28205, Charlotte, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28205, Charlotte, North Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.82 percent of the residents in 28205 has some form of health insurance. 28.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.86 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 28205 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11,172 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 82 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28205. An estimate of 28 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,444 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 50,033 health care providers accessible to residents in 28205, Charlotte, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis of Healthcare Resources in ZIP Code 28205, Charlotte

This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment of healthcare resources available in ZIP Code 28205, Charlotte, North Carolina. This score considers factors crucial for lung cancer patients, including primary care access, specialist availability, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all within the context of the local healthcare landscape. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the resources available to individuals facing this challenging disease, and to highlight areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon strong primary care. ZIP Code 28205, like many urban areas, likely experiences fluctuations in primary care physician (PCP) availability. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses, longer wait times for appointments, and difficulty establishing a consistent patient-physician relationship. Research into the specific ratio within 28205 is essential. Data from organizations like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, combined with information on practice sizes and patient demographics, would provide a clear picture. Areas with limited PCP access may necessitate strategies like community health clinics or expanded nurse practitioner and physician assistant roles to bridge the gap.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The analysis would investigate the practices within 28205, identifying those that demonstrate exceptional care. This includes assessing factors like patient satisfaction scores, adherence to preventative screening guidelines (specifically for lung cancer, such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), and the utilization of electronic health records for efficient information sharing. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrating a commitment to patient education and shared decision-making would receive higher marks. The presence of dedicated care coordinators, especially those specializing in cancer care, would significantly enhance the score.

The availability of specialists is a crucial element. Lung cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, necessitating access to pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists. The analysis would pinpoint the location of these specialists within and around 28205, assessing their proximity and the ease of access to their services. This includes evaluating wait times for consultations, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (like PET scans), and the presence of comprehensive cancer centers. The score would be positively impacted by the presence of a multidisciplinary tumor board, where specialists collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans.

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access, especially for patients in underserved areas or with mobility limitations. The analysis would evaluate the adoption of telemedicine services by healthcare providers in 28205. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education and support. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine to improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, would be viewed favorably. The integration of telehealth into the overall care pathway, rather than as an isolated service, would be a key factor.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Mental health support is an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. The analysis would investigate the availability of mental health resources within 28205, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. The presence of oncology-specific mental health services, such as therapists specializing in cancer-related trauma and anxiety, would be highly valued. The integration of mental health services into the cancer care pathway, with seamless referrals and collaborative care, would be a significant factor in the score.

Beyond the individual practices, the analysis would consider the broader healthcare ecosystem in Charlotte. This includes assessing the presence of community resources, such as cancer support organizations, patient advocacy groups, and financial assistance programs. The analysis would also consider the level of collaboration and communication between healthcare providers, hospitals, and community organizations. A well-coordinated system, where patients receive seamless care and support, would contribute positively to the overall score.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would be a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. Regular updates would be necessary to account for changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the emergence of innovative treatment approaches. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the score remains a relevant and valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The final score would be a composite of the factors described above, weighted based on their relative importance to patient outcomes. The score would not be a simple numerical value but rather a nuanced assessment, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare resources available in 28205. The analysis would identify areas where resources are abundant and areas where improvements are needed. This information can then be used to guide healthcare planning and resource allocation, ultimately improving the quality of care for lung cancer patients in Charlotte.

The goal is to provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting the key elements that contribute to effective lung cancer care. This includes access to primary care, specialist availability, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. By understanding the resources available and identifying areas for improvement, we can work towards ensuring that all individuals facing this challenging disease receive the best possible care.

To visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape in 28205 and across Charlotte, we invite you to explore the power of spatial data. Leverage the insights of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, healthcare resource distribution, and patient access. Explore the possibilities and make informed decisions.