27707, Durham, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27707, Durham, North Carolina is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.27 percent of the residents in 27707 has some form of health insurance. 31.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.94 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 27707 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11,753 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 646 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27707. An estimate of 250 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,985 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 46,509 health care providers accessible to residents in 27707, Durham, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides an overview of factors relevant to lung cancer care within ZIP code 27707 in Durham, North Carolina, focusing on primary care availability and related resources. It does not constitute medical advice.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care, as with any serious illness, rests heavily on the availability and quality of primary care. In Durham (27707), assessing this involves examining physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all of which impact the overall patient experience and outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of access. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. While precise, real-time data fluctuates, publicly available information, such as that provided by the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, can be used to estimate these ratios. The analysis should consider the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the 27707 ZIP code, alongside the estimated population. This provides a baseline understanding of the potential burden on existing resources.

Standout practices are those that consistently demonstrate excellence in patient care, including preventative screenings for lung cancer. These practices are often characterized by their commitment to evidence-based medicine, patient-centered care models, and a focus on early detection. Identifying these practices involves reviewing patient reviews, assessing their accreditation status (e.g., NCQA), and examining their participation in quality improvement programs. Furthermore, looking at the practices that have a high rate of lung cancer screening and referrals is important.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in the post-pandemic era. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including improved access to care for patients in remote areas or with mobility limitations. It can also facilitate more frequent check-ins and monitoring, which can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing lung cancer treatment. An analysis of telemedicine adoption in 27707 should consider the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing patient portals.

Mental health resources are a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is essential for supporting patients' overall well-being. An assessment of mental health resources in 27707 should consider the number of mental health providers, the availability of specialized oncology support services, and the integration of mental health care into the overall treatment plan.

The overall quality of care is also influenced by the coordination of care between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers. This coordination is particularly important in lung cancer care, which often involves a multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists. Analyzing the communication and referral patterns between these providers can provide insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the care delivery system.

Specific practices in 27707 may stand out for their commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals who meet specific criteria, such as being between 50 and 80 years old and having a 20 pack-year smoking history. Practices that actively implement these screening guidelines and have high rates of screening completion are likely to be providing a higher level of care.

The availability of support groups and patient education programs is another important factor. Lung cancer patients often benefit from connecting with others who have similar experiences. Support groups provide a safe space for sharing information, coping strategies, and emotional support. Patient education programs can help patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and self-management strategies.

The integration of technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs), can also improve the quality of care. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between providers, improve communication, and enable better tracking of patient outcomes. Practices that have adopted robust EHR systems are likely to be better equipped to provide coordinated and comprehensive care.

The location of primary care practices within the 27707 ZIP code also affects access. Areas with a higher concentration of practices are likely to provide better access to care than areas with fewer practices. Analyzing the geographic distribution of practices can identify potential areas of need and inform efforts to improve access to care.

Finally, consider the socioeconomic factors that impact health outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and other social determinants of health can significantly affect a patient's ability to access and adhere to treatment. An analysis of lung cancer care in 27707 should consider these factors and identify any disparities in care.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of lung cancer care in 27707 requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. A thorough analysis will help identify strengths and weaknesses in the current system and inform efforts to improve patient outcomes.

For a detailed, visual representation of healthcare access in Durham, including the distribution of primary care physicians, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps allow you to visualize and analyze healthcare data within the 27707 ZIP code and beyond, providing valuable insights for both patients and healthcare professionals.