28338, Ellerbe, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28338, Ellerbe, North Carolina is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.04 percent of the residents in 28338 has some form of health insurance. 35.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.90 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 28338 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 922 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28338. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 718 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,316 health care providers accessible to residents in 28338, Ellerbe, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Ellerbe, NC (ZIP Code 28338)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care resources in Ellerbe, North Carolina (ZIP code 28338), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. The ultimate goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" perspective, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within the local healthcare landscape. This analysis considers the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), their practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in the fight against lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, playing a critical role in screening, diagnosis, and referral. In Ellerbe, the physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of access. While precise numbers fluctuate, a limited number of PCPs serving the population of Ellerbe and the surrounding areas is a significant challenge. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Accurate data on the precise physician-to-patient ratio is essential for a comprehensive assessment, and this data is not readily available for this analysis. However, anecdotal evidence and publicly available information suggest a need for more PCPs to adequately serve the community.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer care. This includes offering or facilitating smoking cessation programs, adhering to recommended lung cancer screening guidelines (particularly for high-risk individuals), and having clear protocols for patient follow-up. Practices that prioritize patient education about risk factors and early warning signs are also highly valued. Identifying specific "standout" practices in Ellerbe requires detailed investigation, including surveying practices, reviewing patient testimonials, and assessing their adherence to best practices. Without this specific information, it is difficult to highlight any standout practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, particularly in rural areas like Ellerbe, providing access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and mental health services. The availability of telehealth options for primary care visits, especially for medication management and symptom monitoring, can significantly improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. The degree of telemedicine adoption in Ellerbe requires investigation. Are local practices utilizing telehealth platforms? Are these platforms accessible and user-friendly for the patient population? Are there any limitations due to broadband access or digital literacy?

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is crucial for patient well-being and treatment adherence. This includes easy access to mental health professionals, both in-person and via telehealth. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or readily available referrals to mental health providers, is a significant advantage. An assessment of the availability and accessibility of these resources is essential for a complete lung cancer score.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Ellerbe, NC (ZIP code 28338) would ideally be a composite metric, incorporating these factors: physician-to-patient ratio, adherence to screening guidelines, telemedicine adoption, and availability of mental health resources. A low score would indicate limited access to care, a lack of proactive screening efforts, and insufficient support services. A high score would reflect a healthcare environment that prioritizes prevention, early detection, and comprehensive patient support.

Improving the "Lung Cancer Score" in Ellerbe requires a multi-faceted approach. Recruiting and retaining more PCPs is paramount. Encouraging practices to adopt evidence-based screening protocols and smoking cessation programs is also essential. Expanding telemedicine capabilities, particularly for mental health services, can improve access to care. Finally, fostering collaborations between primary care practices, mental health providers, and community organizations can create a more supportive healthcare ecosystem.

This analysis highlights the critical need for further investigation and data collection to provide a truly comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" for Ellerbe. The availability of specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice protocols, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources is essential for a complete assessment. The community must work to improve access to care, promote early detection, and provide comprehensive support for patients facing lung cancer.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ellerbe, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and other relevant resources, consider utilizing the mapping tools provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can visually represent the availability and accessibility of healthcare resources, helping to identify areas of need and opportunities for improvement.