27849, Lewiston Woodville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27849, Lewiston Woodville, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.18 percent of the residents in 27849 has some form of health insurance. 55.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.78 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 27849 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 292 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27849. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 204 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 389 health care providers accessible to residents in 27849, Lewiston Woodville, North Carolina.

The task requires a comprehensive analysis, but I am unable to provide real-time, dynamic data like physician rankings or specific practice details. This response offers a conceptual framework and the types of factors that would be considered in such an analysis, along with a call to action.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: A Framework for ZIP Code 27849 and Primary Care in Lewiston Woodville**

Evaluating the quality of lung cancer care, and more broadly, healthcare access, within a specific geographic area necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 27849 (hypothetical) and the primary care landscape relevant to the nearby town of Lewiston Woodville. The core objective is to assess the availability and quality of resources for early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support for individuals potentially facing lung cancer. A "Lung Cancer Score" would be a composite metric, derived from various weighted factors.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

A fundamental aspect of this analysis is the physician-to-patient ratio within the target area. This metric provides a baseline understanding of the potential access challenges. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses. The analysis would examine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists within the ZIP Code 27849 and the surrounding areas. Data sources would include state medical boards, professional directories, and insurance provider networks.

Primary care availability is especially critical. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer. They are responsible for initial assessments, ordering diagnostic tests (such as chest X-rays or CT scans), and making referrals to specialists. The analysis would investigate the number of PCPs accepting new patients, their appointment availability (including same-day or urgent care options), and the types of insurance plans they accept. This would directly impact the ability of residents in Lewiston Woodville to access timely care.

**Standout Practices and Quality Metrics:**

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several key quality metrics. This includes assessing the adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening (e.g., the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for high-risk individuals), diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Data collection would be challenging, requiring access to claims data (de-identified), patient surveys, and potentially, direct interviews with physicians and practice administrators.

The analysis would investigate whether practices offer comprehensive lung cancer screening programs, including low-dose CT scans for eligible patients. It would also assess the availability of multidisciplinary care teams, which typically involve pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and nurses specializing in cancer care. The presence of tumor boards, where specialists collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans, would be considered a positive indicator.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Access:**

Telemedicine plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Lewiston Woodville. The analysis would examine the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians and specialists within the target area. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and access to specialists via telehealth platforms.

Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel burdens, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote locations. It can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be physically present in the local area. The analysis would evaluate the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of use for patients, and the availability of technical support.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

A diagnosis of lung cancer can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis would examine the availability of mental health resources within the community, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. It is crucial to assess whether these resources are integrated into the cancer care pathway.

The analysis would explore the presence of oncology social workers, who can provide emotional support, counseling, and assistance with practical matters such as financial aid and transportation. It would also assess the availability of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families. The goal is to ensure that patients have access to comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs.

**Specifics for ZIP Code 27849 and Lewiston Woodville:**

To perform a truly specific analysis, the following steps would be taken, assuming we have access to the necessary data:

1. **Data Collection:** Gather data from various sources, including state medical boards, insurance provider networks, hospital websites, and practice directories.
2. **Physician Directory:** Create a comprehensive directory of physicians within ZIP Code 27849 and the surrounding areas, including their specialties, contact information, and insurance acceptance.
3. **Practice Profiles:** Develop profiles for each practice, including information on services offered, quality metrics, and patient satisfaction.
4. **Telemedicine Assessment:** Evaluate the availability and use of telemedicine services among primary care physicians and specialists.
5. **Mental Health Resource Mapping:** Map the availability of mental health resources within the community.
6. **Score Calculation:** Develop a weighted scoring system to calculate the "Lung Cancer Score" for the target area.
7. **Reporting:** Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the findings, including the "Lung Cancer Score," key strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, identify potential gaps in care, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27849 and the surrounding areas, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's mapping capabilities can bring this data to life, enabling a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care. Explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome to uncover insights and drive improvements in lung cancer care.