27591, Wendell, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27591, Wendell, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.11 percent of the residents in 27591 has some form of health insurance. 33.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.90 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 27591 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,932 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 41 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27591. An estimate of 60 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,602 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 20,879 health care providers accessible to residents in 27591, Wendell, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Wendell, NC (ZIP Code 27591)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of lung cancer care within ZIP code 27591 (Wendell, North Carolina), focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources, all factors influencing a patient's journey from suspicion to diagnosis and treatment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. In Wendell, evaluating primary care availability requires considering the number of PCPs serving the population, the average wait times for appointments, and the acceptance of new patients. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with information from insurance provider directories and patient reviews, can paint a picture of PCP density. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times and reduced access, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a high ratio indicates better access and a greater likelihood of timely care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is critical. This includes the PCPs’ familiarity with lung cancer screening guidelines, their willingness to order appropriate diagnostic tests (like low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), and their ability to effectively communicate with patients about their concerns. The "Lung Cancer Score" would therefore incorporate metrics reflecting these aspects, such as the percentage of PCPs in Wendell who are certified in preventative medicine or have specific training in cancer screening. Furthermore, the presence of established referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is essential for seamless patient care.

A crucial element in assessing the healthcare landscape is the physician-to-patient ratio. This statistic directly impacts access to care. A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access. However, this metric alone doesn't tell the whole story. The age and experience of the physicians, their specialization, and the availability of support staff (nurses, medical assistants) all contribute to the overall capacity of the healthcare system. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with population estimates for Wendell, would be used to calculate this ratio.

Identifying standout practices within the area is vital. These are clinics or medical groups that demonstrate excellence in various aspects of care, including patient communication, preventative screening, and the coordination of care. Evaluating these practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Patient satisfaction surveys, reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, and data on adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines are all valuable indicators. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, promote smoking cessation, and integrate mental health services into their care models would score higher.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, particularly for rural communities like Wendell. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to care. The "Lung Cancer Score" would assess the availability of telemedicine options for primary care consultations, specialist appointments (pulmonology, oncology), and mental health services. Factors considered include the types of telehealth platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, phone calls), the availability of remote monitoring devices, and the level of patient and provider satisfaction with telehealth services.

Mental health resources play a significant role in the overall well-being of lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The "Lung Cancer Score" would evaluate the availability of mental health services in Wendell, including the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists practicing in the area, the types of mental health services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. The presence of support groups, cancer-specific counseling, and resources for coping with the emotional and psychological impact of cancer would also be considered.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Wendell would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these various factors. Each factor would be assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance in influencing the quality of lung cancer care. The score would be presented as a numerical value, along with a detailed breakdown of the individual components. This breakdown would allow patients and healthcare providers to identify areas of strength and weakness and to develop strategies for improvement.

The data gathering for this analysis would involve a combination of publicly available sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board, the US Census Bureau, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It would also involve gathering information from local healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patient advocacy groups. Data validation and verification would be essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the "Lung Cancer Score."

Ultimately, the "Lung Cancer Score" aims to provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in Wendell. By highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, it can help to improve access to care, promote early detection, and enhance the overall quality of life for lung cancer patients. The score is not a static metric; it should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and to track progress over time.

To visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing lung cancer care in Wendell and surrounding areas, explore the power of location intelligence. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of physician locations, hospital facilities, and other relevant data points. **Visit CartoChrome to explore the spatial dimensions of healthcare access and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.**