28311, Fayetteville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28311, Fayetteville, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.21 percent of the residents in 28311 has some form of health insurance. 37.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.09 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 28311 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,138 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28311. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,970 health care providers accessible to residents in 28311, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Fayetteville, NC (ZIP Code 28311)**

This analysis provides an assessment of the availability and quality of care related to lung cancer within ZIP code 28311 (Fayetteville, North Carolina), focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all crucial factors influencing patient outcomes. The goal is to offer a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" perspective, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection through regular screenings and prompt referrals are critical. In Fayetteville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a key determinant of the "Lung Cancer Score." The physician-to-patient ratio is a vital metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Census Bureau, and professional medical organizations will be consulted to estimate this ratio. The goal is to determine if the number of PCPs is sufficient to meet the needs of the population within 28311, particularly considering the potential for higher rates of lung cancer due to factors like smoking prevalence, which are also factored into the overall score.

Standout primary care practices in Fayetteville will be evaluated based on their commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and have a strong referral network to pulmonologists and oncologists will receive higher marks. The analysis will examine patient reviews, practice websites, and publicly available data to identify these high-performing practices. The focus will be on identifying practices that prioritize patient education, early detection, and coordinated care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in areas with potential access limitations. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers the extent to which primary care practices and specialists in 28311 offer telehealth services. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to online patient portals. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues, those living in rural areas, or those who find it difficult to travel for appointments. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies will be viewed favorably.

The mental health of lung cancer patients is often overlooked, but it is a critical component of overall well-being and treatment adherence. The "Lung Cancer Score" assesses the availability of mental health resources within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or referral networks, will be given higher scores. This includes evaluating the availability of resources specifically tailored to the needs of cancer patients, such as support groups and individual counseling.

Specific practices will be researched to identify those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care. For example, a practice that utilizes electronic health records to track patient risk factors, such as smoking history, and proactively schedules screenings would score well. Another practice that offers same-day appointments for urgent concerns or provides detailed patient education materials would also be highly regarded. The analysis will seek to identify those practices that are truly patient-centered and proactive in their approach to lung cancer prevention and treatment.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will also consider the presence of specialized care within the community. While primary care is the gateway, access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is essential for diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will evaluate the number of specialists available in 28311, the quality of their services, and the ease with which patients can access them. This includes assessing the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as CT scanners and PET scanners, and the expertise of the medical professionals who operate them.

The analysis will use a weighted scoring system, giving greater importance to factors that directly impact patient outcomes. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio will be weighted heavily, as it directly affects access to care. The availability of mental health resources will also be given significant weight, recognizing the importance of emotional support for cancer patients. The overall score will reflect a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in 28311, providing a valuable tool for patients seeking care and for healthcare providers looking to improve their services.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static measure. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the score will need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The analysis will provide a baseline assessment, but ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure that the score remains relevant and useful.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" for 28311 will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. It will provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, highlighting areas where improvements are needed to enhance the quality of lung cancer care. The score will be accompanied by specific recommendations for improvement, based on the findings of the analysis. This may include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or improving access to mental health resources.

Ultimately, the goal of this "Lung Cancer Score" analysis is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to encourage healthcare providers to strive for excellence in lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It is a call to action for the community to work together to improve the health and well-being of all residents of 28311.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and hospital locations, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape, helping patients and providers alike to navigate the system and make informed decisions.