28107, Midland, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28107, Midland, North Carolina is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.86 percent of the residents in 28107 has some form of health insurance. 17.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.28 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 28107 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,257 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28107. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,022 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,429 health care providers accessible to residents in 28107, Midland, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Midland, NC (ZIP Code 28107)

This analysis provides a nuanced perspective on lung cancer care within ZIP Code 28107 (Midland, North Carolina), focusing on primary care availability, physician resources, and related support systems. The goal is to establish a "Lung Cancer Score" based on readily available data and insights, offering a snapshot of the healthcare landscape for individuals facing this disease. This score, while not a definitive clinical assessment, aims to highlight strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. In Midland, assessing this requires examining the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial for early detection, screening, and ongoing management. A low physician-to-patient ratio can strain resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a robust PCP presence facilitates proactive care, including smoking cessation programs, which are vital in mitigating lung cancer risk.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Evaluating the "Lung Cancer Score" necessitates looking at the practices within 28107. Are they equipped with the latest diagnostic tools? Do they participate in lung cancer screening programs, such as those recommended for high-risk individuals? Do they offer comprehensive patient education and support services? These are critical factors that influence the overall quality of care. Identifying standout practices – those demonstrating a commitment to proactive screening, patient education, and coordinated care – is crucial. These practices often serve as models for others, driving improvements across the community.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly significant role in healthcare delivery, especially in rural or underserved areas. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can improve access to specialists, facilitate remote monitoring of patients, and provide convenient follow-up appointments. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Midland is vital. Practices utilizing telemedicine can potentially improve patient outcomes, reduce travel burdens, and enhance overall access to care. The "Lung Cancer Score" must consider the availability and integration of these technologies.

The psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Mental health resources are, therefore, an essential component of comprehensive care. The "Lung Cancer Score" must evaluate the availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, within and around 28107. Are these resources easily accessible to patients? Are there partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers to ensure seamless referrals and integrated care? Addressing the mental health needs of patients can significantly improve their quality of life and overall treatment outcomes.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the presence of specialists in the area. While primary care is the gateway to care, access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons is critical for timely diagnosis, treatment, and management of lung cancer. The "Lung Cancer Score" should assess the availability of these specialists, including their proximity to Midland, their expertise, and their ability to collaborate effectively with primary care physicians. The ability to quickly access specialized care significantly impacts patient outcomes.

Beyond specialist availability, the "Lung Cancer Score" should consider the presence of support services. This includes access to smoking cessation programs, patient navigators who can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, and support groups for patients and their families. These services can significantly improve the patient experience and contribute to better outcomes. The presence and accessibility of these resources are integral to a comprehensive care model.

The "Lung Cancer Score" should also consider the availability of clinical trials. Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in lung cancer research. Assessing the proximity of clinical trial sites and the ability of local physicians to refer patients to these trials is an important factor in the overall assessment.

The impact of socioeconomic factors cannot be ignored. The "Lung Cancer Score" should take into account the demographics of the population served by the primary care practices in 28107. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage, and access to transportation can significantly affect access to care and patient outcomes. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring equitable access to high-quality lung cancer care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static measure. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking changes in physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of support services. Regular updates will provide a more accurate and relevant assessment of the healthcare environment in Midland.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for 28107 is a multifaceted assessment. It considers physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist access, support services, clinical trial availability, and socioeconomic factors. While a comprehensive analysis requires detailed data, this framework provides a foundation for evaluating the local healthcare ecosystem and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and hospital locations, explore CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Midland, allowing for a more informed understanding of access to care.