28344, Godwin, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28344, Godwin, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.91 percent of the residents in 28344 has some form of health insurance. 51.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.78 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 28344 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,719 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28344. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 805 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,050 health care providers accessible to residents in 28344, Godwin, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis of Physician Resources in ZIP Code 28344 and Primary Care Availability in Godwin, North Carolina

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within ZIP Code 28344, with a specific focus on primary care accessibility in the town of Godwin. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" framework, evaluating key factors that impact patient outcomes. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support systems.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in early detection and prompt treatment. This necessitates readily accessible primary care physicians (PCPs) who can identify potential symptoms, order appropriate screenings, and facilitate timely referrals to specialists. In Godwin, the availability of PCPs is crucial. Evaluating the number of PCPs serving the town, the average wait times for appointments, and the acceptance of new patients provides a preliminary assessment. A low PCP-to-patient ratio, long wait times, and closed practices would negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Within ZIP Code 28344, the overall physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Data from public health sources and professional medical directories are analyzed to determine the number of PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists practicing within the area. A higher concentration of these specialists, relative to the population, generally translates to better access to care. The analysis also considers the distribution of these specialists; are they concentrated in specific areas, or are they relatively dispersed throughout the ZIP code? Uneven distribution can create access barriers for residents in certain parts of the community.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and characteristics of medical practices play a significant role. The analysis examines the presence of accredited facilities, such as those certified by the Commission on Cancer (CoC). These facilities demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality cancer care. Furthermore, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scanners for lung cancer screening, is assessed. Practices equipped with these technologies are better positioned to facilitate early detection.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial factor. Telemedicine offers numerous benefits, including increased access to specialists, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. The analysis investigates which practices within ZIP Code 28344 offer telehealth services for consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for oncology and pulmonology services, receive a higher score.

Mental health support is an integral part of lung cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. The analysis evaluates the availability of mental health resources within the ZIP code and the practices. This includes the presence of on-site counselors, partnerships with mental health professionals, and referrals to support groups. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients receive a higher score.

Identifying standout practices is a key objective. This involves highlighting those practices that demonstrate excellence in multiple areas. Practices that boast a high concentration of specialists, offer advanced diagnostic capabilities, actively utilize telemedicine, and provide robust mental health support receive special recognition. These practices serve as models for others in the community.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a static number but rather a dynamic assessment that can be updated as healthcare resources evolve. Ongoing monitoring of physician availability, technological advancements, and mental health support systems is essential to ensure the score accurately reflects the current state of care.

The analysis also considers the presence of community resources, such as support groups, cancer centers, and patient advocacy organizations. These resources provide invaluable support and information to patients and their families. The accessibility and availability of these resources are factored into the overall score.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 28344 and the primary care availability in Godwin. It assesses the availability of physicians, the quality of medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the provision of mental health support. This analysis aims to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area, including the locations of physicians, the availability of resources, and the distribution of specialists, we invite you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of healthcare data, allowing you to easily identify and compare resources in your community.