28340, Fairmont, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28340, Fairmont, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.79 percent of the residents in 28340 has some form of health insurance. 57.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.72 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 28340 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,975 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28340. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,044 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,305 health care providers accessible to residents in 28340, Fairmont, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Fairmont, NC (ZIP Code 28340)**

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care accessibility and related resources within Fairmont, North Carolina (ZIP code 28340), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and the broader healthcare ecosystem. The objective is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in the region, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. This analysis does not provide medical advice.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection is paramount, and PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients exhibiting symptoms. In Fairmont, the physician-to-patient ratio serves as a critical indicator of accessibility. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, hindering timely screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater ease of access to primary care, potentially facilitating earlier intervention. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the US Census Bureau will be used to estimate this ratio. The analysis will consider the total population of ZIP code 28340 and the number of actively practicing PCPs within the area.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. The analysis will delve into the reputations of local practices. Online patient reviews, if available, will offer insights into patient satisfaction, communication effectiveness, and the overall quality of care provided. While not definitive, these reviews can provide valuable clues about the patient experience. The analysis will also consider the accreditation status of local practices, as accreditation by organizations like the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) often signifies a commitment to quality standards.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers, particularly in rural areas like Fairmont. It can improve access to specialists, facilitate follow-up appointments, and provide remote monitoring capabilities. The analysis will assess the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals. The availability of telehealth services can significantly enhance access to care for patients who may face transportation challenges or have limited mobility.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment often involve significant emotional and psychological challenges. The availability of mental health resources is, therefore, a crucial component of comprehensive care. The analysis will investigate the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), within Fairmont and the surrounding areas. It will also assess the availability of support groups, counseling services, and other resources designed to address the emotional needs of patients and their families. Proximity to larger medical centers, which often have more extensive mental health services, will also be considered.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialized lung cancer care within the region. While Fairmont may not have a dedicated oncology center, the proximity to hospitals and cancer treatment facilities in nearby cities, such as Lumberton and Fayetteville, is essential. The analysis will assess the travel time to these facilities and the availability of specialized services, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. The presence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, involving oncologists, pulmonologists, surgeons, and other specialists, will be a key factor in assessing the quality of care.

Standout practices will be identified based on a combination of factors. These may include practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, positive patient reviews, a strong commitment to telemedicine, and a demonstrated focus on patient education and support. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs and offer specialized services, such as smoking cessation programs, will also be recognized. The analysis will aim to identify practices that are leaders in providing comprehensive and patient-centered lung cancer care.

The analysis will also consider the social determinants of health, which can significantly impact lung cancer outcomes. These factors include socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and exposure to environmental hazards. The analysis will consider the prevalence of these factors in Fairmont and their potential impact on lung cancer incidence and survival rates. The availability of community resources, such as food banks and social services, will also be assessed.

The data for this analysis will be gathered from multiple sources, including publicly available government data, online physician directories, patient review websites, and healthcare provider websites. The information will be compiled and analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of the lung cancer care landscape in Fairmont. The analysis will not involve direct contact with patients or healthcare providers.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of lung cancer care in Fairmont. The score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, with each factor assigned a relative importance based on its impact on patient outcomes. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing for easy interpretation and comparison.

The analysis will conclude with a summary of the key findings and recommendations for improving lung cancer care in Fairmont. These recommendations may include suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, enhancing mental health resources, and promoting community awareness of lung cancer prevention and early detection. The analysis will also highlight areas where further research is needed.

The analysis will not provide a ranking of individual physicians. Instead, it will focus on assessing the overall healthcare ecosystem and identifying areas for improvement. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping them to make informed decisions and work towards a healthier community.

For a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and the factors influencing lung cancer care in Fairmont and surrounding areas, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. Use CartoChrome to visualize the data and gain insights that can inform your healthcare decisions.