28120, Mount Holly, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28120, Mount Holly, North Carolina is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.48 percent of the residents in 28120 has some form of health insurance. 31.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.29 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 28120 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,757 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 14 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28120. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,401 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,044 health care providers accessible to residents in 28120, Mount Holly, North Carolina.

The following analysis provides a nuanced perspective on lung cancer care within ZIP code 28120 (Mount Holly, North Carolina), focusing on primary care availability and related factors. It is crucial to remember that this is an analytical overview, and individual experiences may vary.

Lung cancer, a formidable disease, demands a multi-faceted approach to care. Early detection, prompt diagnosis, and effective treatment are paramount. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the initial point of contact, playing a critical role in screening, risk assessment, and referrals. Therefore, the availability and quality of primary care resources directly impact the prognosis for individuals in Mount Holly.

Assessing primary care availability involves examining several key metrics. Physician-to-patient ratios offer a basic measure of access. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates greater availability. In Mount Holly, analyzing this ratio specifically requires data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. Publicly available data may provide a general overview, but a more granular analysis, ideally including insurance acceptance and practice specialization, would be beneficial. This data is dynamic, constantly changing due to physician recruitment, retirement, and population shifts.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices is essential. Are practices clustered in certain areas, potentially leaving underserved pockets? Are there enough practices that accept Medicare, Medicaid, and various private insurance plans to meet the needs of the community? An analysis of practice locations and patient demographics can reveal potential disparities in access.

Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in lung cancer prevention and early detection, can be identified through several criteria. Practices actively promoting smoking cessation programs and offering lung cancer screenings (particularly for high-risk individuals) are highly commendable. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient risk factors, manage referrals, and coordinate care is another indicator of quality. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. The availability of telehealth consultations for primary care visits, follow-up appointments, and even specialist referrals can reduce travel burdens and improve patient convenience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to innovation and patient-centered care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that offer or have readily available referrals to mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This integration of mental health services can improve patient outcomes and overall well-being.

Specific practices in Mount Holly that may be considered "standout" would be determined through a detailed analysis. This would involve a review of their websites, patient reviews, and potentially direct inquiries to the practices themselves. It would also require a review of the practices’ participation in community outreach programs, their commitment to continuing medical education, and their use of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and management.

The analysis would also incorporate information on the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, in the surrounding areas. The proximity of these specialists and the ease of referral from primary care practices are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The existence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, involving physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, can enhance the quality of care.

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the presence of support services, such as patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system. Patient navigators can assist with scheduling appointments, understanding treatment options, and accessing financial assistance programs. The availability of these services can significantly reduce the burden on patients and their families.

In addition to the above factors, the analysis would also consider the demographics of the population in Mount Holly. The prevalence of lung cancer risk factors, such as smoking, varies across different demographic groups. Tailoring screening and prevention efforts to the specific needs of the community can improve outcomes.

Finally, the analysis would assess the overall healthcare infrastructure in Mount Holly. This includes the availability of hospitals, imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities. The presence of these resources can improve access to care and ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment.

In conclusion, assessing lung cancer care in Mount Holly (ZIP code 28120) requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. While this analysis provides a general overview, a more detailed investigation is needed to identify specific strengths and weaknesses within the healthcare system.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape of Mount Holly and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and demographic data, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resources in your community.