28269, Charlotte, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28269, Charlotte, North Carolina is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.60 percent of the residents in 28269 has some form of health insurance. 23.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.24 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 28269 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 19,521 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28269. An estimate of 20 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,437 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 20,070 health care providers accessible to residents in 28269, Charlotte, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score: Analysis for Doctors in ZIP Code 28269 & Primary Care Availability in Charlotte**

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and related resources within ZIP code 28269 (Charlotte, NC) and the broader Charlotte area. The goal is to evaluate the healthcare landscape's capacity to support early detection, diagnosis, and management of lung cancer, considering factors like physician access, technology integration, and mental health support.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and robust primary care. Early detection, often facilitated through routine screenings and prompt follow-up on concerning symptoms, significantly improves patient outcomes. Therefore, the availability of PCPs is paramount. Within ZIP code 28269, and across Charlotte, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Researching current physician-to-patient ratios in 28269, and comparing them to both the Charlotte average and national benchmarks, is essential for a comprehensive assessment. Publicly available data from organizations like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Department of Health & Human Services can provide this information.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the zip code matters. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, leaving other neighborhoods underserved? Identifying areas with limited access to primary care is crucial. This can be achieved by mapping the locations of PCP practices and overlaying them with demographic data, revealing potential disparities in access based on socioeconomic factors or geographic location. This geographical analysis is crucial to the score.

Furthermore, the quality of primary care practices is a significant factor. Some practices may stand out due to their commitment to preventative care, including proactive screening programs for lung cancer. Investigating practices that actively promote low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, as recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), is important. Practices that have robust systems for patient education about lung cancer risk factors, smoking cessation support, and follow-up care after abnormal findings should be highlighted. Reviewing patient testimonials and online ratings can provide insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key element. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas, and those with mobility limitations. Assessing the extent to which PCP practices in 28269 and Charlotte offer telemedicine consultations, virtual follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring capabilities is vital. This includes evaluating the ease of use of telemedicine platforms, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care workflow. Practices that effectively utilize telemedicine can potentially improve early detection rates, reduce the burden on patients, and improve overall outcomes.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging for patients. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of the Lung Cancer Score. Assessing the extent to which PCP practices in 28269 and Charlotte offer or refer patients to mental health services is necessary. This includes evaluating whether practices have on-site therapists or counselors, partnerships with mental health providers, and systems for screening patients for depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. The integration of mental health support into the care pathway is essential for addressing the psychological impact of lung cancer and improving patient well-being.

The Lung Cancer Score must also consider the availability of specialists. While PCPs are the first line of defense, timely referrals to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists are crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Assessing the average wait times for specialist appointments, the ease of referral processes, and the coordination of care between PCPs and specialists is important. Practices that have strong relationships with specialists and efficient referral systems can improve patient outcomes.

The integration of technology beyond telemedicine is also relevant. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively can improve care coordination, facilitate data sharing, and streamline communication between providers. Assessing the interoperability of EHR systems, the ability of patients to access their medical records online, and the use of data analytics to improve patient care is important. Practices that leverage technology to enhance efficiency and improve patient outcomes should be recognized.

Finally, the Lung Cancer Score should incorporate an assessment of community resources. Are there local support groups for lung cancer patients and their families? Are there organizations that provide financial assistance or other support services? The availability of these resources can significantly improve the patient experience and reduce the burden of the disease.

In conclusion, evaluating the Lung Cancer Score requires a multifaceted approach. It must consider physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the efficiency of specialist referrals, and the integration of technology and community resources. By assessing these factors, a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in 28269 and Charlotte can be created. This information can then inform efforts to improve access to care, promote early detection, and ultimately, improve outcomes for lung cancer patients.

If you are interested in visualizing the spatial distribution of primary care resources, physician-to-patient ratios, and other relevant data points within ZIP code 28269 and the broader Charlotte area, we encourage you to explore the mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.