28387, Southern Pines, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28387, Southern Pines, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.00 percent of the residents in 28387 has some form of health insurance. 33.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.89 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 28387 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,650 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28387. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,600 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,405 health care providers accessible to residents in 28387, Southern Pines, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28387 and Southern Pines Primary Care**

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, particularly concerning lung cancer risk and management, within ZIP code 28387 (Southern Pines, North Carolina) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score assessment. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape for residents and highlight areas for potential improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of accessibility. A lower ratio, reflecting more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. However, this metric alone doesn’t paint the full picture. In ZIP code 28387, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians needs careful examination. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be used to calculate this ratio. A higher-than-average ratio could indicate potential challenges in securing timely appointments, especially for preventive screenings like those crucial for early lung cancer detection. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater ease of access.

Beyond the raw numbers, the *distribution* of primary care physicians is critical. Are physicians concentrated in certain areas of Southern Pines, leaving others underserved? Geographic disparities can exacerbate access issues. Furthermore, the types of physicians available matter. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists specializing in lung cancer is a significant advantage. Their availability, even if not directly in primary care, influences the quality of care.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. Patient reviews, available through platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, offer insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall patient experience. Practices with consistently positive feedback, particularly regarding responsiveness and thoroughness, deserve recognition. Furthermore, examining the services offered is essential. Do practices provide comprehensive preventive care, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening (using low-dose CT scans) for high-risk individuals? Practices actively promoting these services demonstrate a commitment to early detection and intervention.

Telemedicine adoption is a modern-day game changer. The ability to access primary care and specialized consultations remotely can significantly improve healthcare access, especially for those living in rural areas or with mobility limitations. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and even some aspects of patient education and support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth also improves access for patients who might find it difficult to visit in person.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, but vital, component of comprehensive care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is critical. Practices that integrate mental health screenings and offer or facilitate access to counseling and support groups demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. The integration of mental health services is a key indicator of a practice’s commitment to comprehensive patient care.

Evaluating these factors allows for the construction of a Lung Cancer Score. This score is not a single, definitive number but rather a composite assessment reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of primary care in the area. The score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of physicians, the availability of specialized expertise, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

For ZIP code 28387, the Lung Cancer Score would be determined by analyzing the available data. If the physician-to-patient ratio is favorable, if there is a good distribution of physicians across the area, if practices offer comprehensive preventive care, if telemedicine is widely adopted, and if mental health services are readily accessible, the score would be high. Conversely, a low score would indicate areas needing improvement, such as limited access to specialists, poor telemedicine adoption, or a lack of mental health support.

The analysis needs to be dynamic. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Physician practices change, new technologies emerge, and patient needs shift. Regular updates to the Lung Cancer Score are essential to ensure its relevance and accuracy.

The process of gathering and analyzing this information can be complex and time-consuming. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping software can be invaluable tools in this process. These tools allow for the visualization of physician distribution, the identification of underserved areas, and the mapping of healthcare resources.

**Call to Action:**

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