27617, Raleigh, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27617, Raleigh, North Carolina is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.37 percent of the residents in 27617 has some form of health insurance. 16.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.09 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 27617 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,871 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 44 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27617. An estimate of 66 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,753 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 26,736 health care providers accessible to residents in 27617, Raleigh, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Raleigh (ZIP Code 27617)**

The evaluation of healthcare resources, particularly in the context of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will focus on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Raleigh, specifically within the 27617 ZIP code, considering factors crucial to lung cancer care, such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, informing residents about the accessibility and quality of care within their community.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management rests on strong primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms, playing a vital role in early detection, referral, and ongoing support. In the 27617 ZIP code, physician-to-patient ratios represent a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially strain resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time for individual patient care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more personalized attention. Data from reputable sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, should be analyzed to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within this specific area. This data should be regularly updated to reflect the dynamic nature of healthcare staffing.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" within 27617 is crucial. This assessment requires evaluating practices based on several criteria. Firstly, the practice's commitment to preventative care, including routine screenings and patient education, is essential. Secondly, the practice’s utilization of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and diagnosis is vital. Thirdly, the practice's reputation within the community, as reflected in patient reviews and peer assessments, provides valuable insights. Finally, the practice’s integration with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is critical for seamless patient referrals and coordinated care. Practices demonstrating excellence in these areas would receive a higher score.

The adoption of telemedicine has significantly impacted healthcare delivery, especially in areas where access to in-person care may be limited. Telemedicine offers several advantages in the context of lung cancer care. It enables remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists, reducing the burden of travel and improving convenience for patients. The "Lung Cancer Score" must therefore evaluate the availability and utilization of telemedicine services within 27617. This includes assessing the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of these services into the overall care plan. Practices actively embracing telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, would contribute positively to the score.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Mental health support is an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. The "Lung Cancer Score" must therefore assess the availability of mental health resources within 27617 and their integration with primary care practices. This includes evaluating the presence of on-site mental health professionals, the availability of referrals to therapists and counselors, and the practice's commitment to addressing the emotional needs of patients. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to mental health support, through screening, counseling, and support groups, would receive a higher score. The degree to which these resources are integrated into the patient's care plan is also critical.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" would be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a significant factor, reflecting accessibility. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources would also contribute substantially to the score, reflecting the quality and comprehensiveness of care. The score would be presented on a scale, providing a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare landscape within 27617. It is important to note that this score is a snapshot in time and should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare environment.

The evaluation of primary care resources is an ongoing process. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and approaches emerging regularly. Continuous monitoring and assessment are essential to ensure that residents of 27617 have access to the best possible care. This includes tracking changes in physician staffing, the adoption of new technologies, and the integration of mental health services. The "Lung Cancer Score" should be updated periodically to reflect these changes, providing residents with the most current and accurate information.

The data used to generate the "Lung Cancer Score" should be transparent and readily available. The sources of the data, the methodology used to calculate the score, and any limitations of the analysis should be clearly documented. This transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring the credibility of the score. The information should be presented in a user-friendly format, making it easy for residents to understand and interpret the results.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a valuable tool for informing residents about the availability and quality of healthcare resources in their community. It can also be used by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement and to enhance the quality of care. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, the "Lung Cancer Score" can help to improve patient outcomes and to promote a healthier community.

**Explore the healthcare landscape of Raleigh, NC, and visualize the data used in this analysis with interactive CartoChrome maps. Gain deeper insights into physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability. Click here to learn more and access the interactive maps.**