27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.21 percent of the residents in 27948 has some form of health insurance. 25.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.76 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 27948 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,947 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27948. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,109 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 847 health care providers accessible to residents in 27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on the provision of care for lung cancer patients within ZIP code 27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, emphasizing primary care availability and related resources. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, considering factors crucial for patient outcomes.

Assessing the healthcare infrastructure in Kill Devil Hills requires a multi-faceted approach, starting with the availability of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator. A higher ratio, reflecting more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. However, this metric alone is insufficient. The actual number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code needs to be determined. This includes family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board or the American Medical Association would be essential to gather this information. The analysis should also consider the age distribution of the population within 27948, as an older demographic might require more frequent medical attention, thus placing a greater demand on primary care resources.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices is crucial. Are these practices concentrated in specific areas, potentially creating healthcare deserts for some residents? Examining the geographic spread of these practices and their accessibility is important. This includes evaluating transportation options, especially for patients with mobility limitations. Public transportation availability and the proximity of practices to residential areas should be considered.

Standout practices within Kill Devil Hills could be identified by examining their patient reviews, accreditations, and specialized services. Practices that offer comprehensive care, including preventative screenings for lung cancer, would be highly valued. Does the practice have a dedicated lung cancer screening program, adhering to the latest guidelines from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force? The availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-rays or CT scans, can significantly improve patient convenience and expedite the diagnostic process. Furthermore, practices with a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication and shared decision-making, would be considered highly desirable.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in Kill Devil Hills involves determining if they offer virtual appointments, the types of services offered via telemedicine, and the ease of use of their telemedicine platforms. The availability of remote monitoring technologies, such as devices to track vital signs, could further enhance the quality of care for lung cancer patients.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referral networks is therefore crucial. The analysis needs to identify whether primary care practices have integrated mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, into their teams. Furthermore, the availability of referrals to specialized mental health services, including psychiatrists and support groups, should be evaluated. The accessibility of these resources, considering factors like insurance coverage and wait times, is also important.

The quality of care also depends on the availability of supportive services, such as smoking cessation programs. Lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking, and helping patients quit smoking is critical for improving their prognosis and quality of life. The analysis should assess whether primary care practices offer smoking cessation counseling, medication, or referrals to specialized programs. The availability of resources like patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the healthcare system and access support services, would also be a significant advantage.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Kill Devil Hills should also extend to the broader healthcare ecosystem. The proximity and accessibility of hospitals and specialist physicians, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, are essential. The analysis should identify the hospitals and specialist practices that serve the 27948 ZIP code and assess the ease of referral and coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists. The availability of advanced treatment options, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, within a reasonable distance is also important.

The analysis should also consider the financial aspects of healthcare. The acceptance of various insurance plans by primary care practices is crucial for ensuring access to care. The analysis should identify the insurance plans accepted by the practices in Kill Devil Hills. The availability of financial assistance programs for patients who struggle to afford their care, such as those offered by pharmaceutical companies or charitable organizations, should also be considered.

In conclusion, assessing the lung cancer care landscape in Kill Devil Hills (27948) requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the broader healthcare ecosystem. By considering these factors, a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure can be developed. This will help patients make informed decisions about their care.

To further enhance this analysis and gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kill Devil Hills, we recommend exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources. They provide a powerful tool for understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare services and identifying areas where access to care may be limited.