28462, Supply, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28462, Supply, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.60 percent of the residents in 28462 has some form of health insurance. 45.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.14 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 28462 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,027 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28462. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,166 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,290 health care providers accessible to residents in 28462, Supply, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28462 & Primary Care Availability in Supply**

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare within ZIP code 28462, encompassing the town of Supply, North Carolina, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score," a composite assessment reflecting the accessibility, quality, and resources available to patients, particularly those at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. This score will consider factors relevant to early detection, treatment, and supportive care. The primary focus will be on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and robust primary care. Supply, a relatively small community, faces challenges common to rural areas. Primary care physicians (PCPs) act as gatekeepers to specialized care, including pulmonology and oncology. The availability of PCPs directly impacts the likelihood of early detection through routine screenings and prompt referrals. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, a less proactive approach to preventative care.

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 28462 requires access to real-time data, including the number of practicing PCPs, the total population of the ZIP code, and the patient load each physician carries. Publicly available data, such as that from the North Carolina Medical Board, can provide information on licensed physicians, but this data alone doesn’t reveal the crucial information about patient capacity. It is essential to consider the presence of any urgent care clinics or satellite offices of larger healthcare systems. These may alleviate some pressure on the primary care system, but their impact needs to be evaluated.

Standout practices within the area, if any, would be those that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening programs. These programs often involve low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals. Practices that actively promote screening, provide patient education, and coordinate referrals to specialists would receive higher marks in this analysis. The presence of dedicated nurse navigators or patient advocates, who assist patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, would also be a significant positive factor.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly critical, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. This is especially relevant for lung cancer patients who may have mobility issues or live far from specialized treatment centers. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, virtual monitoring, and remote patient education programs would be considered more favorable. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is a prerequisite for effective telemedicine implementation.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is crucial for managing anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, would receive higher scores. The ease of access to these services, including the availability of telehealth options, is a key consideration.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 28462 would also factor in the proximity to larger medical centers that offer specialized lung cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center within a reasonable driving distance would significantly improve the score. The availability of clinical trials and research opportunities would also be considered, as these can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.

The analysis should evaluate the community's overall health literacy. Are there initiatives to educate the public about lung cancer risks, symptoms, and screening guidelines? The presence of community health programs, such as smoking cessation programs, would also be a positive indicator. The availability of these resources would contribute to a higher score.

To develop a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score," it is essential to gather data from multiple sources. This includes public health data, information from local healthcare providers, and patient surveys. The analysis should be updated regularly to reflect changes in healthcare availability and quality. The score should not only reflect the current state of care but also identify areas for improvement.

This analysis is not a definitive ranking but rather a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in 28462, focused on the factors most relevant to lung cancer care. The score would be influenced by the availability of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the proximity to specialized cancer centers. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to patients and to identify opportunities to improve access to high-quality care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 28462 and surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, the availability of resources, and other relevant data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into healthcare accessibility and help you make informed decisions about your health.