27806, Aurora, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27806, Aurora, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.33 percent of the residents in 27806 has some form of health insurance. 45.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.59 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 27806 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 538 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27806. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 591 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 32 health care providers accessible to residents in 27806, Aurora, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Aurora, NC (ZIP Code 27806)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 27806, Aurora, North Carolina, and evaluates the availability of primary care services in the area. The score considers factors crucial to early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. This evaluation aims to offer insights into the local healthcare landscape and identify areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. Early detection through screening, facilitated by a strong primary care network, significantly improves patient outcomes. A high physician-to-patient ratio can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. In Aurora, determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, a preliminary assessment suggests that the rural nature of the area might present challenges in maintaining optimal ratios. A lower physician density could necessitate longer travel distances for patients seeking primary care, potentially delaying access to crucial services.

Standout practices in Aurora, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive patient care. This includes proactive screening protocols for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history of lung cancer), clear communication about lung cancer risks, and strong referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that have embraced electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate data sharing and improve care coordination are also likely to receive a higher score. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in community health initiatives, such as smoking cessation programs, demonstrate a commitment to preventative care and community well-wide health.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in expanding access to care, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances. Practices that have integrated telemedicine platforms into their workflow, allowing for remote consultations with specialists and offering virtual support groups, would receive a higher score. The ability to provide telehealth services can significantly impact early detection and management of lung cancer by allowing patients to connect with healthcare providers more easily and frequently.

The link between mental health and lung cancer is substantial. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health resources, including counseling, therapy, and support groups, is crucial for supporting patients through their treatment journey. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integration can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and overall quality of life.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for primary care in Aurora, NC (27806) would be a composite score, incorporating all the factors mentioned above. A lower score would indicate potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive lung cancer care. This could be due to factors such as a lower physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, or a lack of integrated mental health services. Conversely, a higher score would indicate a more robust healthcare ecosystem, with readily available resources and a strong emphasis on preventative care and patient support.

Assessing the availability of primary care in Aurora involves examining the number of primary care physicians, their specializations, and the types of services they offer. The analysis also considers the proximity of these services to the population, including transportation options and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, the availability of after-hours care and weekend appointments can significantly impact access to care, especially for patients with urgent needs.

The current healthcare environment in Aurora, NC, likely reflects the challenges faced by many rural communities. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including efforts to attract and retain healthcare professionals, expand telemedicine infrastructure, and increase access to mental health services. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to improving the Lung Cancer Score and ensuring that residents of Aurora have access to the quality care they deserve.

The analysis of lung cancer care in Aurora, NC (27806) highlights the importance of accessible and comprehensive primary care. Factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources all contribute to the overall score. While this analysis provides a general overview, a more detailed assessment would require access to specific data on local healthcare providers and resources.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in Aurora, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, explore the potential of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful tool for understanding the local healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.