27919, Belvidere, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27919, Belvidere, North Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.48 percent of the residents in 27919 has some form of health insurance. 40.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.35 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 27919 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 163 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27919. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 137 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,218 health care providers accessible to residents in 27919, Belvidere, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Belvidere, NC (ZIP Code 27919)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score ranking for physicians within the 27919 ZIP code, focusing on primary care availability in Belvidere, North Carolina. The evaluation considers factors crucial for lung cancer prevention, early detection, and comprehensive patient care. The goal is to offer insights into the local healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management rests upon accessible primary care. Belvidere, a rural community, faces potential challenges regarding physician availability. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to appointment delays, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially missed opportunities for screening and early intervention. This analysis will attempt to quantify the physician-to-patient ratio within the 27919 ZIP code, comparing it to state and national averages. Data sources will include publicly available information from the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Standout practices within the area are identified based on their commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening. This assessment considers factors like the availability of smoking cessation programs, the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient patient management, and the proactive use of lung cancer screening guidelines, particularly for individuals with a history of smoking. Practices that actively promote and facilitate low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients will receive a higher score. This involves evaluating their internal processes, staff training, and patient education materials related to lung cancer risk factors and screening protocols.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers exist. The analysis will assess the extent to which local primary care practices offer telemedicine services for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, providing convenient and accessible care options, will be recognized. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the availability of virtual appointments, and the ability to provide remote patient monitoring.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a significant emotional impact on patients and their families. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the local healthcare system. This includes assessing the presence of on-site counselors, therapists, or psychiatrists, as well as partnerships with external mental health providers. Practices that offer integrated mental health support, either directly or through referrals, will be given a higher score. This involves evaluating the accessibility of these resources, the availability of mental health professionals, and the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan.

A critical aspect of the analysis involves evaluating the awareness and implementation of lung cancer screening guidelines. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual LDCT screening for individuals aged 50-80 years with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. The analysis will assess the extent to which local practices adhere to these guidelines, including the use of risk assessment tools, patient education, and the ordering of LDCT scans for eligible patients. Practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to screening and early detection will be highly ranked.

The assessment also considers the availability of support services for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. This includes access to patient navigators, support groups, and educational resources. Patient navigators play a crucial role in guiding patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and providing emotional support. The analysis will evaluate the presence of these services within the local healthcare network and the extent to which they are accessible to patients.

The Lung Cancer Score ranking will be based on a weighted scoring system, considering all the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in lung cancer care. The practices will be ranked based on their total score, with higher scores indicating a greater commitment to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and comprehensive patient care.

The analysis will also identify any gaps in care and areas needing improvement. This could include a shortage of primary care physicians, limited access to mental health services, or a lack of awareness of lung cancer screening guidelines. The findings will be used to inform recommendations for improving the quality of lung cancer care in Belvidere.

The final Lung Cancer Score ranking will be a valuable resource for patients seeking primary care in the 27919 ZIP code. It will provide a clear and concise overview of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each practice. This information will empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for their needs. The analysis aims to promote transparency and accountability within the healthcare system, ultimately improving the quality of care for individuals at risk of or affected by lung cancer.

The analysis will strive to provide a balanced and objective assessment, relying on publicly available data and information gathered from healthcare providers. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and reliable resource for patients and healthcare professionals alike. The analysis will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and to ensure that the information remains current and relevant.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Belvidere and the surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to easily identify healthcare resources and assess access to care.