27983, Windsor, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27983, Windsor, North Carolina is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.97 percent of the residents in 27983 has some form of health insurance. 41.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.17 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 27983 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,671 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27983. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,754 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 135 health care providers accessible to residents in 27983, Windsor, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Windsor, NC (ZIP Code 27983)

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care in Windsor, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. We must examine the available resources, from physician accessibility to the integration of modern technologies, to assess the overall quality of care for individuals facing this challenging disease. This analysis will focus on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Windsor, NC, specifically within the 27983 ZIP code, and the potential impact on early detection and treatment of lung cancer.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer management lies in early detection. This often begins with a primary care physician, who can identify risk factors, order necessary screenings, and provide initial guidance. Therefore, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor in determining the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for a given area.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Windsor, like many rural communities, likely faces challenges regarding physician-to-patient ratios. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors 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, along with national averages, should be consulted to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the 27983 ZIP code. This ratio will serve as a foundational element in the Lung Cancer Score calculation. It’s essential to compare this ratio to state and national benchmarks to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care.

**Primary Care Availability in Windsor:**

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within Windsor is also crucial. Are the existing physicians geographically accessible to all residents, including those in more remote areas? Do they accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, to ensure access for vulnerable populations? The presence of any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in the area is also significant. FQHCs often provide comprehensive care, including preventative services and chronic disease management, to underserved communities. These factors will be weighed to determine the "availability" component of the Lung Cancer Score.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices in Windsor requires evaluating several factors. These include the presence of board-certified physicians, the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) for improved care coordination, and the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and management. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs and offer patient education materials will also score higher. We need to examine if any practices are actively participating in clinical trials related to lung cancer treatment, as this indicates a commitment to advancing care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Role:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Windsor, NC, is a crucial element of the Lung Cancer Score. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, or follow-up appointments? Are they equipped to conduct virtual lung cancer screenings or provide remote monitoring for patients undergoing treatment? Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, reduce travel time for patients, and enhance communication between patients and their healthcare providers.

**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component:**

A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can take a significant toll on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in assessing the quality of care. Does the primary care practice offer on-site counseling services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals in the community? Are there support groups available for lung cancer patients and their families? The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is essential for supporting patients through the emotional challenges of the disease.

**Specifics for the 27983 ZIP Code:**

To generate a truly insightful Lung Cancer Score, we need specific data for the 27983 ZIP code. This includes:

* **Number of PCPs:** The exact number of PCPs practicing within the 27983 ZIP code.
* **Specialty Breakdown:** The specialties of these PCPs, including family medicine, internal medicine, and any other relevant specializations.
* **Insurance Acceptance:** The insurance plans accepted by each practice, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.
* **Telemedicine Capabilities:** The extent to which each practice utilizes telemedicine for patient care.
* **Mental Health Partnerships:** The presence of on-site mental health services or referral pathways to mental health professionals.
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** The availability of smoking cessation programs and resources within the practices.
* **Lung Cancer Screening Practices:** The practices’ adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines, including the use of low-dose CT scans.
* **Patient Education Materials:** The availability of patient education materials related to lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.

**Calculating the Lung Cancer Score:**

The Lung Cancer Score will be calculated based on a weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will each contribute to the overall score. The weighting of each factor will be determined based on its relative importance in providing quality lung cancer care.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the quality of lung cancer care in Windsor, NC, requires a comprehensive evaluation of the available resources and the practices of healthcare providers. By examining physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can gain a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This analysis serves as a starting point for improving access to care and ensuring that residents of Windsor have the best possible chance of early detection and successful treatment of lung cancer.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Windsor, NC, and to explore the distribution of healthcare resources within the 27983 ZIP code, visit CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping tools can provide valuable insights into physician locations, clinic accessibility, and other relevant data points.