28421, Atkinson, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28421, Atkinson, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.34 percent of the residents in 28421 has some form of health insurance. 37.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.12 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 28421 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 408 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28421. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 365 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 531 health care providers accessible to residents in 28421, Atkinson, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28421 & Atkinson, NC

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 28421, encompassing the town of Atkinson, North Carolina, evaluating the availability of primary care physicians and related resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem, ultimately informing residents about access to crucial services, especially in the context of lung cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests heavily on robust primary care. Early detection through regular screenings, facilitated by a strong physician-patient relationship, significantly improves patient outcomes. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within 28421 is crucial. While precise figures fluctuate, the availability of primary care physicians in a rural area like Atkinson often presents a challenge. The ratio reflects the number of patients each physician is responsible for, and a higher ratio can indicate potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and personalized care. This impacts the ability to establish a baseline for a patient's health, identify risk factors, and implement preventative strategies.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care practices in the area deserves scrutiny. Are practices adopting evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals at high risk due to smoking history or family history? Do they offer comprehensive health assessments, including evaluations of respiratory health and smoking cessation support? Identifying standout practices that excel in these areas is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive screening protocols, and efficient referral pathways to specialists.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. In a rural setting, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring services. This is particularly relevant for lung cancer patients who may require frequent check-ups or have mobility limitations. Assessing the availability of telemedicine options, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients is vital. The presence of telemedicine capabilities can significantly enhance the accessibility and convenience of care, particularly for those living in more remote areas.

The psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial component of a comprehensive lung cancer care system. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups. Evaluating the proximity of mental health providers, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy), and the availability of specialized support for cancer patients is paramount. Integration of mental health services within the primary care setting can also improve patient outcomes by fostering a holistic approach to care.

Furthermore, access to specialized care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is critical. The analysis must consider the proximity of these specialists, the ease of referral from primary care physicians, and the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment options, such as CT scans, biopsies, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The presence of a well-coordinated network of healthcare providers is essential for ensuring seamless transitions between primary care, specialist care, and supportive services.

The analysis must also consider the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are a cornerstone of prevention efforts. Evaluating the availability of these programs, their accessibility, and their effectiveness in helping individuals quit smoking is a critical component of the overall assessment. This could include the availability of nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support groups.

The availability of resources for financial assistance and patient navigation is also important. Lung cancer treatment can be expensive, and patients may face significant financial burdens. Evaluating the availability of financial assistance programs, such as grants and patient assistance programs, is essential. Patient navigators can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and access support services.

In conclusion, the lung cancer score for 28421 and Atkinson, NC, is multifaceted. It hinges not just on the raw number of physicians, but on the quality of care provided, the adoption of technology, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of a well-coordinated healthcare network. A comprehensive assessment requires a deep dive into the practices of individual providers, the availability of specialized services, and the support systems in place for patients and their families. This analysis attempts to provide a snapshot of the current state of affairs, highlighting areas of strength and areas where improvement is needed.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28421 and Atkinson, NC, including the location of providers, the availability of resources, and other relevant geographic data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a comprehensive and interactive visualization of the data discussed in this analysis.