27803, Rocky Mount, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27803, Rocky Mount, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.87 percent of the residents in 27803 has some form of health insurance. 42.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.16 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 27803 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,820 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27803. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,923 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,676 health care providers accessible to residents in 27803, Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Rocky Mount, NC (ZIP Code 27803)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within the 27803 ZIP code, focusing on factors impacting early detection and comprehensive patient care in the context of lung cancer. We will evaluate the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all critical components of a robust healthcare ecosystem for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. This analysis aims to offer a granular understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement to support optimal patient outcomes.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer screening and treatment strategy is accessible and high-quality primary care. In Rocky Mount, the availability of primary care physicians is a significant factor. The number of physicians per capita directly impacts patient access, appointment wait times, and the overall ability to establish a strong patient-physician relationship. A lower physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings or follow-up care. Conversely, a higher ratio, indicating greater access, is a positive indicator for proactive healthcare management, including early detection efforts. Data on this ratio is essential for a complete assessment, with specific numbers needed to fully understand the situation.

Evaluating standout practices requires a deeper dive into the specific clinics and their approaches. This involves assessing their commitment to preventative care, including the promotion of smoking cessation programs, which are crucial for reducing lung cancer risk. We must consider their adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, specifically for individuals meeting the criteria based on age and smoking history. Practices that actively engage in these screenings, utilizing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, demonstrate a proactive approach to early detection. These practices should have clear protocols for managing patients with suspicious findings, including timely referrals to pulmonologists and oncologists. Their success in patient outcomes should be a key factor.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, particularly for patients who may find it difficult to travel to in-person appointments. The availability of telemedicine can also facilitate communication between primary care physicians and specialists, streamlining the referral process and ensuring coordinated care. The extent of telemedicine adoption in the area needs to be assessed, including the types of services offered and the patient satisfaction with these services.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, aspect of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that integrate mental health services into their care models demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. This integration can take many forms, including on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health professionals, or referral pathways to specialized services. The availability of these resources, and their accessibility to patients, is a crucial element in the Lung Cancer Score analysis. Assessing the presence of these resources and their integration into the care model is a key factor in this assessment.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for primary care in Rocky Mount, NC, will depend on a composite of these factors. A high score will reflect a healthcare system characterized by: a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, proactive screening practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health support. A lower score would indicate areas where improvements are needed, such as addressing physician shortages, increasing screening rates, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and improving access to mental health services. The data must be analyzed to determine the actual score.

The quality of primary care in 27803 directly impacts the early detection and successful management of lung cancer. The ability of primary care physicians to identify at-risk individuals, promote screening, and provide timely referrals is essential. The integration of mental health support is also crucial for addressing the emotional and psychological impact of the disease. By assessing these factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement.

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare ecosystem in Rocky Mount, NC. The specific data points – physician-to-patient ratios, screening rates, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability – will ultimately determine the Lung Cancer Score. This score serves as a valuable tool for identifying strengths and weaknesses within the healthcare system, allowing for targeted interventions and improvements.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Rocky Mount, including the location of primary care practices and the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.