27829, Fountain, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27829, Fountain, North Carolina is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.82 percent of the residents in 27829 has some form of health insurance. 59.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.72 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 27829 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 151 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 110 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27829. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 640 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,228 health care providers accessible to residents in 27829, Fountain, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27829 & Primary Care Availability in Fountain

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 27829, encompassing the town of Fountain, North Carolina. We will examine the availability and quality of primary care physicians, a crucial factor in early detection and management of this disease. We will also explore the adoption of telemedicine, access to mental health resources, and ultimately, provide a Lung Cancer Score assessment for the area. This score, while not a definitive medical judgment, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the resources available to patients in their fight against lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. In Fountain, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning a high number of patients per physician, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening opportunities, and ultimately, a poorer prognosis for those at risk. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows for more personalized care, increased time for patient education, and a greater chance of catching the disease in its early, more treatable stages. Data regarding the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 27829 is essential for a truly accurate assessment. Publicly available resources like the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the North Carolina Medical Board can provide some of this crucial data.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Are physicians actively screening for lung cancer, particularly among high-risk populations like smokers and former smokers? Do they utilize evidence-based guidelines for screening and diagnosis? Do they have established referral pathways to specialists like pulmonologists and oncologists? These are crucial questions to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of primary care in this area. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing and coordination of care is also a significant advantage.

Standout practices within 27829, if any, deserve special recognition. These practices might be characterized by their proactive approach to screening, their commitment to patient education, or their integration of innovative technologies. Identifying these exemplary practices can serve as a benchmark for other providers and ultimately elevate the standard of care for the entire community. The availability of patient testimonials and online reviews can offer valuable insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, making it easier for patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support. For individuals in rural areas like Fountain, telemedicine can be a lifeline, especially for those who may have difficulty traveling to larger medical centers. The extent to which primary care physicians in 27829 utilize telemedicine platforms, and the types of services they offer remotely, directly impacts the accessibility and convenience of care.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is immense. Therefore, access to mental health resources is crucial. Are there readily available mental health professionals in the area who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients? Are support groups available for patients and their families? The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan can significantly improve the patient's quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of treatment. Hospitals and clinics in the area should be evaluated for their mental health support services.

To formulate a Lung Cancer Score, we need to weigh these factors. A high score would indicate a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, proactive screening practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health support. A low score would reflect the opposite: limited access to primary care, infrequent screening, minimal telemedicine utilization, and a lack of mental health resources. The score would be presented on a scale, perhaps from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible scenario.

The final Lung Cancer Score for 27829, based on the available data, would be a composite of these factors. The score would be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used, the data sources consulted, and any limitations of the analysis. This transparency is crucial for ensuring the credibility and usefulness of the score.

The analysis would also include specific recommendations for improvement. These might include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians in the area, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, or expanding access to mental health services. These recommendations should be tailored to the specific needs of the community and should be actionable and realistic.

Furthermore, the analysis would emphasize the importance of patient advocacy and education. Patients need to be empowered to take an active role in their own care, to ask questions, and to seek out the resources they need. Providing information about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options is essential.

This analysis is not just about numbers; it is about people. It is about ensuring that residents of Fountain and the surrounding areas have access to the best possible care in their fight against lung cancer. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the resources available and to identify areas where improvements can be made.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 27829, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and other relevant resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a geographically-based visualization of the data discussed in this analysis, allowing you to easily identify areas of high and low access to care.