27810, Belhaven, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27810, Belhaven, North Carolina is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.61 percent of the residents in 27810 has some form of health insurance. 50.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.17 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 27810 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 744 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27810. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 971 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 32 health care providers accessible to residents in 27810, Belhaven, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Belhaven, NC (ZIP Code 27810)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians and the overall healthcare landscape within Belhaven, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27810), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to understand the accessibility and quality of care available to residents, particularly concerning early detection and comprehensive management of this disease.

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

Belhaven, a relatively rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas regarding physician availability. A critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score is the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed appointments, hindering timely screenings and diagnosis. This is particularly crucial for lung cancer, where early detection significantly improves survival rates. The analysis must consider the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 27810 ZIP code and their patient load. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be essential to accurately calculate this ratio.

Furthermore, the analysis needs to factor in the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who are vital for diagnosing and treating lung cancer. If these specialists are located outside the immediate ZIP code, the Lung Cancer Score will need to account for travel time and accessibility, as these can be barriers to care. The distance and ease of access to these specialists influence the overall score.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices within Belhaven is critical. This involves assessing the quality of care provided by individual PCPs and healthcare facilities. Factors to consider include:

* **Screening Protocols:** Do practices actively follow the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers)? Practices that proactively offer and encourage screening will receive a higher score.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Does the practice have access to or partnerships with facilities offering advanced diagnostic imaging, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans? Rapid access to accurate diagnostics is crucial for early detection.
* **Treatment Coordination:** How effectively do practices coordinate care with specialists, ensuring seamless transitions for patients requiring further evaluation or treatment? Strong communication and collaboration are essential.
* **Patient Education:** Do practices provide comprehensive patient education about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening options? Informed patients are more likely to seek timely care.

The analysis should investigate patient reviews and ratings, if available, to gauge patient satisfaction and perceptions of care quality. The presence of patient navigators or dedicated care coordinators within practices would also be a positive indicator, as they can help patients navigate the complexities of diagnosis and treatment.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve healthcare access in rural areas like Belhaven. The Lung Cancer Score must evaluate the adoption of telemedicine by local practices. This includes:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Do PCPs offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication management, and preliminary assessments?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring technologies to track patient symptoms and vital signs, particularly for those undergoing treatment?
* **Specialist Access:** Does telemedicine facilitate access to specialists located outside the immediate area, such as pulmonologists or oncologists?

The extent of telemedicine adoption directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and potentially enhance patient outcomes.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The Lung Cancer Score must consider the availability of mental health resources and patient support services. This includes:

* **Mental Health Professionals:** Are mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, available within the community or accessible through referrals?
* **Support Groups:** Are there local or regional support groups for lung cancer patients and their families?
* **Social Work Services:** Do healthcare facilities offer social work services to assist patients with practical needs, such as financial assistance, transportation, and home healthcare?

The availability of these resources is crucial for supporting patients' emotional well-being and improving their overall quality of life. The presence of comprehensive support services will positively influence the Lung Cancer Score.

**Specifics for Belhaven (ZIP Code 27810):**

Obtaining specific data for Belhaven requires targeted research. This involves:

* **Direct Contact:** Contacting local healthcare providers (PCPs, clinics, hospitals) to gather information about their services, screening protocols, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.
* **Data Sources:** Utilizing publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the US Census Bureau, and other relevant sources.
* **Community Surveys:** Conducting community surveys to gather patient perspectives on access to care, quality of care, and support services.

This data collection is essential to create an accurate and meaningful Lung Cancer Score for Belhaven.

**Conclusion:**

The Lung Cancer Score analysis for Belhaven, NC (ZIP Code 27810) is a multi-faceted assessment that considers physician-to-patient ratios, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement to enhance lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support.

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