27857, Oak City, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27857, Oak City, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.27 percent of the residents in 27857 has some form of health insurance. 51.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.14 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 27857 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 146 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27857. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 362 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 429 health care providers accessible to residents in 27857, Oak City, North Carolina.

The task requires an analysis of lung cancer care within a specific geographic area, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The target audience is likely patients or individuals seeking information about healthcare access.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Oak City, NC (ZIP Code 27857)**

Evaluating the landscape of lung cancer care in Oak City, North Carolina, necessitates a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the presence of specialists but also the accessibility of primary care, the integration of technology, and the availability of mental health support. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, ultimately informing individuals seeking care within the 27857 ZIP code.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon a robust primary care infrastructure. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the initial point of contact, crucial for early detection, screening, and referral. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio within Oak City. A lower ratio, indicating more PCPs per capita, generally translates to better access. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be used to calculate this ratio. A low ratio might indicate potential delays in appointments and reduced access to preventative care, which is vital for early lung cancer detection. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more accessible primary care network, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors like patient satisfaction scores (available through online platforms and surveys), the range of services offered (including preventative screenings), and the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). Practices that proactively offer lung cancer screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for eligible individuals, demonstrate a commitment to early detection. Furthermore, practices with well-coordinated care, where PCPs seamlessly communicate with specialists, contribute to a more efficient and patient-centered experience.

The adoption of telemedicine significantly impacts healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to care. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can be used for follow-up appointments, consultations with pulmonologists and oncologists, and even mental health therapy. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves investigating which primary care practices and specialist offices in Oak City offer telehealth services. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools, and online patient portals can indicate a practice’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve patient care.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are often emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. Evaluating mental health support involves identifying local mental health providers, assessing their expertise in cancer-related issues, and determining the availability of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, perhaps through on-site counselors or readily available referrals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being.

The presence of specialists is also a key factor. While primary care is the gateway, access to pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) and oncologists (cancer specialists) is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Determining the number of pulmonologists and oncologists practicing within or easily accessible to Oak City is essential. Analyzing their experience, the types of treatments they offer (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy), and their affiliations with hospitals or cancer centers provides a more complete picture of the available expertise. Proximity to comprehensive cancer centers with advanced treatment options can also significantly impact patient outcomes.

Another important aspect to consider is the availability of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. For lung cancer patients, palliative care can improve quality of life by managing pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Assessing the availability of palliative care involves identifying local providers, evaluating their expertise, and determining their integration within the broader care network.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Oak City, NC (27857) would be a composite measure, incorporating all the factors discussed. It would reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of specialists and palliative care services. This score, ideally, would be a relative measure, allowing for comparison with other geographic areas.

The analysis should not be static. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving. The "Lung Cancer Score" should be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, technological advancements, and the emergence of new treatment options. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that residents of Oak City have access to the best possible lung cancer care.

The information presented here provides a framework for understanding the complexities of lung cancer care within the 27857 ZIP code. To further explore the healthcare landscape in Oak City and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice types, and service availability, we invite you to visit CartoChrome maps.