27884, Stokes, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27884, Stokes, North Carolina is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.82 percent of the residents in 27884 has some form of health insurance. 18.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.57 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 27884 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 579 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 117 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27884. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 77 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,303 health care providers accessible to residents in 27884, Stokes, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27884 and Primary Care Availability in Stokes County**

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare resources in ZIP code 27884 (Stokes County, North Carolina) with a specific focus on lung cancer care, primary care availability, and related factors. The goal is to assess the landscape of care, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, to provide actionable insights for patients and healthcare providers. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in the continuum of care for lung cancer patients.

The healthcare ecosystem in ZIP code 27884 is intrinsically linked to the broader Stokes County landscape. Primary care serves as the crucial gateway to specialized care, including oncology. The availability and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) significantly impact early detection and management of lung cancer. A robust primary care infrastructure, with adequate staffing and resources, facilitates timely referrals for screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is fundamental to understanding the availability of care. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to better access to care. However, this metric alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The distribution of physicians within the ZIP code, their specialties, and their willingness to accept new patients are equally important. Data on the number of PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists practicing within 27884, and their patient load, is critical for a complete picture. The county's overall population demographics, including age and socioeconomic factors, also play a role in determining the need for healthcare services.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating practices that demonstrate excellence in lung cancer care. This requires examining several factors. First, the presence of board-certified pulmonologists and oncologists is essential. Second, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scanners for lung cancer screening, is crucial. Third, the practice's adherence to established guidelines for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment is a key indicator of quality. Fourth, the practice's patient outcomes, including survival rates and patient satisfaction, provide valuable insights. Finally, the practice's integration of multidisciplinary care, involving pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and support staff, is a hallmark of a high-quality lung cancer program.

Telemedicine adoption has transformed healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Stokes County. Telemedicine allows patients to access specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. The availability of telemedicine services for lung cancer screening, follow-up appointments, and consultations with specialists is a significant advantage. Assessing the adoption rate of telemedicine among physicians in 27884, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with these services is essential. Telemedicine can also be a valuable tool for providing mental health support to lung cancer patients, who often experience anxiety and depression.

The importance of mental health resources for lung cancer patients cannot be overstated. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, is crucial for supporting patients throughout their journey. Assessing the availability of mental health services within 27884, including the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services for lung cancer patients, is vital. Integration of mental health services into the cancer care pathway is a hallmark of patient-centered care.

Primary care availability in Stokes County, the broader context of 27884, is a critical factor. The number of PCPs accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the geographical distribution of primary care clinics all influence access to care. The county's healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers, also plays a role. A strong primary care network facilitates early detection of lung cancer, leading to improved outcomes.

The analysis should also consider the availability of support services for lung cancer patients. These include patient navigators, support groups, and resources for financial assistance. Patient navigators help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, providing guidance and support throughout their treatment journey. Support groups offer a safe space for patients to share their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. Financial assistance programs can help patients with the costs of treatment, medications, and other expenses.

In conclusion, evaluating the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 27884 and Stokes County requires a multi-faceted approach. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the availability of mental health resources and support services are all essential components of a comprehensive assessment. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their care and empowering healthcare providers to improve the quality of care they deliver. This information is best visualized using geospatial analysis.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources in ZIP code 27884 and Stokes County, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions.