28422, Bolivia, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28422, Bolivia, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.95 percent of the residents in 28422 has some form of health insurance. 57.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.51 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 28422 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,339 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28422. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,599 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,979 health care providers accessible to residents in 28422, Bolivia, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28422 & Primary Care Availability in Bolivia

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of healthcare related to lung cancer within ZIP code 28422 (likely a specific area in North Carolina, USA) and, in contrast, assesses primary care accessibility in Bolivia. The assessment framework considers factors relevant to early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Due to the vast differences in healthcare infrastructure and resources between the two locations, the analyses will be presented separately, acknowledging the inherent disparities.

**ZIP Code 28422: A Localized Lung Cancer Score**

The healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28422 necessitates a focused examination. Determining a definitive “Lung Cancer Score” requires access to comprehensive, granular data that may not be publicly available. However, we can construct an informed analysis based on readily accessible information and general healthcare trends.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A crucial indicator is the physician-to-patient ratio, particularly concerning primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Researching local hospital systems, clinics, and physician directories provides insight into the availability of these specialists. If the area has a high elderly population or a history of smoking, the demand for pulmonologists will likely be elevated. Analyzing the number of PCPs and pulmonologists in the area, coupled with population data, allows for calculating a preliminary physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio is a cornerstone of the score.

**Standout Practices:** Identifying practices with a specific focus on lung cancer care is essential. Does the area have any oncology centers or cancer treatment facilities? Are there any practices that are part of larger, integrated healthcare systems? These systems often provide better access to specialists, advanced diagnostic tools (like low-dose CT scans), and clinical trials. Examining the websites of local practices, reading patient reviews, and investigating their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers can help identify practices with a strong lung cancer focus. The presence of a multidisciplinary team (including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists) is a significant positive factor.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** Telemedicine plays an increasingly important role in healthcare, especially in rural or underserved areas. Examining the extent of telemedicine adoption within local practices provides valuable insights. Do physicians offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or consultations with specialists? Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients who have mobility issues or live far from medical facilities. The availability of telemedicine services can positively influence the score, especially if it includes access to lung cancer specialists.

**Mental Health Resources:** Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health resources is crucial. Are there therapists or counselors who specialize in oncology or provide support for patients with cancer? Do local hospitals or cancer centers offer support groups or counseling services? The presence of these resources demonstrates a commitment to holistic patient care and will positively impact the score.

**Bolivia: A Broad Assessment of Primary Care and Lung Cancer Implications**

Evaluating primary care availability in Bolivia presents a different set of challenges. Bolivia faces significant socioeconomic and geographic disparities in healthcare access.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio (Bolivia):** Bolivia’s overall physician-to-patient ratio is likely lower than in developed nations. This ratio varies significantly based on location, with urban areas generally having better access to physicians than rural or remote regions. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bolivian Ministry of Health would be essential to determine the specific physician-to-patient ratio, which is a critical metric for assessing primary care access.

**Standout Practices (Bolivia):** Identifying “standout practices” in Bolivia requires a different approach. Due to the limited resources, the focus shifts towards identifying clinics or hospitals that offer basic primary care services and, ideally, have some capacity for early cancer detection. This may include basic diagnostic tools and access to specialists who can provide referrals. The presence of any outreach programs or mobile clinics that serve remote communities is a positive factor.

**Telemedicine Adoption (Bolivia):** Telemedicine adoption in Bolivia is likely limited, but it is growing. The challenges include infrastructure (internet access), funding, and training. Identifying any telemedicine initiatives, even pilot projects, that connect rural communities with specialists would be a positive indicator.

**Mental Health Resources (Bolivia):** Mental health services in Bolivia are often under-resourced. Access to mental health professionals, particularly those with expertise in oncology, is likely limited. The presence of any mental health support services, even basic ones offered by local clinics or NGOs, would be a positive factor.

**Comparative Analysis and Score Construction:**

Constructing a numerical “Lung Cancer Score” for both locations requires access to specific data. However, the qualitative analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each healthcare system. For ZIP code 28422, the score would be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized cancer centers, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support. For Bolivia, the score would be heavily influenced by the overall physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of basic primary care services, and any initiatives aimed at improving access to care in remote areas.

The final score, if calculated, would be a comparative measure. The score for ZIP code 28422 would likely be higher than that of Bolivia due to the disparities in healthcare infrastructure and resources. The purpose of the score is to highlight areas for improvement and guide resource allocation.

**Call to Action:**

Want to visualize these healthcare disparities and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources? **Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in these and other regions.** CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize physician density, access to care, and other crucial healthcare data, enabling informed decision-making and advocacy.