27953, Manns Harbor, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27953, Manns Harbor, North Carolina is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.12 percent of the residents in 27953 has some form of health insurance. 42.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.59 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 27953 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 106 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27953. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 197 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 840 health care providers accessible to residents in 27953, Manns Harbor, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Manns Harbor, NC (ZIP Code 27953)

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare in Manns Harbor, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27953), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as a "Lung Cancer Score," evaluates key factors impacting access to quality care, specifically focusing on primary care availability and the resources available to address the complex needs of patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This includes access to physicians, mental health support, and the utilization of modern technologies like telemedicine. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any strong healthcare system lies in the availability of primary care physicians. In Manns Harbor, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, coupled with information from the American Medical Association and local hospital systems, needs to be thoroughly examined. This will reveal the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, compared to the population size. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care providers, presents a significant challenge. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, limited access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. This directly impacts a patient’s chance of early detection and successful treatment of lung cancer.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. Examining the practices within and around Manns Harbor involves assessing several factors. Are practices accepting new patients? What are the insurance plans they accept? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they have a robust electronic health record system that facilitates seamless communication and information sharing with specialists? Are they equipped to perform basic diagnostic tests, such as spirometry, a crucial test for assessing lung function? These details are crucial for a comprehensive evaluation.

Standout practices are those that excel in patient-centered care. This includes a commitment to preventative medicine, patient education, and proactive communication. Practices that actively screen for lung cancer risk factors, such as smoking history and exposure to environmental hazards, are particularly valuable. They should also have established referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. Furthermore, practices that prioritize patient education, providing clear and concise information about lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options, play a vital role in empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Manns Harbor. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices is a key component of the "Lung Cancer Score." Does the practice offer virtual consultations? Can patients access their medical records and communicate with their physician online? Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments, or who live far from specialists. It can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, allowing for early detection of complications and improved patient outcomes.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is immense. Mental health resources are therefore an integral part of effective care. The "Lung Cancer Score" must consider the availability of mental health services within and around Manns Harbor. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, readily accessible? Do primary care practices have established referral pathways to these services? Are there support groups or counseling programs specifically designed for cancer patients and their families? Access to mental health support can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of treatment.

The integration of all these elements – physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – provides a holistic view of the healthcare landscape. This information allows us to formulate a more accurate "Lung Cancer Score" for Manns Harbor. A high score indicates a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to support patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This includes ample access to primary care, a commitment to preventative medicine, readily available mental health services, and the utilization of telemedicine to expand access. Conversely, a low score suggests significant challenges in accessing care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and poorer patient outcomes.

The limitations of this analysis must also be acknowledged. The data used for this assessment is constantly evolving. The "Lung Cancer Score" is a snapshot in time, and the healthcare landscape can change rapidly. Furthermore, this analysis is based on publicly available information and may not capture the full complexity of the healthcare system. The specific experiences of individual patients will vary.

However, this analysis provides a valuable starting point for understanding the healthcare resources available in Manns Harbor, North Carolina. It highlights areas of strength and areas that require improvement. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions and advocate for better healthcare access in this community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Manns Harbor and visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing data, identifying patterns, and making informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation.