28466, Wallace, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28466, Wallace, North Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.81 percent of the residents in 28466 has some form of health insurance. 42.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.36 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 28466 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,659 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28466. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,908 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 360 health care providers accessible to residents in 28466, Wallace, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Wallace, NC (ZIP Code 28466)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score, evaluating the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28466 (Wallace, North Carolina) with a specific focus on primary care availability and related factors impacting lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment access. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding for residents and healthcare stakeholders.

The foundation of a strong Lung Cancer Score rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. In Wallace, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical metric. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly hinder timely diagnosis and referral. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures fluctuate, obtaining data from the North Carolina Medical Board and local hospital systems is essential to determine the current ratio. A ratio below the national average (approximately 1:1300) would indicate a potential challenge, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative screenings.

The quality of primary care, as perceived by the community, is another key element. Assessing patient satisfaction, as measured by publicly available surveys and reviews, provides valuable insights. Analyzing patient feedback regarding communication, appointment scheduling, and overall care experience reveals areas of strength and weakness within the local practices. Practices with consistently positive feedback scores, particularly those emphasizing preventative care and early detection strategies, would contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score.

Standout practices within the 28466 ZIP code are those that demonstrate a proactive approach to lung cancer prevention and management. This includes practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer comprehensive lung cancer screening (using low-dose CT scans for eligible patients), and have established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists. Identifying practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, is crucial. Their commitment to these practices directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. The ability to offer telehealth consultations can significantly improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, receive a higher score. This is particularly important for patients who may face geographical barriers to accessing in-person care.

The presence of mental health resources also plays a significant role in the Lung Cancer Score. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is crucial for patients and their families. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community, and their integration with primary care practices, is essential. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral partnerships with mental health providers demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

The geographical distribution of healthcare resources within the ZIP code also influences the score. Analyzing the proximity of primary care practices, specialist physicians, hospitals, and diagnostic centers to residential areas helps assess accessibility. The closer these resources are to the population, the better the score. This is particularly important for patients who may have limited transportation options.

The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is another factor. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively, allowing for seamless information sharing between providers, contribute positively to the score. This facilitates coordinated care, ensuring that all healthcare providers have access to the patient's medical history, including screening results, diagnoses, and treatment plans.

The availability of community resources is also important. This includes support groups for lung cancer patients and their families, as well as educational programs about lung cancer prevention and early detection. Practices that partner with community organizations to provide these resources receive a higher score.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a static number; it evolves based on changes in the healthcare landscape. Regular updates, incorporating the latest data on physician availability, patient satisfaction, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, are essential to maintain its accuracy and relevance. The score should be considered a dynamic tool, reflecting the ongoing efforts to improve lung cancer care in Wallace.

The final score, therefore, is a composite of all these factors. It is a reflection of the community's capacity to provide high-quality, accessible, and comprehensive care for individuals at risk of or affected by lung cancer.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wallace, NC, and visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for analyzing healthcare data and visualizing the factors that contribute to the Lung Cancer Score.