28343, Gibson, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28343, Gibson, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.73 percent of the residents in 28343 has some form of health insurance. 52.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.32 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 28343 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 530 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28343. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 226 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,472 health care providers accessible to residents in 28343, Gibson, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Gibson, NC (ZIP Code 28343)

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within the Gibson, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28343) area, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians and related resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and patient well-being. This assessment aims to highlight strengths, identify weaknesses, and ultimately inform residents about the healthcare options available to them.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection, through screenings and prompt referral, is paramount. In Gibson, assessing primary care availability is vital. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as that from the North Carolina Medical Board or the US Census Bureau, should be consulted to calculate this ratio accurately. This ratio is a key indicator in the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. This involves evaluating the practices themselves. Are the practices accepting new patients? What is the average appointment wait time? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? These factors impact accessibility and convenience, particularly important for individuals experiencing symptoms or needing follow-up care. Practices with established protocols for lung cancer screening, including adherence to guidelines from organizations like the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), would score higher.

Furthermore, the adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas. Virtual consultations can facilitate initial screenings, follow-up appointments, and consultations with specialists. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine technologies would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and potentially reducing barriers to care.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is critical for patients' well-being. This analysis needs to assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, within the Gibson area or easily accessible to residents. The presence of these resources, either within primary care practices or through referrals, would positively influence the Lung Cancer Score.

The analysis should also consider the availability of patient support groups and educational resources. These resources provide invaluable support to patients and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Practices that actively connect patients with these resources would be viewed favorably.

Standout practices within the 28343 ZIP code warrant specific recognition. Identifying practices that excel in areas such as patient communication, care coordination, or patient satisfaction is important. These practices can serve as models for others, demonstrating best practices in lung cancer care. This analysis would highlight these exemplary practices, providing valuable information for residents seeking quality care.

The geographical distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is another consideration. Are physicians concentrated in one area, or are they distributed throughout the community? Uneven distribution could create disparities in access to care, particularly for residents in more remote areas. This analysis needs to consider the geographical accessibility of primary care services.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a static number; it's a dynamic assessment. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. Factors like new physician arrivals, practice closures, and the adoption of new technologies can all impact the score. This continuous evaluation ensures that the information provided remains current and relevant.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Gibson, NC (28343) would be a composite score based on all the factors discussed. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its importance in the overall assessment. The final score would provide a clear and concise overview of the strengths and weaknesses of lung cancer care in the area.

The analysis should also consider the presence of specialized cancer care centers or hospitals within a reasonable distance of Gibson. Proximity to these facilities, which offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options, is a significant factor in patient outcomes. Access to specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is crucial for effective lung cancer care.

The analysis must also evaluate the availability of resources to support smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing access to smoking cessation programs is a critical component of preventative care. Practices that actively offer or refer patients to these programs would receive a higher score.

In conclusion, this Lung Cancer Score analysis for Gibson, NC (28343) aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare landscape. It considers factors ranging from physician-to-patient ratios and practice quality to the availability of telemedicine, mental health resources, and patient support. By identifying strengths, weaknesses, and standout practices, this analysis empowers residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Gibson, including the location of primary care practices and the geographical distribution of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data discussed, providing a clear and accessible understanding of the healthcare environment.