28409, Wilmington, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28409, Wilmington, North Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.87 percent of the residents in 28409 has some form of health insurance. 23.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.22 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 28409 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,619 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28409. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,968 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,020 health care providers accessible to residents in 28409, Wilmington, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Wilmington, NC (ZIP Code 28409)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP code 28409 in Wilmington, North Carolina, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The evaluation considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

The cornerstone of early detection and effective treatment lies in accessible primary care. Wilmington, and specifically ZIP code 28409, needs to demonstrate a robust primary care infrastructure. This includes an adequate number of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates greater accessibility. We must consider the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents. A higher ratio generally suggests easier access to appointments for screenings, follow-up care, and overall health management, which is vital for individuals at risk of lung cancer.

Furthermore, the distribution of these PCPs across the area is essential. Are there geographical pockets with limited access, potentially leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment? The presence of urgent care clinics and walk-in facilities that offer basic respiratory assessments can also impact the Lung Cancer Score, particularly in facilitating timely interventions for symptomatic patients.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. This includes the adoption of evidence-based practices, such as adherence to screening guidelines for high-risk individuals (e.g., those with a history of smoking). Practices that proactively identify and refer patients for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, a critical tool for early lung cancer detection, will receive a higher score. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability between different healthcare providers also contributes to a higher score, facilitating seamless communication and care coordination.

Specialized care is another vital component. While primary care provides the initial point of contact, access to pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The presence of these specialists within or easily accessible to the 28409 ZIP code significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. This includes evaluating the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as bronchoscopy suites and PET/CT scanners, as well as the presence of multidisciplinary tumor boards where specialists collaborate on treatment plans.

The analysis also considers the reputation and performance of standout practices. Are there clinics or hospitals within the area that are recognized for their excellence in lung cancer care? This could be based on factors such as patient outcomes, research contributions, and accreditations from organizations like the Commission on Cancer. Identifying these high-performing practices and understanding their best practices can inform strategies for improving care across the entire region.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments can improve access to care, particularly for patients who live in rural areas or have mobility limitations. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the extent to which physicians in 28409 utilize telemedicine platforms and the types of services they offer remotely.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial factor. This analysis will assess the integration of mental health services within the healthcare system in 28409. This includes the presence of on-site therapists or counselors, referrals to mental health specialists, and the availability of support groups for patients and their families. The ability to address the psychological needs of patients can significantly improve their quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of treatment.

Finally, the analysis will consider the availability of resources related to smoking cessation. Lung cancer is strongly linked to smoking, and helping patients quit is a critical part of lung cancer care. The presence of smoking cessation programs, counseling services, and access to medications will positively influence the Lung Cancer Score.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for physicians in 28409 will be a composite of these factors. A higher score indicates a more robust healthcare infrastructure for lung cancer patients, with greater accessibility, comprehensive services, and a focus on patient well-being. This score can be a valuable tool for patients seeking care, healthcare providers looking to improve their services, and policymakers aiming to allocate resources effectively.

To understand the spatial distribution of these resources, to identify areas with limited access, and to visualize the overall Lung Cancer Score for physicians in 28409, we recommend using interactive mapping tools. Explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides the ability to layer different datasets and to create custom maps that visualize the information.