27944, Hertford, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27944, Hertford, North Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.86 percent of the residents in 27944 has some form of health insurance. 49.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.37 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 27944 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27944. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,278 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,210 health care providers accessible to residents in 27944, Hertford, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Hertford, NC (ZIP Code 27944)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources within Hertford, North Carolina (ZIP code 27944), focusing specifically on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This evaluation will help understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, particularly for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. Regular check-ups, screenings, and preventative measures are crucial for early detection and improved outcomes. Hertford's primary care availability, therefore, is a primary consideration. The physician-to-patient ratio within the 27944 ZIP code is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alongside publicly available physician directories, will be examined to estimate this ratio. The analysis will also consider the types of primary care providers available, including family physicians, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners, as each offers unique expertise.

Standout practices within the community will be assessed based on their commitment to lung cancer prevention and early detection. This includes evaluating their screening protocols for high-risk individuals, such as those with a history of smoking or exposure to other carcinogens. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs and provide resources for quitting will be given higher consideration. The availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening, a crucial tool for early lung cancer detection, is also a key factor. The analysis will identify practices offering LDCT screening and evaluate their adherence to established screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

The integration of telemedicine is another crucial aspect of modern healthcare delivery. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals in rural areas like Hertford. The analysis will evaluate the adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices and specialists. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists located outside of Hertford, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not have a physical presence in the area. The ability to remotely monitor patients' health conditions, especially those undergoing treatment for lung cancer, is another critical benefit of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within Hertford, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. It will assess whether primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. The presence of support groups specifically for cancer patients and their families will be considered a positive indicator of community support.

Furthermore, the analysis will look at the availability of specialized services relevant to lung cancer treatment. While Hertford may not have a full-fledged oncology center, the proximity to such facilities in neighboring towns or cities will be considered. The analysis will evaluate the ease of access to these specialized services, including transportation options and the efficiency of referral processes. The availability of palliative care services, which focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced cancer, will also be evaluated.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses identified across these various factors. Each factor will be assigned a weighted score based on its importance in lung cancer care. The final score will provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Hertford, highlighting areas where the community excels and areas where improvements are needed. The score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing residents and healthcare providers to quickly understand the overall quality of care available.

The data for this analysis will be gathered from various sources. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Census Bureau, and physician directories will be utilized. Information will also be gathered from local healthcare providers through website reviews, and potentially through direct outreach. The analysis will strive to provide a realistic and objective assessment of the healthcare landscape in Hertford.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will serve as a valuable resource for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It can be used to inform decisions about healthcare utilization, resource allocation, and community health initiatives. The analysis will identify areas where improvements are needed and provide recommendations for enhancing the quality of lung cancer care in Hertford.

Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, this analysis aims to contribute to a healthier community for all residents of Hertford, North Carolina.