27559, Moncure, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27559, Moncure, North Carolina is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.87 percent of the residents in 27559 has some form of health insurance. 49.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.46 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 27559 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 398 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 261 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27559. An estimate of 130 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 735 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 19,406 health care providers accessible to residents in 27559, Moncure, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27559 & Primary Care in Moncure

This analysis assesses the availability of resources and the potential quality of care for individuals in ZIP code 27559 (Pittsboro, North Carolina) with a focus on lung cancer, particularly considering the availability of primary care in the nearby community of Moncure. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, offering insights into physician access, innovative practices, and support services crucial for navigating a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The analysis considers factors relevant to early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient well-being.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Moncure, though geographically close to Pittsboro, might face challenges in primary care availability. Rural areas often experience physician shortages, leading to higher patient-to-physician ratios. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Moncure is crucial. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, along with information from local healthcare providers, would be necessary to determine the precise ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the "Lung Cancer Score."

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms potentially related to lung cancer. Early detection is key to improving outcomes. PCPs play a vital role in educating patients about risk factors, encouraging smoking cessation, and ordering appropriate screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals. The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the extent to which Moncure PCPs actively promote these preventative measures. This would involve examining the practices' adherence to screening guidelines and their patient education efforts.

In Pittsboro (ZIP code 27559), the analysis will focus on identifying standout practices. These practices might demonstrate excellence in various areas, including patient communication, care coordination, and access to specialists. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider factors such as the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., X-rays, CT scans), the presence of dedicated care coordinators to assist patients through the complex healthcare system, and the practice's ability to seamlessly refer patients to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys will also be important indicators of practice quality.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the analysis. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments can improve patient convenience, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate timely access to care. The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the extent to which practices in both Pittsboro and Moncure utilize telemedicine technologies. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and other specialists, as well as the use of remote monitoring devices for patients undergoing treatment.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The emotional and psychological toll of the disease can be significant, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the availability of mental health support services in both communities. This includes evaluating the presence of on-site therapists or counselors, partnerships with mental health providers, and the availability of support groups for patients and their families. The score will also consider the degree to which primary care practices screen patients for mental health issues and provide appropriate referrals.

The presence of specialized lung cancer treatment centers in the broader region is also a factor. While Moncure and Pittsboro may not have comprehensive cancer centers, access to nearby facilities is essential. The analysis will consider the proximity of major cancer centers, the availability of advanced treatment options (e.g., surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy), and the ease of access for patients. This includes evaluating the availability of transportation services and the efficiency of referral processes. The "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect the overall accessibility of specialized cancer care.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of resources related to smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and helping patients quit smoking is a critical aspect of prevention and treatment. The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the availability of smoking cessation programs, counseling services, and medications in both communities. This includes assessing the extent to which PCPs actively counsel patients on smoking cessation and provide referrals to appropriate resources.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of these various factors. Each factor will be assigned a score based on its importance and availability. The overall score will provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 27559 and the impact of primary care availability in Moncure on lung cancer care. The analysis will highlight areas of strength and weakness, providing insights that can inform healthcare decisions and improve patient outcomes.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will offer a comprehensive view of the healthcare environment. It is crucial to understand that this analysis is based on available data and may not capture every nuance of the healthcare system. However, it will provide a valuable starting point for individuals seeking information about lung cancer care in this region.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 27559 and Moncure, and to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help you identify healthcare providers, assess access to care, and gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare environment.