27942, Harrellsville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27942, Harrellsville, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.99 percent of the residents in 27942 has some form of health insurance. 68.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.00 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 27942 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 69 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27942. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 226 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 668 health care providers accessible to residents in 27942, Harrellsville, North Carolina.

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care access within ZIP code 27942, encompassing Harrellsville, necessitates a nuanced understanding of several interconnected factors. This analysis aims to provide a 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, while focusing on the specific needs of this rural community.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Harrellsville, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical determinant of early detection and management of lung cancer. A low physician-to-patient ratio can create significant barriers to accessing timely screenings, diagnosis, and treatment. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced survival rates, and increased patient burden. While precise data on the physician-to-patient ratio in 27942 requires up-to-the-minute local data, publicly available resources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates. These estimates, combined with local knowledge, can reveal the degree of healthcare access.

Beyond physician numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices are crucial. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer comprehensive services, including preventative care, smoking cessation programs, and patient education? Practices that prioritize preventative care, including lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history), are essential. The availability of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as X-rays or CT scans, can streamline the diagnostic process, reducing the time between suspicion and confirmation of lung cancer. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is also critical. EHRs facilitate efficient communication between providers, improve care coordination, and enable data-driven decision-making.

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its potential to enhance access to care in Harrellsville is significant. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists, receive counseling, and participate in support groups without traveling long distances. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in 27942 directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine can provide more convenient and accessible care, improving patient outcomes. Assessing the type of telemedicine offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring) and its integration with existing workflows is essential.

The mental health component is often overlooked in cancer care, yet it is vital. A lung cancer diagnosis can lead to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Access to mental health resources, such as counseling and support groups, is crucial for patient well-being. Primary care practices that offer or refer patients to mental health services demonstrate a commitment to holistic care. The availability of these resources within 27942 directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. Identifying local mental health providers and assessing their capacity to serve cancer patients is a critical part of the analysis.

Standout practices within the area would be those that excel in several key areas. These would include practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, accepting new patients, offering comprehensive preventative care, and integrating telemedicine and mental health services. Practices that prioritize patient education, actively participate in community outreach programs, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous quality improvement would be considered exemplary. These practices often serve as models for others, raising the standard of care within the community.

The Lung Cancer Score, therefore, is not a single number but a composite assessment. It considers the availability of physicians, the characteristics of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score is weighted based on the relative importance of each factor, with physician availability and access to preventative care receiving the highest weights. The final score reflects the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in 27942.

The analysis also considers potential barriers to care. These may include transportation challenges, financial constraints, and cultural factors. Addressing these barriers is essential for ensuring equitable access to care for all residents of Harrellsville. Community outreach programs, patient navigation services, and financial assistance programs can play a vital role in mitigating these challenges.

The assessment of lung cancer care and primary care availability in 27942 is an ongoing process. Healthcare landscapes are dynamic, and regular updates are necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, and the adoption of new technologies. This continuous monitoring helps to identify areas for improvement and ensures that residents of Harrellsville have access to the best possible care.

The evaluation of the Lung Cancer Score also takes into account the availability of support services. These include smoking cessation programs, patient navigators, and support groups. Smoking cessation programs are crucial for preventing lung cancer, while patient navigators can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system. Support groups provide emotional support and a sense of community for patients and their families. The presence and accessibility of these support services significantly impact the overall quality of care.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Harrellsville, 27942, is determined by a complex interplay of factors. Physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are all critical components. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement.

For a comprehensive visual representation of healthcare access in your area, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and telemedicine availability, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can help you visualize the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare.