Access and Care Coordination**

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is essential. The geographical proximity of these specialists to primary care practices in 27536 is crucial. Are specialists readily accessible within Henderson, or do patients need to travel significant distances for consultations and treatment? Practices that have established referral networks and strong communication channels with specialists would be favored. Care coordination, the seamless transfer of patient information and treatment plans between primary care physicians and specialists, is another key indicator.

**Treatment Capabilities and Resources**

While primary care physicians don't directly provide lung cancer treatment, their awareness of available therapies and clinical trials is important. Practices that actively inform patients about treatment options, including advanced therapies like immunotherapy and targeted therapies, would score higher. Moreover, if a practice participates in or supports clinical trials, it reflects a commitment to staying at the forefront of lung cancer research and providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.

**Supportive Care Resources**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are emotionally challenging. Access to mental health resources, including counseling and support groups, is vital for patients. Practices that offer or refer patients to mental health services would receive a higher score. Furthermore, smoking cessation programs are critical, and practices that actively promote and provide these programs would be highly rated. Palliative care, focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, is another essential component. Practices that integrate palliative care into their approach would be considered more patient-centered.

**Telemedicine Adoption**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring would be viewed favorably. This can improve access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling.

**Primary Care Availability in Henderson**

Beyond the individual practices in 27536, the overall primary care availability in Henderson impacts the Lung Cancer Score. A shortage of primary care physicians would negatively affect access to screening, early detection, and overall care. The presence of community health centers and other safety-net providers can mitigate these challenges. Evaluating the number of primary care physicians per capita in Henderson, compared to state and national averages, provides a broader context for understanding access to care.

**Standout Practices**

Identifying standout practices requires in-depth research. Practices that demonstrate high screening rates, strong referral networks, and a commitment to patient-centered care would stand out. This could involve analyzing patient satisfaction surveys, reviewing practice websites for information on lung cancer services, and conducting interviews with patients and healthcare professionals.

**Mental Health Resources**

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial element. Practices that partner with mental health professionals or have in-house counseling services would receive a higher score. This includes providing patients with information about support groups and other resources.

**Conclusion**

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a multifaceted assessment, reflecting the combined efforts of primary care physicians and the broader healthcare ecosystem. By evaluating these factors, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the quality of lung cancer care available in ZIP code 27536 and Henderson. This analysis aims to highlight the critical elements of comprehensive care.

**Call to Action**

To visualize the distribution of primary care resources, specialist availability, and other relevant data points within 27536 and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, enabling a deeper understanding of accessibility and resource allocation.