27865, Pinetown, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27865, Pinetown, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.42 percent of the residents in 27865 has some form of health insurance. 26.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.27 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 27865 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 532 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27865. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 485 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,130 health care providers accessible to residents in 27865, Pinetown, North Carolina.

The following analysis assesses lung cancer care within ZIP Code 27865 (Pinetown, North Carolina), focusing on primary care availability and related factors. This evaluation aims to provide insights into the accessibility and quality of care for individuals potentially facing lung cancer diagnoses and treatment within this specific geographic area. It is crucial to understand that this is a hypothetical analysis, based on publicly available information and general healthcare trends, and should not be considered a definitive medical assessment.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests heavily on accessible and robust primary care. Early detection, through screening and prompt referral, significantly improves patient outcomes. Pinetown, a rural community, faces potential challenges in this regard, primarily concerning physician-to-patient ratios. National averages often don’t translate well to rural settings, where the availability of primary care physicians can be limited. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses.

Assessing primary care availability involves considering the number of practicing physicians, the population size, and the geographic distribution of healthcare facilities. While specific data on physician counts within 27865 is difficult to obtain without specialized tools or direct surveys, publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates of primary care shortage areas. If Pinetown is designated as a shortage area, it would indicate a significant need for increased access to primary care services. This would impact the community's overall Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond physician numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This encompasses the scope of services offered, the integration of preventative care, and the ability to effectively manage chronic conditions. Practices that prioritize preventative screenings, such as those recommended for lung cancer (for eligible individuals based on age and smoking history), would contribute positively to the score. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another crucial factor, enabling better coordination of care and facilitating seamless information exchange between primary care physicians and specialists.

Standout practices within the area, if any, could be identified through patient reviews, online ratings, and local community feedback. These practices might be recognized for their patient-centered approach, their commitment to preventative care, or their ability to provide comprehensive services. The presence of board-certified physicians in family medicine, internal medicine, or other relevant specialties would also be a positive indicator. These practices, if identified, would significantly improve the overall Lung Cancer Score for the area.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources remotely. Practices that offer telemedicine services, particularly for chronic disease management or specialist consultations, would enhance the Lung Cancer Score. This is especially relevant for follow-up care and supportive services for patients undergoing lung cancer treatment.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential for providing supportive care. Practices that integrate mental health services, either directly or through referrals, would contribute positively to the score. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, would further enhance the availability of mental health support.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this hypothetical analysis, would consider these factors collectively. A high score would indicate robust primary care availability, a commitment to preventative care, the adoption of telemedicine, and access to mental health resources. A lower score would suggest potential challenges in these areas, potentially impacting the timely diagnosis and effective management of lung cancer. The score is not a simple numerical value but a holistic assessment based on the interplay of various factors.

Specific examples of practices and their features would be needed to provide a more concrete score. However, we can hypothesize that a practice offering lung cancer screening, integrated mental health services, and telemedicine options would be a strong contributor to a high score. Conversely, a practice with limited availability, no telemedicine options, and no apparent mental health support would negatively impact the score.

The availability of specialized cancer care, such as oncology services and radiation therapy, is also a crucial consideration, although it is likely that patients in Pinetown would need to travel to larger medical centers for these services. The proximity to such centers and the ease of transportation would indirectly impact the overall care experience and thus, the Lung Cancer Score. This underscores the importance of coordinated care and effective communication between primary care physicians and specialists.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 27865 is a complex assessment. It relies on the availability and quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the accessibility of specialized cancer care. While this analysis provides a framework for evaluation, a comprehensive assessment would require more detailed data and on-the-ground investigation.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of care providers, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. They can provide valuable insights into healthcare access within Pinetown and surrounding areas.