27713, Durham, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27713, Durham, North Carolina is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.14 percent of the residents in 27713 has some form of health insurance. 22.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.06 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 27713 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13,281 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 646 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27713. An estimate of 250 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,043 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 47,416 health care providers accessible to residents in 27713, Durham, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: Durham, NC (ZIP Code 27713) - A Focused Analysis

This analysis aims to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 27713 ZIP code of Durham, North Carolina, considering factors crucial to early detection and comprehensive patient care. This includes assessing physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services. The ultimate goal is to offer a valuable perspective on healthcare access and quality for individuals at risk of, or diagnosed with, lung cancer.

Durham, a city known for its robust healthcare landscape, presents a unique environment for this analysis. The presence of major medical institutions like Duke University Health System and UNC Health, while offering advanced specialty care, also impacts the dynamics of primary care availability and resource allocation within specific ZIP codes.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

The physician-to-patient ratio in 27713 is a critical starting point. This metric, while not a perfect indicator of care quality, provides a baseline understanding of access. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time dedicated to each patient. Researching the specific ratio within 27713 requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board or utilizing healthcare analytics platforms. This data would need to be supplemented by information regarding the age distribution and health needs of the population within this ZIP code, as these factors significantly influence the demand for primary care services.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive. This involves evaluating practices based on several key criteria. First, the adoption of evidence-based practices for lung cancer screening is paramount. This includes adherence to guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding eligibility for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for high-risk individuals (e.g., those with a significant smoking history). We need to determine how actively these practices are identifying and referring eligible patients for screening.

Second, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial. EHRs facilitate efficient patient data management, allowing for proactive identification of at-risk individuals, automated reminders for screenings, and seamless communication between primary care physicians and specialists. The sophistication of the EHR system, including its ability to integrate with other healthcare systems and laboratories, is a key factor.

Third, the practice's approach to patient education and support is vital. This includes providing resources on smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle choices, and the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Practices that actively engage patients in their own care, providing educational materials and support groups, are likely to achieve better outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine adoption has rapidly accelerated in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The availability of telehealth services in 27713 is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those living in underserved areas. Assessing the extent to which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments is essential. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, its integration with the EHR, and the availability of technical support for patients are all important considerations. Telemedicine can also be used to facilitate remote smoking cessation counseling and other support services.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis, and the challenges of quitting smoking, necessitate the availability of mental health resources. The Lung Cancer Score must reflect the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. This includes assessing whether practices have on-site mental health professionals, or whether they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, is also crucial. The practice's ability to screen for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, and to provide appropriate interventions, is a critical component of comprehensive care. The integration of mental health services can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

**Specific Examples and Challenges:**

To illustrate the analysis, we would need to identify specific practices within 27713 and evaluate them based on the criteria discussed. For example, we would investigate the Duke Primary Care practices in the area. What is their screening rate for eligible patients? Do they utilize a robust EHR system? Do they offer telemedicine options? Do they have mental health professionals integrated into their care model? We would then compare these practices to independent practices in the area.

One challenge in this analysis is the availability of data. While some information may be publicly available, much of the data required, such as specific screening rates and telemedicine usage, may be proprietary. Another challenge is the dynamic nature of healthcare. Practices are constantly evolving, and their services and capabilities can change rapidly.

**Conclusion and Actionable Insights:**

The Lung Cancer Score for 27713 is a multifaceted assessment that considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The quality of primary care is a key determinant of early detection and comprehensive care for lung cancer patients. This analysis would highlight areas of strength and weakness, providing valuable insights for patients seeking primary care in the area. It would also provide a benchmark for practices seeking to improve their services.

To fully visualize and interact with this data, and to understand the spatial distribution of these healthcare resources, consider utilizing the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can visually represent the Lung Cancer Score, allowing users to explore the availability of primary care physicians, the location of standout practices, and the accessibility of telemedicine and mental health resources within the 27713 ZIP code and beyond. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Durham.