28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.36 percent of the residents in 28430 has some form of health insurance. 39.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.72 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 28430 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 425 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28430. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 407 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,238 health care providers accessible to residents in 28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Cerro Gordo, NC (ZIP Code 28430)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Cerro Gordo, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28430), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to assess the availability and quality of care, considering primary care access, physician resources, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, ultimately culminating in a Lung Cancer Score ranking for the area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and competent primary care. Cerro Gordo, a rural community, faces inherent challenges in this regard. Evaluating the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is paramount. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can significantly hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. This analysis will investigate the current ratio in 28430, comparing it to state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often serve as primary care providers, will also be considered.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is equally important. This involves assessing the practices' capabilities in early lung cancer detection. This includes the availability of screening programs, specifically low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. The analysis will examine which practices in and around Cerro Gordo offer these services, and the frequency with which they are utilized. Furthermore, the analysis will evaluate the practices' adherence to established guidelines for lung cancer screening and management, as recommended by organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Standout practices within the 28430 ZIP code, or those serving the area, will be identified. These practices will be evaluated based on their commitment to patient-centered care, their integration of technology, and their overall approach to lung cancer prevention and management. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to screening, early detection, and patient education will be highlighted. The analysis will look for evidence of patient navigators, who can guide patients through the complex healthcare system, and multidisciplinary teams, which bring together various specialists to provide comprehensive care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The analysis will investigate the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in the Cerro Gordo area. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education and follow-up care. The presence of telehealth services can significantly improve access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available locally.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked, yet critical, aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. This analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources in Cerro Gordo and the surrounding areas. This includes evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. The analysis will also consider the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, and the availability of support groups and counseling services specifically for cancer patients and their families.

The Lung Cancer Score will be a composite metric reflecting the various factors discussed above. The score will be based on a weighted average of several key indicators, including: the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of lung cancer screening programs, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each indicator will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in determining the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care. The resulting score will provide a comparative ranking of the healthcare landscape in Cerro Gordo, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on lung cancer outcomes. Factors such as poverty, lack of access to transportation, and limited health literacy can all negatively affect a patient's ability to access and adhere to treatment. The analysis will assess the prevalence of these factors in Cerro Gordo and consider their potential impact on the Lung Cancer Score. This contextual understanding is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve lung cancer care in the area.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be presented with a clear and concise explanation of the methodology used. The score will be accompanied by specific recommendations for improving healthcare access and quality in Cerro Gordo. These recommendations may include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding lung cancer screening programs, promoting telemedicine adoption, and enhancing mental health support services.

The information gathered will be synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the lung cancer care landscape in Cerro Gordo. This analysis will serve as a valuable resource for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members who are committed to improving the health and well-being of the residents of Cerro Gordo. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve the early detection, treatment, and support for individuals affected by lung cancer in this rural community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Cerro Gordo, including physician locations, clinic locations, and the availability of various services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that provide a detailed view of healthcare resources in your area.