28173, Waxhaw, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28173, Waxhaw, North Carolina is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.21 percent of the residents in 28173 has some form of health insurance. 18.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.64 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 28173 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 19,695 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 79 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28173. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,957 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 30,245 health care providers accessible to residents in 28173, Waxhaw, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Waxhaw, NC (ZIP Code 28173)

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Waxhaw, North Carolina (ZIP code 28173) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice quality, access to innovative care models, and the integration of mental health support. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for individuals facing this challenging disease.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care is access to qualified medical professionals. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is paramount. While precise figures fluctuate, the availability of oncologists, pulmonologists, and primary care physicians (PCPs) within a reasonable radius of Waxhaw is a critical determinant of the score. A higher density of specialists, particularly oncologists and pulmonologists with specific expertise in lung cancer, translates to improved access to timely diagnosis, staging, and treatment. The presence of a robust network of PCPs is also vital. They serve as the initial point of contact, crucial for early detection through screening and referral. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to delays in care, negatively impacting the overall score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of individual practices significantly influences the score. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. This includes the experience and credentials of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., low-dose CT scanners), and the utilization of evidence-based treatment protocols. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems often benefit from access to cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary teams, which can contribute to a higher score. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys also provide valuable insights into the patient experience, reflecting the practice's commitment to compassionate and effective care.

The adoption of telemedicine is a modern metric of importance. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. For lung cancer patients, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, reducing the burden of travel and improving convenience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, receive a boost to their score. This demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to patient care and a commitment to accessibility.

Furthermore, the integration of mental health resources is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The availability of on-site or readily accessible mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is a significant factor in assessing the overall quality of care. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients, providing resources to cope with anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges, are viewed favorably. This holistic approach to care contributes to a higher score.

The concept of "primary care availability" in Waxhaw is central to this assessment. Primary care physicians are the gatekeepers to the healthcare system, playing a vital role in lung cancer prevention, early detection, and coordinated care. A robust primary care network, with sufficient PCPs to serve the population, is essential. This includes the availability of same-day appointments, extended office hours, and efficient referral processes. A strong primary care infrastructure ensures that individuals have timely access to screening, diagnosis, and specialist referrals, ultimately improving their chances of successful treatment.

The score is also impacted by the availability of specialized services. The presence of radiation oncology facilities, surgical oncology capabilities, and access to advanced therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, are crucial. Practices with access to these services, either on-site or through strong referral networks, are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. The ability to offer multidisciplinary care, where oncologists, surgeons, pulmonologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists collaborate on a patient's treatment plan, is a significant advantage.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, the score also considers the availability of support services. This includes access to patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, and financial assistance programs, which can help patients manage the costs of treatment. The availability of educational resources, such as support groups and educational materials, can empower patients to take an active role in their care.

The score is not a static number but rather a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. Regular updates are necessary to account for changes in physician availability, practice quality, the adoption of new technologies, and the integration of mental health services. This ongoing evaluation is crucial for ensuring that patients in Waxhaw have access to the best possible care.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide a clear and concise picture of the lung cancer care landscape in Waxhaw, NC. The "Lung Cancer Score" is a tool to help patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem. By identifying areas for improvement, this analysis can contribute to better patient outcomes and a more supportive environment for those facing this challenging disease.

To gain a visual understanding of physician locations, practice proximity, and healthcare resource distribution within Waxhaw and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. They provide an interactive and data-rich visualization of the healthcare landscape.