28330, Cordova, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28330, Cordova, North Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 61.64 percent of the residents in 28330 has some form of health insurance. 53.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 25.09 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 28330 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28330. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 141 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 682 health care providers accessible to residents in 28330, Cordova, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Cordova, NC (ZIP Code 28330)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of lung cancer care accessibility and related healthcare resources within ZIP Code 28330 (Cordova, North Carolina), focusing on primary care availability and its impact on early detection and treatment. The goal is to assess the landscape for individuals seeking lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and ongoing support. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a holistic approach to patient care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management begins with robust primary care. In Cordova, assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the population. This necessitates a calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio, a key indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnostic procedures. This delay can significantly impact the prognosis for lung cancer patients, highlighting the importance of readily accessible primary care.

Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing current data on the population of Cordova and the number of PCPs practicing within the 28330 ZIP code. This data, ideally sourced from the North Carolina Medical Board or similar regulatory bodies, allows for an accurate assessment. The ratio, once calculated, should be compared to state and national averages to benchmark the level of access in Cordova. A below-average ratio warrants further investigation into the root causes, such as physician shortages or challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in the area.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices in Cordova play a vital role. Are practices accepting new patients? Are they equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, or do they have established referral networks with specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists? The presence of these referral pathways is critical for ensuring timely access to advanced care. The efficiency of these networks, measured by the time it takes to secure specialist appointments, is another crucial factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Practices demonstrating strong referral networks and efficient patient navigation processes will score higher in the analysis.

The adoption of telemedicine within primary care practices is another significant factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Cordova. Virtual consultations can facilitate initial screenings, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual visits and remote patient monitoring capabilities, will be viewed favorably in the analysis. This is particularly important for individuals with mobility issues or those who find it difficult to travel to appointments.

Mental health resources are also integral to the overall well-being of lung cancer patients. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and psychiatric support, within the community is therefore a crucial component of the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis will consider the proximity of mental health providers, the types of services offered, and the integration of mental health support within primary care practices. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and offer or facilitate access to mental health services will receive higher ratings.

Standout practices in Cordova, if any, would be those that excel in multiple areas. These practices might demonstrate a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, efficient referral networks, robust telemedicine adoption, and a strong commitment to mental health support. They may also actively participate in community outreach programs, raising awareness about lung cancer screening and prevention. Identifying and highlighting these standout practices provides valuable information for patients seeking the best possible care.

The analysis will also consider the availability of lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. Are screening services readily available in Cordova, or do patients need to travel to other locations for these procedures? The proximity of screening facilities and the accessibility of these services, considering insurance coverage and eligibility criteria, are essential factors in the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screening will be recognized for their commitment to early detection.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, the analysis will also consider the overall quality of care provided by primary care practices in Cordova. This can be assessed through patient satisfaction surveys, reviews, and other publicly available data. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback from patients and demonstrate a commitment to quality improvement will be viewed favorably. The analysis will aim to provide a balanced and objective assessment of the healthcare landscape in Cordova, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Ultimately, the Lung Cancer Score analysis aims to provide a clear picture of the resources available to individuals in Cordova seeking lung cancer care. It is designed to be a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts of healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. The analysis will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the availability of resources, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the community.

To visualize the geographic distribution of these healthcare resources, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, screening facilities, and mental health providers, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that allow you to explore the healthcare landscape of Cordova and identify the resources that are most accessible to you. Click here to learn more about CartoChrome maps and how they can help you navigate the healthcare system.