27545, Knightdale, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27545, Knightdale, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.61 percent of the residents in 27545 has some form of health insurance. 27.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.07 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 27545 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,068 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 21 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27545. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,226 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 14,869 health care providers accessible to residents in 27545, Knightdale, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Knightdale, NC (ZIP Code 27545)

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care in Knightdale, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27545) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess not only the availability of physicians but also the quality of care, access to specialized services, and the integration of supportive resources. This analysis will focus on primary care availability, a crucial entry point for early detection and referral, and then expand to consider the broader ecosystem of healthcare providers and resources within and accessible to the Knightdale community.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on the strength of the primary care network. In Knightdale, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts a patient's ability to access timely screenings, receive initial diagnoses, and obtain referrals to specialists. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates potential bottlenecks, leading to delayed appointments and potentially missed opportunities for early intervention. The specifics of this ratio within 27545 are paramount. We need to consider the total number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, the estimated population served, and whether these PCPs are accepting new patients. A high ratio, coupled with a significant number of PCPs not accepting new patients, signals a concerning situation, potentially hindering access to crucial preventative care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is equally important. Practices that emphasize preventative care, including routine screenings and smoking cessation programs, are critical. Identifying practices that proactively offer lung cancer screening to eligible patients (based on age, smoking history, and other risk factors) is a key indicator of proactive care. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) also plays a significant role. EHRs facilitate seamless information sharing between PCPs and specialists, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care. Practices with robust EHR systems can streamline the referral process, making it easier for patients to access specialized services.

Specialist availability is another crucial factor. The presence of pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists within or readily accessible to Knightdale residents is vital. The distance patients must travel to see these specialists significantly impacts their experience. The availability of these specialists within a reasonable radius (e.g., within a 30-mile radius) is essential for timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Examining the specialization of these physicians and their experience in treating lung cancer specifically is also important.

Telemedicine adoption is a rapidly evolving area with significant implications for healthcare access. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, can reduce travel burdens and improve patient convenience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine offer a significant advantage, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in more rural areas. Evaluating the availability of telemedicine services for both primary care and specialist consultations is a key component of the overall assessment.

The mental health of patients undergoing lung cancer treatment is often overlooked, but it is a critical aspect of comprehensive care. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as counselors, therapists, and support groups, is therefore essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Examining the availability of these resources and how easily patients can access them is crucial.

Standout practices within Knightdale should be identified based on their commitment to these factors. These practices may excel in patient communication, offer comprehensive screening programs, have a high physician-to-patient ratio, or integrate mental health services. Identifying these practices can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and provide a benchmark for other practices to strive for. Evaluating patient satisfaction scores and online reviews can also provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by different practices.

Smoking cessation programs are a critical component of lung cancer prevention and treatment. Practices that actively offer and promote smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication assistance, are making a significant contribution to the health of the community. Assessing the availability and effectiveness of these programs is essential.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Knightdale, NC (27545) will be influenced by all these factors. A high score would indicate robust primary care availability, easy access to specialists, widespread telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health resources, and proactive preventative care. A low score would suggest significant challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive lung cancer care. The specifics of the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialist physicians, the availability of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services are all key components of the overall score.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Knightdale, including the location of providers, access to specialists, and the distribution of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping tools that can visualize the data discussed above, providing a clear and actionable picture of the healthcare environment.