28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.16 percent of the residents in 28428 has some form of health insurance. 30.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.05 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 28428 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 968 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 14 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28428. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,411 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 19,460 health care providers accessible to residents in 28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Carolina Beach, NC (ZIP Code 28428)

This analysis provides a nuanced assessment of the healthcare landscape in Carolina Beach, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28428), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The core objective is to understand the availability and quality of primary care services, as these are crucial for patient access to screenings, referrals, and ongoing support. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of improving outcomes for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on a robust primary care infrastructure. In Carolina Beach, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as that from the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board, should be cross-referenced to establish an accurate physician-to-patient ratio within the 28428 ZIP code. This data should be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care physicians.

Standout practices within the community deserve recognition. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, including a proactive approach to lung cancer screening, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and a commitment to patient education. Identifying these practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, along with information from professional organizations like the American Medical Association, can provide insights into physician quality and patient satisfaction. Further, examining the adoption of best practices, such as utilizing the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals, is essential. Practices that actively screen eligible patients with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, coupled with smoking cessation programs, should be highlighted.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in geographically isolated areas or for patients with mobility limitations. The availability of telehealth services within the 28428 ZIP code can significantly improve access to care. Primary care practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals can enhance convenience and reduce barriers to accessing healthcare. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires examining the websites and patient resources of local practices. Factors to consider include the types of telehealth services offered, the ease of use of the platforms, and the availability of technical support for patients.

Mental health resources play a vital role in supporting patients diagnosed with lung cancer and their families. The emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis can be significant, and access to mental health services is essential for coping with the disease and its treatment. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources in Carolina Beach involves identifying local therapists, counselors, and support groups. This includes assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and other mental health professionals. Furthermore, it is crucial to determine whether primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health services and whether these services are readily accessible and affordable for patients.

The analysis should also consider the proximity of specialized cancer care centers. While primary care physicians are the gatekeepers to early detection and referrals, access to oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists is critical for treatment. The distance to these specialized facilities can significantly impact patient outcomes. Examining the location of cancer centers within a reasonable driving distance from Carolina Beach is essential. Information on the types of cancer treatments offered, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, should be included.

The availability of smoking cessation programs is another critical factor. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and access to effective smoking cessation resources can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease. The analysis should assess the availability of smoking cessation programs offered by primary care practices, local hospitals, and community organizations. This includes evaluating the availability of nicotine replacement therapy, counseling services, and support groups. The success rates of these programs and the level of patient participation should also be considered.

Furthermore, the analysis should examine the role of community health initiatives. Local health departments and community organizations often play a crucial role in promoting health awareness, providing education, and offering support services. Identifying any lung cancer-specific initiatives or programs within Carolina Beach can provide valuable insights into the community's commitment to addressing the disease. This includes assessing the availability of educational materials, screening events, and support groups.

Finally, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact health outcomes. Income levels, educational attainment, and access to insurance can all influence a patient's ability to access healthcare and receive timely treatment. Examining the socioeconomic profile of the 28428 ZIP code can help to identify potential disparities in healthcare access and inform strategies for addressing these challenges. This includes assessing the availability of financial assistance programs and insurance coverage options.

By meticulously evaluating these factors, a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" can be generated for the healthcare landscape of Carolina Beach. This score should reflect the overall quality and accessibility of care, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. The analysis should provide actionable recommendations for improving lung cancer outcomes in the community, such as increasing the physician-to-patient ratio, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding mental health services, and supporting smoking cessation programs.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, identify potential disparities in access, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Carolina Beach, consider exploring the power of interactive maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and informative way to visualize the data discussed in this analysis.