27847, Kelford, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27847, Kelford, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.10 percent of the residents in 27847 has some form of health insurance. 71.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 32.08 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 27847 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 203 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27847. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 151 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 267 health care providers accessible to residents in 27847, Kelford, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27847 & Kelford Primary Care

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 27847, encompassing the town of Kelford, North Carolina, focusing on primary care availability and related resources. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment, evaluating factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and patient support. This analysis will not generate a numeric "score," but rather a qualitative assessment based on available data and reasonable assumptions.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and robust primary care. In Kelford, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Evaluating this requires considering the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be utilized to estimate this ratio. The specific number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code, or serving the immediate surrounding area, will be compared to the population size. This comparison is essential to understanding the accessibility of care.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographic distribution of primary care providers is also important. Are practices clustered in one area, leaving other parts of Kelford underserved? This requires analyzing the locations of medical practices, potentially using mapping tools to visualize access disparities. This analysis assumes that the closer a patient lives to a primary care physician, the more likely they are to seek regular check-ups and screenings.

The quality of primary care is another key element. This analysis will consider factors like the presence of electronic health records (EHRs), which facilitate information sharing and improve care coordination. EHRs are crucial for tracking patient histories, sharing information with specialists, and streamlining the referral process. Practices adopting EHRs are likely to offer a higher standard of care.

Furthermore, this analysis will examine the presence of established referral pathways to specialists. Does the primary care network in Kelford have established relationships with pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons? Seamless referrals are vital for timely diagnosis and treatment. The lack of such pathways could significantly delay access to specialized care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of modern healthcare. The availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Kelford. Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, improve convenience, and facilitate more frequent communication between patients and providers. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in the area offer telemedicine options.

Mental health resources are crucial for patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The emotional and psychological toll of the disease can be significant. This analysis will investigate the availability of mental health support within the primary care network or through referrals to external providers. The presence of on-site counselors, partnerships with mental health professionals, and access to support groups are all indicators of a comprehensive approach to patient care.

The analysis will attempt to identify any standout practices within ZIP code 27847. These practices may be distinguished by their commitment to preventative care, patient education, and the use of innovative technologies. Identifying these practices can provide insights into best practices and serve as a model for other providers in the area. The analysis will look for indicators such as high rates of lung cancer screening, patient satisfaction scores, and participation in quality improvement initiatives.

Preventative care, including lung cancer screening, is paramount. The analysis will evaluate the availability and accessibility of lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. This involves assessing whether primary care practices offer screening services directly or have established referral pathways to screening centers. The analysis will also consider the eligibility criteria for screening, based on guidelines from organizations like the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Patient education is another critical component of lung cancer care. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices provide patients with information about risk factors, early warning signs, and treatment options. This includes the availability of educational materials, patient counseling, and support groups. The more informed patients are, the better equipped they are to make informed decisions about their health.

The impact of socioeconomic factors on lung cancer outcomes will also be considered. Factors such as income, education, and access to transportation can significantly affect a patient's ability to access care and adhere to treatment plans. The analysis will consider the socioeconomic profile of the population within ZIP code 27847 and assess the availability of resources to address potential disparities in care.

This analysis will be based on readily available information, including online directories, healthcare provider websites, and public health data. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this approach. The absence of detailed patient-level data, such as specific screening rates or patient outcomes, will limit the depth of the analysis. The analysis is also reliant on the accuracy and completeness of the available information.

In conclusion, the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 27847, particularly regarding lung cancer care, is multifaceted. Primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources are all critical factors. The analysis will strive to provide a comprehensive overview of these factors, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. While this analysis cannot provide a definitive "Lung Cancer Score," it will offer a valuable assessment of the current state of care and identify opportunities to enhance patient outcomes.

For a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 27847, including detailed geographic visualizations of physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides dynamic mapping tools that can help you visualize and analyze healthcare data, enabling you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.