27956, Maple, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27956, Maple, North Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.03 percent of the residents in 27956 has some form of health insurance. 38.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.03 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 27956 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27956. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 32 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,082 health care providers accessible to residents in 27956, Maple, North Carolina.

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 27956, focusing on factors crucial for lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support, particularly in the context of Maple, North Carolina. The LCS aims to evaluate the healthcare landscape, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services. This is not a definitive medical ranking but a data-driven overview to inform patient awareness and healthcare improvements.

The foundation of a strong LCS rests on the accessibility of primary care. In Maple, the availability of PCPs is a critical initial assessment. This involves analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio, which is the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents. A higher ratio generally indicates better access to care, potentially leading to earlier detection of lung cancer symptoms. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with information from the US Census Bureau, allows for this calculation. A low physician-to-patient ratio warrants further investigation, possibly indicating long wait times for appointments or a shortage of healthcare providers.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are important. The LCS considers factors like the presence of board-certified physicians, the availability of extended hours, and the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). Practices with board-certified physicians often demonstrate a commitment to specialized training and ongoing professional development. Extended hours, including evening or weekend appointments, can improve access for working individuals and those with limited transportation options. The use of EHRs is crucial for efficient record-keeping, facilitating communication between providers, and potentially enabling early detection through data analysis.

A key component of the LCS is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine offers remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. For patients in rural areas like Maple, telemedicine can significantly reduce travel burdens and improve access to specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists. The LCS assesses the availability of telemedicine services within each practice, considering the types of services offered and the technology used. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to score higher, indicating a commitment to patient convenience and potentially earlier intervention.

Another critical factor is the availability of mental health resources. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is crucial for patient well-being. The LCS evaluates the presence of on-site mental health professionals or partnerships with external mental health providers. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have strong referral networks are likely to score higher, reflecting a holistic approach to patient care. This includes assessing the availability of support groups, counseling services, and access to psychiatric care.

Further, the LCS examines the practices’ screening protocols. Lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (smokers and former smokers), is a critical component of early detection. The LCS assesses whether practices actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screenings, including low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. Practices that follow established screening guidelines and offer comprehensive smoking cessation programs are likely to score higher, demonstrating a proactive approach to lung cancer prevention and early intervention. The availability of smoking cessation programs is particularly important in a region where smoking prevalence may be higher than the national average.

Specific practices in 27956 are then assessed. This involves identifying the established practices and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses based on the criteria outlined above. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, board-certified physicians, and robust telemedicine capabilities would likely receive a higher LCS. Conversely, a practice with limited hours, no telemedicine options, and no apparent mental health support would likely receive a lower score. This practice-level analysis provides a granular view of the healthcare landscape, allowing for comparisons and identifying areas for improvement.

The data used for the LCS is sourced from publicly available information, including physician directories, practice websites, and healthcare databases. This information is then combined with data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census Bureau to create a comprehensive assessment. The methodology ensures transparency and allows for continuous updates as new information becomes available.

The LCS also considers the practices' patient education efforts. Practices that provide educational materials on lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options are likely to score higher. This includes assessing the availability of patient-friendly resources, such as brochures, websites, and educational videos. Patient education empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and actively participate in their care.

The assessment also includes the practices’ responsiveness to patient needs. This involves evaluating patient reviews, feedback, and complaint resolution processes. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient satisfaction and address patient concerns effectively are likely to score higher. This includes assessing the availability of patient portals, which allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their providers, and schedule appointments online.

In addition to the practice-specific analysis, the LCS considers the overall healthcare infrastructure in Maple. This includes assessing the availability of hospitals, specialized clinics, and support services. The proximity of these resources can significantly impact patient outcomes. The LCS assesses the geographic accessibility of these resources and their capacity to provide comprehensive care.

The analysis of the healthcare environment also includes the integration of community resources. Practices that collaborate with local organizations, such as cancer support groups and community health centers, are likely to score higher. This collaboration can improve access to supportive services and provide patients with a broader network of support.

The LCS is not a static assessment. It is designed to be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Regular updates ensure that the LCS remains relevant and provides an accurate reflection of the healthcare environment in Maple.

The final LCS score for each practice and the overall healthcare environment in 27956 is presented in a clear and concise format. The score is accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the factors considered. This transparency allows for informed decision-making and encourages healthcare providers to strive for continuous improvement.

The data collected and analyzed is a snapshot in time. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, and changes occur frequently. The LCS provides a framework for understanding the current state of primary care in Maple and identifying areas for improvement. It serves as a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a comprehensive, interactive map visualizing the healthcare landscape in 27956, including the locations of practices, physician-to-patient ratios, and available services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a user-friendly interface to explore and analyze the data, empowering you to make informed decisions about your healthcare.