28448, Kelly, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28448, Kelly, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.76 percent of the residents in 28448 has some form of health insurance. 45.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 32.87 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 28448 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 138 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28448. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 161 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 87 health care providers accessible to residents in 28448, Kelly, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28448 & Primary Care Availability in Kelly, NC**

The assessment of lung cancer care access within ZIP code 28448, encompassing the Kelly, NC area, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis examines physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the crucial support systems available to patients. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of care for individuals facing this challenging disease.

The initial hurdle in any healthcare analysis is physician density. In the context of lung cancer, this translates to the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists. ZIP code 28448, primarily serving the Kelly community, is a rural area. Rural locations often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, leading to potentially lower physician-to-patient ratios compared to more urban settings. The availability of PCPs in Kelly is a critical factor. They are the gateway to early detection through screening and the crucial first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. A shortage of PCPs can significantly delay diagnosis and treatment initiation, impacting patient outcomes.

The presence of pulmonologists is equally vital. These specialists diagnose and manage lung diseases, including lung cancer. The proximity of pulmonologists, and their availability for timely consultations and procedures, is a key indicator of care accessibility. Oncologists, who specialize in cancer treatment, are essential for developing and implementing treatment plans. The presence of local oncologists, or the ease of access to oncological services in nearby cities, directly influences the convenience and quality of care. Radiologists, with their expertise in imaging, are crucial for both diagnosis and monitoring treatment response.

Beyond physician numbers, the characteristics of local medical practices significantly influence the quality of lung cancer care. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including on-site imaging (X-rays, CT scans, PET scans), laboratory services, and chemotherapy infusion centers, provide a more streamlined and convenient experience for patients. Practices that are part of larger healthcare networks may offer greater access to specialists, clinical trials, and advanced treatment options. Examining the patient experience, including wait times for appointments, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall comfort of the environment, is also a key consideration.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial aspect of the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in rural areas to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring services. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals, are likely to receive a higher score. This is particularly important for lung cancer patients, who may have mobility limitations or require frequent monitoring.

The psychological and emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Support groups, both in-person and virtual, can provide invaluable emotional support and peer-to-peer guidance. Access to these resources can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of treatment.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 28448, or in nearby areas accessible to Kelly residents, requires a deep dive into their specific offerings. This involves assessing their physician credentials, the range of services they provide, their adoption of technology, and their commitment to patient support. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection through lung cancer screening programs, using evidence-based guidelines, deserve recognition. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments, are also highly valued.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for the area is not a static number but rather a reflection of the dynamic interplay of these factors. A low score might indicate limited physician availability, a lack of comprehensive services, and inadequate mental health support. A high score would reflect a robust healthcare ecosystem, with readily accessible specialists, advanced treatment options, and a strong emphasis on patient well-being.

While a definitive "Lung Cancer Score" cannot be assigned without a comprehensive, in-depth data analysis, the framework outlined here provides a roadmap for evaluating the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in ZIP code 28448 and the Kelly, NC area. The importance of this type of analysis is that it informs residents about the resources available to them and facilitates improvements in the system.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to specialized services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data, highlighting areas with high and low concentrations of resources, and offering a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in detail.