27950, Knotts Island, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27950, Knotts Island, North Carolina is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.57 percent of the residents in 27950 has some form of health insurance. 22.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.57 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 27950 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 358 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27950. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 220 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 188 health care providers accessible to residents in 27950, Knotts Island, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Knotts Island, NC (ZIP Code 27950)

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 27950 (Knotts Island, North Carolina), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, with a particular emphasis on primary care availability. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, all crucial elements impacting patient outcomes.

Knotts Island, a geographically isolated community, presents unique challenges and opportunities for healthcare delivery. Its relative remoteness necessitates a careful examination of resource availability and accessibility. The success of lung cancer management hinges on proactive primary care, which serves as the initial point of contact for patients and plays a vital role in screening, diagnosis, and referral.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within Knotts Island requires accessing up-to-date data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, given the community's small population and rural nature, it is highly probable that the physician-to-patient ratio is less favorable compared to more urban areas. This scarcity of physicians underscores the importance of maximizing the efficiency and reach of existing healthcare providers.

The availability of primary care physicians is a critical indicator. Limited access to primary care physicians can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, potentially impacting lung cancer survival rates. The analysis must investigate the number of primary care practices serving the area, the types of services they offer (e.g., preventative care, chronic disease management), and their acceptance of insurance plans. Furthermore, the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable travel distance is a significant factor.

**Standout Practices and their Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key metrics. These include the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening (e.g., using low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), the implementation of patient-centered care models, and the integration of technology to improve patient outcomes.

A practice that excels in lung cancer care might demonstrate a proactive approach to screening, offering smoking cessation programs, and educating patients about risk factors. They would also have established referral pathways to specialists and provide clear communication with patients throughout the diagnostic and treatment process. Furthermore, practices that prioritize patient education and empower individuals to take an active role in their health are likely to achieve better outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine holds immense potential to improve healthcare access in rural areas like Knotts Island. The adoption of telemedicine platforms allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. This is particularly important for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations with specialists.

The analysis should assess the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), the technology infrastructure available, and the training provided to both physicians and patients. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow are likely to enhance access to care and improve patient outcomes.

**Mental Health Resources and their Significance:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common among cancer patients. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive lung cancer care.

The analysis must investigate the availability of mental health services in Knotts Island and the surrounding areas. This includes assessing the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists available, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group support), and their acceptance of insurance plans. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices is a positive indicator. Practices that provide access to mental health professionals or offer referrals to mental health resources are better equipped to support patients throughout their cancer journey.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis of the above factors, a "Lung Cancer Score" can be assigned to the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27950. This score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer-related care. The score would take into account the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

A high score would indicate a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to prevent, detect, and treat lung cancer. This would include a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of practices that adhere to evidence-based guidelines, the widespread adoption of telemedicine, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would suggest a healthcare environment that faces significant challenges in providing lung cancer care, potentially due to limited access to physicians, a lack of screening programs, or inadequate mental health support.

**Conclusion:**

The assessment of healthcare resources in Knotts Island (ZIP Code 27950) reveals a complex picture. The community's rural setting presents challenges in accessing care, particularly in terms of physician availability and specialized services. However, the potential of telemedicine and the importance of integrating mental health resources offer opportunities to improve patient outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape is essential for developing strategies to enhance lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

To further explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and access to care within Knotts Island and surrounding areas, consider utilizing the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and facilitating informed decision-making.