27574, Roxboro, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27574, Roxboro, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.21 percent of the residents in 27574 has some form of health insurance. 38.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.80 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 27574 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,822 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27574. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,229 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 561 health care providers accessible to residents in 27574, Roxboro, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Roxboro, NC (ZIP Code 27574)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians within ZIP code 27574 (Roxboro, North Carolina), focusing on primary care availability and related factors impacting patient outcomes. The score is a hypothetical construct, using available data and publicly accessible information to gauge the overall strength of the local healthcare ecosystem in addressing lung cancer risk and management. The analysis considers various elements, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources.

Roxboro, a rural community in Person County, faces unique healthcare challenges. These challenges are often exacerbated by factors such as limited access to specialists, socioeconomic disparities, and the prevalence of risk factors like smoking. The Lung Cancer Score aims to reflect these realities and identify areas for improvement.

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

A critical component of the Lung Cancer Score is the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). Early detection of lung cancer is significantly improved through routine screenings and proactive care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of access. In Roxboro, the ratio is likely a significant factor in the overall score. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into the number of PCPs practicing in the area and the estimated patient population. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a greater availability of PCPs per capita, would positively influence the score. Conversely, a high ratio suggests potential barriers to accessing timely care, negatively impacting the score. Data on the availability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services, should also be considered.

**Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices:**

The characteristics of primary care practices within 27574 are crucial. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including smoking cessation programs, are highly valued. The Lung Cancer Score will reflect the availability and quality of these services. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to preventative care, such as actively promoting lung cancer screenings for at-risk patients (e.g., those with a history of smoking), will receive a higher score. The presence of certified tobacco treatment specialists within a practice is another positive factor.

Identifying "standout practices" involves examining their patient outcomes, patient satisfaction scores (where available), and the adoption of best practices in lung cancer screening and management. These practices often serve as models for others in the community. For example, a practice that actively participates in the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening, utilizing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, would be considered a standout. Information on the practice's affiliation with larger healthcare systems, which often provide access to specialized resources and expertise, is also relevant.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who face transportation challenges or have limited mobility. The Lung Cancer Score considers the extent to which primary care practices in Roxboro utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. Practices that offer telehealth services, particularly for smoking cessation counseling or specialist referrals, will receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth platforms and the ease of access for patients are also important considerations.

**Mental Health Resources:**

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health services within the community, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their care model or have established referral pathways to mental health providers will receive a higher score. The presence of support groups for cancer patients and their families is also a positive factor. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential for providing comprehensive and holistic care.

**Scoring Methodology and Overall Assessment:**

The Lung Cancer Score is a composite measure, weighting the various factors discussed above. The specific weights assigned to each factor are based on their relative importance in influencing patient outcomes. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of lung cancer screening programs would likely carry a higher weight than the availability of online patient portals. The overall score would be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating a stronger healthcare ecosystem for addressing lung cancer. The score would also include a detailed breakdown of the individual factors, allowing for a granular assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

**Specific Considerations for Roxboro:**

Roxboro's location in a rural area presents unique challenges. Transportation limitations, the prevalence of smoking, and socioeconomic factors may impact access to care. The Lung Cancer Score analysis will consider these factors and their potential impact on patient outcomes. The score will also reflect the community's efforts to address these challenges, such as initiatives to promote smoking cessation or improve access to healthcare services.

**Data Sources and Limitations:**

The analysis relies on publicly available data from sources such as the NCDHHS, HRSA, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and online physician directories. The accuracy of the analysis depends on the completeness and reliability of this data. The analysis may be limited by the availability of data, particularly regarding patient outcomes and practice-specific information. Patient satisfaction scores and detailed information on practice-specific services may not always be readily available.

**Conclusion:**

The Lung Cancer Score provides a framework for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in Roxboro, NC (27574), with respect to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and management. By examining key factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, this analysis aims to identify areas for improvement and highlight best practices. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of lung cancer in the Roxboro area.

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