28376, Raeford, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28376, Raeford, North Carolina is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.63 percent of the residents in 28376 has some form of health insurance. 33.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.82 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 28376 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13,216 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28376. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,950 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,986 health care providers accessible to residents in 28376, Raeford, North Carolina.

The landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP Code 28376, encompassing Raeford, North Carolina, and the availability of primary care resources, presents a complex picture. Evaluating the quality of care and accessibility requires a nuanced approach, moving beyond simple metrics to consider the interconnectedness of physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer patients and their families.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial starting point. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures fluctuate, data suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Raeford relative to the population. This scarcity can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer. Further, the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is a critical factor. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer require prompt access to these specialists for diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. Travel distance to these specialists, particularly those offering advanced treatments like radiation therapy and surgical oncology, can significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life.

Standout practices within the area play a vital role in mitigating these challenges. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, offering comprehensive services under one roof, are particularly valuable. These practices often have a better understanding of their patients' needs and can coordinate care more effectively. Look for practices that are part of larger healthcare networks, as these networks often have access to a wider range of specialists and resources. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials and research initiatives may also offer access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Raeford. Telemedicine can bridge the gap created by physician shortages and travel distances, providing access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual visits and remote patient monitoring, demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and access to care. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a critical factor in the success of telemedicine initiatives.

Beyond the purely medical aspects, mental health resources are essential for lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the local healthcare ecosystem is therefore crucial. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, or that have established referral networks with mental health providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Support groups, both in-person and online, can also provide invaluable emotional support and a sense of community for patients and their families.

The integration of palliative care services is another critical aspect of comprehensive lung cancer care. Palliative care focuses on relieving the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, improving the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Practices that offer palliative care services, or that have established partnerships with palliative care providers, are better equipped to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients throughout their treatment journey. This includes pain management, symptom control, and emotional support.

The availability of resources for smoking cessation is also crucial. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and helping patients quit smoking can significantly improve their prognosis and overall health. Practices that offer smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication, are making a significant contribution to public health. These programs should be easily accessible and tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Furthermore, the availability of financial assistance programs can ease the burden on patients and their families. Cancer treatment can be expensive, and financial difficulties can add to the stress of the illness. Practices that can connect patients with financial assistance programs, such as those offered by the American Cancer Society or other charitable organizations, are providing a valuable service. This includes assistance with medication costs, transportation, and other expenses.

Finally, the overall coordination of care is essential. Lung cancer patients often require the involvement of multiple healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and supportive care specialists. Practices that have established systems for coordinating care, such as electronic health records and care coordination teams, can help ensure that patients receive the best possible care in a timely and efficient manner. This includes clear communication between providers, shared treatment plans, and regular follow-up appointments.

The ideal scenario involves a robust healthcare infrastructure that is readily accessible to all residents of Raeford, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location. This includes a sufficient number of primary care physicians, readily available specialists, integrated mental health services, comprehensive palliative care, and easy access to smoking cessation programs and financial assistance. The practices that excel in these areas are those that prioritize patient-centered care, embrace technology, and actively participate in the community.

To visualize and analyze the geographic distribution of these resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and the availability of supportive services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you understand the healthcare landscape in Raeford and identify areas where resources are most needed.