27897, Woodland, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27897, Woodland, North Carolina is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.78 percent of the residents in 27897 has some form of health insurance. 49.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.60 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 27897 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 383 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27897. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 322 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 557 health care providers accessible to residents in 27897, Woodland, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Woodland, NC (ZIP Code 27897)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care accessibility and support within Woodland, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27897), focusing on primary care physician availability and related healthcare resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem, particularly regarding its capacity to address the needs of individuals at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer. This assessment is not a comprehensive medical evaluation but rather a data-driven overview to inform potential patients and healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection, through screening and prompt referral, significantly improves patient outcomes. In Woodland, the availability of primary care physicians is crucial. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. This involves analyzing the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the estimated population. A low ratio could indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and preventative care. Data sources such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau are essential for this calculation. The analysis will also examine the geographic distribution of these physicians, considering whether they are clustered in specific areas or more evenly dispersed throughout the community.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The analysis will identify any standout practices within the area. This involves researching practices with exemplary patient satisfaction scores, positive online reviews, and accreditations from recognized healthcare organizations. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including proactive screening for lung cancer risk factors (such as smoking history and exposure to environmental hazards), will be highlighted. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate whether any practices specialize in chronic disease management, which is often a co-morbidity in lung cancer patients.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in assessing healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and provide patients with convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. The analysis will investigate the extent to which local primary care practices offer telemedicine services. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and the integration of telehealth platforms into the overall care process. The analysis will consider the ease of use of these platforms for patients, especially those with limited technological literacy.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes identifying mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, who are accepting new patients. The analysis will also assess the availability of support groups, counseling services, and other mental health programs specifically tailored to cancer patients and their families. Proximity to these resources is crucial; the analysis will investigate the distance patients need to travel to access these services.

The presence of specialized cancer care facilities in the broader region is also critical. While Woodland may not have its own oncology centers, the analysis will explore the proximity of nearby hospitals and clinics offering comprehensive cancer care. This includes assessing the availability of oncologists, radiation therapists, surgical oncologists, and other specialists involved in lung cancer treatment. The analysis will consider the travel time required to access these facilities, as well as the availability of transportation options for patients.

Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the availability of patient navigation services. Patient navigators assist individuals in navigating the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and providing emotional support. The presence of such services can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of care. The analysis will identify any patient navigation programs offered by local healthcare providers or community organizations.

The analysis will also consider the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are crucial for preventing the disease and improving patient outcomes. The analysis will identify local programs that offer counseling, medication, and other support services to help individuals quit smoking. The availability of these resources will be assessed based on accessibility, cost, and effectiveness.

Financial considerations also play a significant role in healthcare access. The analysis will investigate the availability of financial assistance programs for lung cancer patients. This includes identifying organizations that offer financial aid for treatment costs, medication expenses, and other related needs. The analysis will also assess the acceptance of various insurance plans by local healthcare providers.

Finally, the analysis will consider the overall health of the community. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and environmental conditions can impact lung cancer risk and outcomes. The analysis will incorporate data on these factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Woodland.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Woodland, NC (ZIP Code 27897) is a complex assessment. It considers the availability and quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, access to specialized cancer care, patient navigation services, smoking cessation programs, financial assistance, and community health indicators. A comprehensive analysis of these factors will provide a valuable overview of the local healthcare ecosystem and its capacity to address the needs of individuals at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics, explore the power of spatial data. Visit CartoChrome maps to unlock interactive visualizations and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Woodland, NC, and beyond.