28385, Salemburg, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28385, Salemburg, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.34 percent of the residents in 28385 has some form of health insurance. 39.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.95 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 28385 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 265 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28385. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 414 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 100 health care providers accessible to residents in 28385, Salemburg, North Carolina.

The health landscape of Salemburg, North Carolina, specifically within the 28385 ZIP code, presents a unique challenge when considering lung cancer care. Evaluating the available resources requires a nuanced understanding of physician availability, technological integration, and the often-overlooked aspect of mental health support. A 'Lung Cancer Score' analysis, though hypothetical in this context, would aim to gauge the overall preparedness of the community to address the needs of patients facing this serious disease.

One of the primary factors influencing a Lung Cancer Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Salemburg, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is critical. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses, as patients may face longer wait times for appointments. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates greater accessibility, potentially leading to earlier detection and intervention. The 'Lung Cancer Score' would reflect this by assigning a higher value to areas with a more favorable ratio, acknowledging that a robust primary care network is the foundation of effective cancer care. Data regarding specialist availability, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, would also be incorporated into the score. Their presence is crucial for diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices plays a significant role. Identifying 'standout practices' within the 28385 ZIP code would involve assessing several criteria. This includes the adoption of evidence-based practices, such as adherence to screening guidelines for high-risk individuals (smokers and former smokers). Practices that actively participate in lung cancer screening programs using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans would receive higher marks. Furthermore, the 'Lung Cancer Score' would consider the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), which are essential for accurate diagnosis and staging. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, would also contribute positively to a practice's score, highlighting the importance of collaborative care.

The integration of technology, particularly telemedicine, is another crucial element. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Salemburg. Telehealth consultations can facilitate initial screenings, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The 'Lung Cancer Score' would evaluate the extent to which practices in the 28385 ZIP code have adopted telemedicine platforms. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals would receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to leveraging technology to enhance patient care. The ease of access to patient records and communication between providers would also be assessed.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked, yet critical, aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The 'Lung Cancer Score' would assess the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who specialize in oncology. The score would also consider the availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, where patients can connect with others facing similar challenges. Practices that actively screen patients for depression and anxiety, and offer referrals to mental health services, would receive higher marks. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The availability of resources for smoking cessation is also vital. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing support for individuals to quit smoking is a crucial preventative measure. The 'Lung Cancer Score' would evaluate the availability of smoking cessation programs within the community. This includes access to counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and other medications that can help individuals quit smoking. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation and provide resources to their patients would receive higher scores.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' would be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape in Salemburg. It would be updated regularly to account for changes in physician availability, technological advancements, and the implementation of new treatment protocols. The score would provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping them to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas for improvement. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of care for individuals facing lung cancer and to increase their chances of survival.

Furthermore, the score would assess the accessibility of transportation to medical facilities. For patients in rural areas, transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing care. Practices that offer transportation assistance or partner with local organizations to provide transportation services would receive higher scores. This reflects a commitment to removing barriers to care and ensuring that all patients have access to the services they need.

Finally, the 'Lung Cancer Score' would consider the community's overall health literacy. This includes the level of understanding of lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. The score would assess the availability of educational materials and programs designed to increase health literacy within the community. Practices that actively educate their patients about lung cancer and promote early detection would receive higher scores.

To visualize and analyze the complex data points that contribute to this 'Lung Cancer Score' – physician density, practice locations, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and more – consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for mapping and visualizing healthcare data, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 28385 ZIP code and beyond. Explore the power of data visualization and gain a clearer picture of the resources available in your community.