28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.52 percent of the residents in 28460 has some form of health insurance. 26.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.32 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 28460 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,568 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28460. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,515 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 702 health care providers accessible to residents in 28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Sneads Ferry, NC (ZIP Code 28460)**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality in Sneads Ferry, NC, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will focus on factors relevant to lung cancer care, including physician availability, primary care infrastructure, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, all within the context of the local environment. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape for individuals affected by or at risk of this disease.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Sneads Ferry, primary care availability is a crucial determinant of the overall score. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. Assessing this ratio involves examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 28460 ZIP code and comparing it to the population size. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board, when combined, can help to determine this ratio. A favorable ratio would indicate better access to timely primary care, which is essential for early detection and management of lung cancer risk factors.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves assessing the practices' adherence to established clinical guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This includes the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals, particularly those with a significant smoking history. Further, the practices’ ability to provide smoking cessation counseling and resources is a critical component of preventive care. Practices that actively promote and implement these services will contribute positively to the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to access healthcare remotely has become increasingly important, particularly for individuals living in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telemedicine can facilitate consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists, potentially improving access to care for lung cancer patients. Practices that have integrated telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, will score higher in this area. The availability of telehealth services for mental health support is particularly relevant, given the emotional toll that a lung cancer diagnosis can take.

Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the local area is therefore essential. This includes assessing the number of mental health providers, their accessibility (e.g., appointment availability, insurance acceptance), and their experience in treating patients with cancer. Partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers can further enhance the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan.

Standout practices within the 28460 ZIP code deserve specific recognition. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care is a key component of this analysis. This involves looking for practices that have implemented best practices in screening, smoking cessation, and patient support. These practices may have a higher percentage of patients undergoing appropriate lung cancer screening, a robust smoking cessation program, and a strong focus on patient education and support. They may also have established referral pathways to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, ensuring seamless coordination of care.

Assessing the integration of specialists is also vital. While primary care forms the foundation, access to specialists is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of lung cancer. The proximity of pulmonologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to Sneads Ferry is a significant factor. Analyzing the travel time to these specialists, the availability of appointments, and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists will contribute to the overall score. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center within a reasonable distance would significantly enhance the score.

The availability of support groups and patient resources is another important consideration. Lung cancer patients often benefit from connecting with others who have similar experiences. The presence of local support groups, patient education materials, and resources for financial assistance can significantly improve the quality of life for patients. Assessing the availability and accessibility of these resources is an integral part of the analysis.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a single number but a composite assessment based on the factors described above. The score would consider physician-to-patient ratios, the implementation of screening guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialist care and patient support. Practices demonstrating excellence in these areas would contribute positively to the overall score for the 28460 ZIP code.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape in Sneads Ferry, NC, as it relates to lung cancer care. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that individuals affected by or at risk of lung cancer have access to the best possible care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Sneads Ferry, NC, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and other healthcare resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare options.