28375, Proctorville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28375, Proctorville, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.72 percent of the residents in 28375 has some form of health insurance. 62.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 32.72 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 28375 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 64 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28375. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 37 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,203 health care providers accessible to residents in 28375, Proctorville, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Proctorville, NC (ZIP Code 28375)

This analysis examines the landscape of lung cancer care within Proctorville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28375), focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors that influence early detection, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment for individuals at risk. This analysis is designed to inform residents and healthcare stakeholders about the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, contributing to potential improvements.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon robust primary care. Proctorville’s primary care availability is assessed by considering the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 28375 ZIP code, along with the patient population. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per PCP, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening opportunities, and less time for patient education and counseling. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows for more proactive care, including regular checkups, smoking cessation support, and timely referrals for further investigations if symptoms arise. Data from reputable sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, would be crucial to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Proctorville.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices are critical. Factors to consider include the practices' acceptance of various insurance plans, their hours of operation, and their geographic proximity to residents. Practices offering extended hours, weekend appointments, and convenient locations enhance accessibility, particularly for individuals with transportation challenges or inflexible work schedules. The presence of multilingual staff can also improve care for diverse populations, ensuring effective communication and understanding of health information.

The identification of "standout practices" requires a deeper dive. This involves evaluating practices based on patient reviews, participation in quality improvement programs, and their adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening and management. Practices actively promoting lung cancer screening for eligible patients, based on age, smoking history, and other risk factors, demonstrate a commitment to early detection. These practices would ideally have established protocols for ordering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the primary screening tool for lung cancer, and for managing patients with positive findings. They would also demonstrate strong referral networks to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient education, can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals in rural areas like Proctorville. Telemedicine can reduce travel time and costs, making it easier for patients to connect with their physicians and receive timely advice. Practices utilizing telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and smoking cessation counseling would receive higher scores. The availability of telehealth options for specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is particularly important for patients in need of specialized care.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups, is essential for supporting patients through their treatment journey. Practices that integrate mental health screening into their routine care and offer referrals to mental health professionals demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being. The presence of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families can provide invaluable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning.

The Lung Cancer Score for Proctorville, NC, would be a composite score, reflecting the performance across these key areas. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare system with ample primary care availability, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, high-quality practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily accessible mental health resources. A lower score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as a shortage of PCPs, limited access to screening, or a lack of mental health support.

To improve the Lung Cancer Score, Proctorville could focus on several strategies. Recruiting more primary care physicians to address potential shortages is crucial. Promoting lung cancer screening through public awareness campaigns and patient education initiatives can increase early detection rates. Encouraging the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists can enhance access to care. Expanding mental health services, including integrating mental health screening and referrals into primary care, can improve patient well-being.

The analysis would also consider the presence of community health centers, which often serve vulnerable populations and provide a range of services, including primary care, mental health support, and assistance with social determinants of health. The availability of these centers and their integration into the broader healthcare system is a factor in the overall score.

Finally, the analysis acknowledges that this is a dynamic landscape. The healthcare system is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and healthcare delivery models emerging. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that the Lung Cancer Score remains relevant and reflects the current state of lung cancer care in Proctorville.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Proctorville, NC, including the locations of medical practices, the availability of specialists, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual and interactive platform for exploring healthcare data, helping you make informed decisions about your health and the healthcare resources available in your community.