27869, Rich Square, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27869, Rich Square, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.30 percent of the residents in 27869 has some form of health insurance. 46.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.54 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 27869 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 208 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27869. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 469 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 618 health care providers accessible to residents in 27869, Rich Square, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27869 & Primary Care in Rich Square**

Analyzing healthcare resources within a specific geographic area, particularly concerning lung cancer care, necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 27869 and the availability of primary care in Rich Square, North Carolina, providing a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment based on several critical factors. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in the fight against lung cancer.

The physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 27869 is a foundational element. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, significantly impacting patient outcomes. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with national averages, provides an initial benchmark. We must account for the availability of specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. A higher concentration of these specialists, even with a seemingly low primary care physician ratio, can mitigate the impact on lung cancer care. Researching the number of specialists within a reasonable driving distance from 27869 is essential.

Primary care availability in Rich Square is a critical component. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. Their ability to screen for lung cancer, order necessary tests, and refer patients to specialists is paramount. Assessing the number of PCPs in Rich Square, their acceptance of new patients, and their average wait times for appointments are vital indicators. Furthermore, the quality of care provided by these PCPs, including their experience with lung cancer screening and diagnosis, will be factored into the score.

Identifying standout medical practices within or near 27869 is crucial. This involves investigating practices known for their expertise in lung cancer care. We must look for practices that utilize advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for early detection. Furthermore, the availability of multidisciplinary teams, comprising pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists, is a significant advantage. Patient testimonials, practice reviews, and participation in clinical trials are additional indicators of excellence. Investigating the accreditation status of local hospitals and clinics, particularly those specializing in cancer care, provides further insight.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate follow-up appointments. Assessing the extent to which practices in and around 27869 utilize telemedicine for lung cancer care is necessary. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to patient portals for communication and information sharing. The ease of access to these technologies and the training provided to patients are also important considerations.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but they are vital for lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can cause significant emotional distress. Assessing the availability of mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, within 27869 and the surrounding areas is essential. Examining the integration of mental health services into the cancer care pathway, such as offering counseling during treatment, will be considered. The accessibility and affordability of these services will also be factored into the score.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite score, incorporating all the factors mentioned above. Each factor will be weighted based on its relative importance in providing effective lung cancer care. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability will be weighted heavily, as they are fundamental to accessing care. The presence of specialists and the adoption of advanced technologies will also be significant factors. The availability of mental health resources will be considered a crucial supporting element. The final score will reflect the overall strength of the healthcare infrastructure in 27869 and the availability of primary care in Rich Square.

The analysis will not include specific names of doctors or practices, as the focus is on the overall healthcare landscape. The final score will provide a general assessment of the area's preparedness to handle lung cancer cases. The score will be presented as a rating, such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor," with a detailed explanation of the rationale behind the rating. This will include specific examples of strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system.

The assessment will also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact lung cancer outcomes. This includes the prevalence of smoking, access to health insurance, and the overall health literacy of the population. These factors will be considered when interpreting the score and providing recommendations for improvement.

The analysis will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes monitoring the addition of new specialists, the adoption of new technologies, and changes in the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an accurate and up-to-date assessment of the healthcare resources available to lung cancer patients in 27869 and the surrounding areas.

The final report will also provide recommendations for improvement. This may include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding access to specialists, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and improving the availability of mental health resources. The recommendations will be tailored to the specific needs of the area.

To visualize this data and explore the healthcare landscape of 27869 and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available.