27816, Castalia, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27816, Castalia, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.84 percent of the residents in 27816 has some form of health insurance. 63.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 36.12 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 27816 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 751 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27816. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,142 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,502 health care providers accessible to residents in 27816, Castalia, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Castalia, NC (ZIP Code 27816)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 27816, encompassing the town of Castalia, requires a multi-faceted approach. Our objective is to assess the availability and quality of resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support, specifically focusing on primary care availability and the overall environment for patients. We will evaluate key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately formulating a “Lung Cancer Score” for the area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on strong primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. In Castalia, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with publicly available information on practicing physicians within the ZIP code, will be used to calculate this ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, presents a significant challenge. It can lead to delayed appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a delay in crucial diagnostic testing. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to care, increasing the likelihood of early detection and intervention.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within Castalia is essential. This involves evaluating several criteria. We will examine patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals. We will also investigate the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Practices that proactively offer screening to eligible patients, especially those with a history of smoking or other risk factors, will receive higher marks. Additionally, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to facilitate communication and care coordination will be considered. Practices employing advanced EHR systems can better manage patient data, track screening results, and refer patients to specialists efficiently.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in our assessment. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and follow-up care for patients who may face transportation challenges or live in rural areas. The availability of telehealth consultations for primary care and pulmonology within the 27816 ZIP code will be assessed. Practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and secure communication platforms will receive higher scores. This is particularly important for lung cancer patients who may require frequent check-ups, medication management, and support from a distance. The ability to access specialists remotely can also improve the overall quality of care.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of our “Lung Cancer Score.” We will investigate the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the area or easily accessible from Castalia. This includes assessing the availability of individual therapy, group support programs, and resources specifically tailored to cancer patients and their families. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, or the ease of referral to such services, will also be a factor. Comprehensive cancer care must address not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the emotional and psychological well-being of the patient.

Further, we will evaluate the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing support for quitting is a vital component of preventive care. We will investigate the presence of smoking cessation programs, counseling services, and access to nicotine replacement therapy or other medications within the area. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation and offer these resources to their patients will be recognized.

The “Lung Cancer Score” will be a composite measure, weighing the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a score based on its importance and availability within the 27816 ZIP code. The final score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer-related care in Castalia. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for easy comparison and highlighting areas where improvements are needed. This analysis is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, empowering patients and healthcare providers alike.

This analysis is intended to provide a snapshot of the current situation. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the availability of resources can change rapidly. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly update this assessment to reflect these changes. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that patients in Castalia have access to the best possible care.

For a deeper dive into the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points within ZIP Code 27816, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide visual representations of the data discussed, allowing you to identify areas of high and low resource availability and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Castalia and the surrounding areas.