28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.73 percent of the residents in 28445 has some form of health insurance. 29.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.14 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 28445 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,928 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28445. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,568 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 781 health care providers accessible to residents in 28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians practicing within the 28445 ZIP code, focusing on Holly Ridge, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas. This score considers factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support, with an emphasis on accessibility and the availability of crucial resources. The analysis aims to highlight strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of a strong Lung Cancer Score rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to better access to care, including preventative screenings like low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, which are crucial for early lung cancer detection. Conversely, a high ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. In Holly Ridge, this ratio needs careful examination. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau should be cross-referenced to determine the exact ratio for 28445. This data will inform the initial score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the types of practices available significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score. Are the practices primarily solo practices, small groups, or larger multi-specialty clinics? Larger clinics often have more resources, including on-site imaging capabilities, which can streamline the diagnostic process. The presence of pulmonologists or oncologists within the same clinic or easily accessible through referral networks is another positive indicator. These specialists are vital for confirming diagnoses, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing care. The proximity of these specialists to primary care physicians is a crucial factor in the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is a modern indicator of healthcare accessibility. Practices that embrace telemedicine offer patients greater flexibility, especially those in rural areas or with mobility challenges. Telemedicine can facilitate initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. For the Lung Cancer Score, practices that offer telemedicine options will receive a higher rating. This is particularly relevant in a rural setting like Holly Ridge, where travel distances can be a barrier to care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a crucial component of a high Lung Cancer Score. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or readily available referral networks, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of these resources directly impacts the score, reflecting the importance of addressing the psychological well-being of patients.

Specific practices within the 28445 ZIP code warrant individual assessment. While a comprehensive list is beyond the scope of this analysis, examples of standout practices might include those with a high patient-to-physician ratio, those offering on-site imaging services, or those with a strong focus on telemedicine. The practices with the most integrated mental health resources would also be considered as exemplary. These practices would serve as models for other clinics in the area.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the availability of support groups and patient education materials. Lung cancer patients benefit greatly from connecting with others who understand their experiences. Practices that facilitate access to support groups, either through internal programs or referrals to external organizations, will receive higher scores. Similarly, providing patients with clear, concise, and accessible educational materials about lung cancer, treatment options, and available resources is essential.

The overall score is a composite of these factors. Each element, from physician-to-patient ratios to the availability of mental health services, is weighted based on its impact on patient outcomes. Practices receive individual scores for each category, and these scores are aggregated to produce a final Lung Cancer Score. This score provides a snapshot of the quality and accessibility of lung cancer-related care within the 28445 ZIP code.

Data sources used to calculate the score will include public databases, physician directories, and potentially, publicly available patient satisfaction surveys. The data is analyzed to identify trends, strengths, and weaknesses within the local healthcare system. This data-driven approach ensures the score reflects the reality of healthcare access and quality in Holly Ridge.

The Lung Cancer Score is dynamic and should be updated regularly. Healthcare landscapes change rapidly, with new practices opening, existing practices evolving, and new technologies emerging. Regular updates ensure the score remains accurate and relevant. This allows for continuous improvement of healthcare practices.

The final Lung Cancer Score is not a definitive judgment but a tool for assessment. It highlights areas where healthcare in Holly Ridge excels and areas where improvements are needed. It is intended to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The analysis also considers the socioeconomic factors of the Holly Ridge community. Factors like insurance coverage rates, poverty levels, and access to transportation can significantly impact healthcare access. Practices that actively address these social determinants of health, such as offering financial assistance programs or providing transportation assistance, will receive higher scores.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for primary care physicians in the 28445 ZIP code, encompassing Holly Ridge, is a multifaceted assessment. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and social determinants of health. The resulting score provides a valuable tool for evaluating the quality and accessibility of lung cancer-related care in the area.

For a detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Holly Ridge, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive, data-rich visualization of the area’s healthcare resources, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and the health of your community.