27827, Falkland, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27827, Falkland, North Carolina is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 27827 has some form of health insurance. 6.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 99.42 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 27827 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 25 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 109 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27827. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 11 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,832 health care providers accessible to residents in 27827, Falkland, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP Code 27827, focusing on Falkland, North Carolina, and evaluates factors relevant to lung cancer care. This score is not a definitive medical evaluation but rather an informational overview based on publicly available data, designed to highlight areas of strength and potential improvement within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible and proactive primary care. Early detection significantly improves patient outcomes. Therefore, the availability of primary care physicians is a crucial indicator. Physician-to-patient ratios in Falkland and the surrounding areas are a starting point. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services can be used to estimate these ratios. A lower ratio (more physicians per patient) suggests greater accessibility. However, this metric alone doesn't tell the full story.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Evaluating the practices of physicians in 27827 requires assessing their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and management. This involves looking at factors like the frequency of ordering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients (those who meet specific age and smoking history criteria as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force). Information on this can be difficult to obtain publicly, but it's important to consider.

Standout practices are those that demonstrably excel in providing comprehensive care. This might include practices that have implemented robust patient education programs about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and smoking cessation resources. They might also have dedicated care coordinators who help patients navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Assessing this requires examining practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their services.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine can significantly enhance access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Falkland. It allows for virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care physicians in 27827 is an important indicator. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine can potentially provide more convenient and timely care, which can be especially beneficial for patients undergoing lung cancer screening or treatment.

The mental health of patients is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices should ideally have access to mental health resources, either through in-house providers or through referrals to local mental health professionals. The availability of these resources is a key factor in assessing the overall quality of care. The presence of integrated behavioral health services or established referral pathways to mental health specialists significantly improves the patient experience and outcomes.

The Lung Cancer Score for physicians in 27827, therefore, isn't a single number but a composite assessment. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to screening guidelines, the availability of patient education and support programs, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each factor is weighted based on its relative importance in providing comprehensive lung cancer care.

To further refine this score, it's necessary to delve deeper into specific practices. This involves researching individual physician profiles, reviewing practice websites, and potentially contacting practices directly to gather information. Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including factors like wait times, communication, and the overall quality of care. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can provide information on quality metrics and patient outcomes.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Falkland is likely influenced by its rural setting. Rural areas often face challenges related to physician shortages, limited access to specialists, and the need for patients to travel longer distances for care. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including efforts to recruit and retain physicians, expand telemedicine services, and improve access to mental health resources.

The score reflects a complex interplay of factors. It is not just about the availability of doctors but also about the quality of their practices, their use of technology, and their ability to address the holistic needs of their patients. The ultimate goal is to ensure that patients in Falkland and the surrounding areas have access to the best possible lung cancer care, leading to earlier detection, improved treatment outcomes, and a better quality of life.

The assessment should be seen as an ongoing process. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and the availability of services and the quality of care can change over time. Regularly updating the Lung Cancer Score and reassessing the factors that contribute to it is essential to ensure that the information remains accurate and relevant.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 27827, including physician locations, practice types, and proximity to hospitals and specialists, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a valuable visual representation of the data discussed above, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available in Falkland and the surrounding areas.