28391, Stedman, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28391, Stedman, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.82 percent of the residents in 28391 has some form of health insurance. 31.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.90 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 28391 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,428 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28391. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 839 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 697 health care providers accessible to residents in 28391, Stedman, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides a comprehensive assessment of lung cancer-related healthcare resources in ZIP code 28391, focusing on primary care availability in Stedman, North Carolina. This evaluation considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, all of which contribute to the overall Lung Cancer Score. This score is not a single, quantifiable number but rather a qualitative assessment reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape in addressing lung cancer care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on the availability of accessible and high-quality primary care. Stedman, as a community within ZIP code 28391, is assessed regarding its primary care capacity. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer primary care physicians relative to the population, can create significant barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. Long wait times for appointments, difficulty securing referrals to specialists, and a general lack of continuity of care are potential consequences. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests a more robust primary care infrastructure, facilitating early detection and management of lung cancer. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with publicly available information on physician practices, will be used to estimate this ratio, offering a preliminary indicator of access.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is equally crucial. The presence of standout practices within Stedman and the broader ZIP code area significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. These practices are defined by their commitment to patient-centered care, their proactive approach to screening and early detection, and their integration of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer prevention and management. Features such as offering smoking cessation programs, providing comprehensive patient education, and actively participating in community outreach initiatives contribute to a higher score. Identifying these practices involves analyzing patient reviews, examining practice websites for service offerings, and potentially consulting with local healthcare professionals to identify those recognized for their excellence.

Telemedicine adoption plays a vital role in enhancing access to care, especially in rural areas like Stedman. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remotely monitor patients, and provide follow-up care through telemedicine platforms can mitigate the challenges posed by geographic limitations and transportation barriers. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer more convenient and accessible care, particularly for patients who may struggle to travel for appointments. The Lung Cancer Score will reflect the prevalence of telemedicine services among primary care providers in the area, assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the integration of telehealth into the overall care delivery model.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment often have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. The emotional toll of the disease, coupled with the physical challenges of treatment, can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices and the broader community. This includes assessing the presence of on-site mental health professionals, the availability of referrals to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening into routine patient care. The existence of support groups, counseling services, and other resources designed to address the psychological needs of cancer patients will positively influence the score.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for the physicians in ZIP code 28391, specifically considering the primary care availability in Stedman, will be a composite assessment of these factors. A high score will indicate a robust primary care infrastructure with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices committed to patient-centered care, widespread adoption of telemedicine, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score will reflect challenges in these areas, such as a limited number of primary care physicians, a lack of patient-focused practices, limited telemedicine availability, and inadequate access to mental health support.

The analysis will also consider the specific challenges faced by the population of Stedman. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and the prevalence of risk factors like smoking will be considered when assessing the impact of the available healthcare resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape and to identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance lung cancer care.

The assessment will also look at the availability of specialists. While the primary focus is on primary care, the ability to quickly and easily get referrals to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The Lung Cancer Score will consider the proximity of specialist practices, the ease of referral processes, and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of support services. These services include patient navigators, who help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, and financial assistance programs, which can help patients afford the cost of treatment. The presence of these support services can significantly improve the patient experience and reduce the burden of lung cancer.

Finally, the analysis will consider the community's overall health awareness. The Lung Cancer Score will reflect the community's efforts to educate residents about lung cancer risks, prevention strategies, and early detection methods. This includes assessing the availability of public health campaigns, educational materials, and community outreach programs. A well-informed community is more likely to seek early diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28391 and the surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care practices, specialist offices, and available resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's mapping tools can provide valuable insights into the geographical distribution of healthcare providers, helping you to visualize the accessibility of care and identify potential gaps in service.