28347, Hoffman, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28347, Hoffman, North Carolina is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 49.44 percent of the residents in 28347 has some form of health insurance. 22.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.21 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 28347 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 310 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28347. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 121 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,282 health care providers accessible to residents in 28347, Hoffman, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care access within ZIP code 28347, specifically in Hoffman, North Carolina. This involves assessing the availability and quality of healthcare resources, with a particular emphasis on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Hoffman, and by extension ZIP code 28347, is a crucial starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. This data, when analyzed, would provide a baseline understanding of the available medical resources.

Primary care availability is a significant factor. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms that could indicate lung cancer. Early detection is critical in improving patient outcomes. The presence of readily accessible primary care practices, offering comprehensive services including screening and referral capabilities, is vital. This involves identifying the number of primary care practices within the ZIP code, assessing their capacity to accept new patients, and evaluating the range of services they provide, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening recommendations.

Standout practices within the area would be those demonstrating a commitment to early detection and comprehensive patient care. This could include practices that actively promote lung cancer screening for eligible patients, utilize advanced diagnostic tools, and maintain strong referral networks with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists. These practices may also have dedicated patient navigators to assist patients through the often-complex healthcare system. Identifying these standout practices requires detailed research, including reviewing patient testimonials, examining practice websites, and potentially conducting interviews with healthcare professionals in the area.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas like Hoffman. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and access educational resources. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local healthcare providers, including the types of services offered and the technology used, is crucial. This involves examining practice websites, contacting healthcare providers directly, and researching the availability of telehealth platforms. The presence of telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote locations.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, component of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is essential for providing patients with the support they need to cope with the emotional challenges of their illness. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within the ZIP code involves researching the number of mental health professionals, the types of services they offer, and their acceptance of insurance. Collaboration between primary care physicians, oncologists, and mental health professionals is vital to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.

The availability of support groups and patient education resources is also important. Support groups provide patients with a safe space to share their experiences, connect with others facing similar challenges, and receive emotional support. Patient education resources, such as pamphlets, websites, and educational programs, can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. Assessing the availability of these resources involves researching local hospitals, cancer centers, and community organizations.

The overall 'Lung Cancer Score' for doctors in ZIP code 28347, and primary care availability in Hoffman, would be a composite metric. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the accessibility of primary care, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the existence of support groups and patient education programs. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance in providing high-quality lung cancer care. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare landscape.

The complexity of the healthcare system requires a nuanced approach. A simple numerical score cannot fully capture the reality of patient experiences. Therefore, the score should be accompanied by a detailed narrative, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, and providing specific recommendations for improvement.

The analysis also needs to consider the demographics of the population served by the healthcare providers in ZIP code 28347. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and racial/ethnic background can influence healthcare access and outcomes. Understanding these demographic factors is essential for tailoring healthcare services to meet the specific needs of the community.

Further research would involve examining the insurance coverage landscape in the area. The affordability of healthcare is a significant barrier for many patients. Assessing the acceptance of different insurance plans by local healthcare providers, and the availability of financial assistance programs, is crucial.

In conclusion, the healthcare landscape in Hoffman, and specifically ZIP code 28347, presents a complex picture. While the exact 'Lung Cancer Score' requires detailed data analysis, this preliminary assessment highlights key factors that influence the quality of care. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices is essential.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in the area, including the location of healthcare providers, specialists, and support services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and community members to visualize the local healthcare landscape and make informed decisions.