28444, Harrells, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28444, Harrells, North Carolina is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.27 percent of the residents in 28444 has some form of health insurance. 41.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.76 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 28444 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 479 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28444. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 466 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 153 health care providers accessible to residents in 28444, Harrells, North Carolina.

The analysis of lung cancer care within ZIP code 28444, encompassing the Harrells, NC area, requires a multifaceted approach. We'll assess the availability of primary care physicians, their preparedness in lung cancer screening and early detection, and the overall resources available to patients. This analysis will also incorporate the impact of telemedicine and the crucial role of mental health support in the patient journey.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care is access to primary care. Harrells, a predominantly rural community, faces potential challenges in this regard. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians for a given population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening opportunities, and a fragmented healthcare experience. Data from reputable sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) would be essential to determine the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 28444 and its surrounding areas. This ratio will be a key factor in determining the overall 'Lung Cancer Score'.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and practices of the existing primary care providers are paramount. We need to evaluate the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, specifically those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). These guidelines typically recommend annual screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals at high risk, including those with a significant smoking history. Practices that actively implement these guidelines, offering screening to eligible patients and providing clear information about the benefits and risks, will receive higher scores.

Standout practices in the area would be those that demonstrate a commitment to proactive patient care. This includes practices that have implemented robust systems for identifying high-risk patients, offering smoking cessation programs, and ensuring seamless referrals to specialists when necessary. These practices might also have established relationships with local hospitals and cancer centers, facilitating efficient communication and coordination of care. Assessing the availability of these programs and the ease with which patients can access them is crucial.

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 28444 is a significant factor. Practices that offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations can significantly improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel. The availability of telehealth platforms, the training of physicians in telehealth technologies, and the accessibility of these services to patients, including those with limited internet access, will all influence the overall score.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Mental health support is an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the Harrells area is critical. Primary care practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and provide referrals to appropriate services will be viewed favorably. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The overall 'Lung Cancer Score' for the primary care landscape in 28444 will be a composite measure. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of screening guidelines, the availability of smoking cessation programs, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Each of these factors will be assigned a weight based on its importance in delivering high-quality lung cancer care.

To arrive at a comprehensive assessment, a thorough investigation of the local healthcare ecosystem is required. This includes reviewing publicly available data, conducting interviews with local healthcare providers, and potentially surveying patients to gather their experiences. The analysis should also consider the demographic characteristics of the population, including age, socioeconomic status, and access to insurance.

The final score will reflect the overall preparedness of the primary care system in 28444 to address the challenges of lung cancer. A higher score will indicate a system that is well-equipped to provide timely screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. A lower score will highlight areas where improvements are needed to ensure that all patients have access to the best possible care.

The findings of this analysis will provide valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use this information to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Healthcare providers can use it to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Policymakers can use it to allocate resources and to develop strategies to improve access to care in underserved areas.

Understanding the healthcare landscape within a specific ZIP code is a complex undertaking. However, by carefully analyzing the factors discussed above, we can gain a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This, in turn, can help us to improve the lives of those affected by lung cancer.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources available in your area, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a detailed overview of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health.