27841, Hassell, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27841, Hassell, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 27841 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 91.67 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 27841 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27841. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 22 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 316 health care providers accessible to residents in 27841, Hassell, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27841 & Hassell Primary Care

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians within ZIP Code 27841, with a specific focus on the availability and quality of primary care resources in the nearby community of Hassell. The goal is to understand the landscape of healthcare access and quality, particularly in relation to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The analysis considers several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which can significantly impact patient outcomes.

The foundation of a strong Lung Cancer Score lies in accessible and high-quality primary care. In Hassell, the availability of primary care physicians is a crucial starting point. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a preliminary understanding of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially improved outcomes. Publicly available data, such as the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, would be used to determine the physician-to-patient ratio in Hassell. This data is crucial for establishing a baseline for primary care access.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within or serving ZIP Code 27841 is essential. These practices might be recognized for their commitment to preventative care, their use of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, or their patient-centered approach. Key indicators of quality include the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), which facilitate better care coordination and data analysis; the implementation of patient education programs; and the availability of comprehensive screening services, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals. Examining patient reviews and ratings on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals can offer insights into patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine, encompassing remote consultations, virtual monitoring, and online patient education, can significantly enhance access to care, especially in rural areas like Hassell. The ability to receive consultations from specialists, access educational resources, and manage chronic conditions remotely can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. The analysis will examine the extent to which practices in the area offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the ease of access for patients. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine are likely to receive a higher score.

Mental health resources play a vital, often overlooked, role in lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is crucial for helping patients cope with their diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will investigate the presence of mental health providers in the area, the availability of mental health services within primary care practices, and the degree of integration between mental and physical healthcare. Practices that prioritize mental health support will be viewed favorably.

Specific examples of practices within ZIP Code 27841 that demonstrate excellence in these areas will be highlighted. This could include practices with a strong track record of early lung cancer detection, those that actively promote smoking cessation programs, or those that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their care delivery model. This section aims to provide concrete examples of best practices and to identify areas for improvement. The analysis will also consider the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, in the region, as these specialists are critical for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

The assessment of primary care availability in Hassell will be compared to the national average. This benchmarking will help to contextualize the local situation and identify areas where the community may be lagging behind. The analysis will consider the impact of any identified disparities on patient outcomes and will suggest potential strategies for improvement. This might include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians in the area, promoting telemedicine adoption, or expanding access to mental health services.

The Lung Cancer Score will be a composite score, reflecting the relative strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27841 and the surrounding areas. The score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, with each factor contributing to the overall assessment. The weighting will be determined based on the relative importance of each factor in influencing patient outcomes. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of screening services may be given a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, depending on the specific context of the community.

The final score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing for easy comparison between different areas and for tracking progress over time. The score will be accompanied by a detailed report that provides supporting data and analysis. The report will also include recommendations for improvement, based on the findings of the analysis. This information will be valuable for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members who are working to improve the health of the population.

The Lung Cancer Score is not just a static assessment; it is a dynamic tool that can be used to drive positive change. By identifying areas for improvement, the score can help to focus resources and efforts on the most critical needs. The score can also be used to track progress over time, providing a measure of the effectiveness of interventions and initiatives. This iterative process will ultimately contribute to better lung cancer outcomes and a healthier community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27841 and the surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help visualize the data and identify areas with limited access to care.