28457, Rocky Point, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28457, Rocky Point, North Carolina is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.75 percent of the residents in 28457 has some form of health insurance. 39.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.70 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 28457 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,305 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28457. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,254 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,980 health care providers accessible to residents in 28457, Rocky Point, North Carolina.

This analysis examines lung cancer care within ZIP Code 28457, encompassing Rocky Point, North Carolina, focusing on primary care access and related resources. The aim is to assess the quality and availability of care, particularly concerning early detection and management of lung cancer. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice profiles, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, ultimately providing a comprehensive overview.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Early detection through screening, such as low-dose CT scans, significantly improves survival rates. Therefore, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial. The physician-to-patient ratio in Rocky Point, while not readily available in specific numerical terms, likely reflects the broader trends in rural North Carolina. These areas often face shortages, potentially hindering timely access to care. This situation necessitates a closer look at existing resources and innovative solutions.

Within the context of lung cancer, the role of primary care extends beyond routine checkups. PCPs are the gatekeepers to specialized care, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists. They are also responsible for patient education, risk factor assessment (smoking history, exposure to carcinogens), and promoting preventative measures. A robust primary care system is essential to ensure patients receive the necessary referrals and support.

Standout practices within the 28457 ZIP code, if any, are difficult to identify without specific data. However, certain characteristics would indicate excellence. These include a commitment to preventative care, evidenced by proactive screening programs and patient education initiatives. Another key indicator is a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between PCPs, specialists, and support staff. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials and offer access to cutting-edge treatments would also be considered high-performing.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to enhance access to care, especially in underserved areas. Its adoption rate within Rocky Point’s medical community is a critical factor. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, provide access to educational resources, and enable virtual monitoring of patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely better equipped to serve a broader patient base and overcome geographical barriers. This is particularly important for lung cancer patients who may require frequent follow-up appointments and consultations.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical component of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is therefore essential. Practices that integrate mental health professionals into their care teams demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. This integration can include on-site therapists, referrals to mental health providers, and educational resources.

The quality of lung cancer care is also influenced by factors beyond the immediate medical setting. Access to transportation, financial assistance, and social support networks can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive and adhere to treatment. Community resources, such as support groups and patient advocacy organizations, play a vital role in providing emotional support, practical assistance, and education. The presence of such resources within the Rocky Point community is an important consideration.

Evaluating the overall ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for doctors in ZIP Code 28457 requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing the availability of PCPs, the presence of specialist care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services. It also necessitates considering the community resources available to support patients. Without specific data on each of these factors, it is difficult to provide a precise numerical score. However, a qualitative assessment can highlight strengths and weaknesses.

A strong ‘Lung Cancer Score’ in Rocky Point would be characterized by a robust primary care system with a sufficient number of PCPs. It would also feature practices that actively screen for lung cancer, offer telemedicine options, and provide access to mental health support. Furthermore, it would include strong community resources to support patients throughout their journey.

Conversely, a lower score would indicate shortages of PCPs, limited access to specialists, a lack of telemedicine adoption, and insufficient mental health support. In addition, it would be characterized by a lack of community resources and potential barriers to accessing care.

The analysis would be significantly enhanced by access to specific data. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the number of specialists practicing in the area, the adoption rate of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health services. Furthermore, data on patient outcomes, such as early detection rates and survival rates, would provide a more comprehensive assessment.

Improving the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ in Rocky Point requires a concerted effort. This includes recruiting and retaining PCPs, expanding access to specialist care, promoting telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health services into the care model. It also necessitates strengthening community resources and addressing any barriers to accessing care.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of lung cancer care in Rocky Point. Further investigation and data collection are necessary to provide a more precise assessment and identify specific areas for improvement. The focus should always remain on improving patient outcomes and ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality, comprehensive care.

For a visual representation of the medical landscape within ZIP Code 28457, including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can offer a valuable perspective on the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and help identify areas where access to care may be limited.