28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.71 percent of the residents in 28468 has some form of health insurance. 55.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.46 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 28468 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 418 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28468. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,128 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,138 health care providers accessible to residents in 28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Sunset Beach, NC (ZIP Code 28468)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care resources in Sunset Beach, North Carolina (ZIP code 28468), with a specific focus on factors relevant to lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and support. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care.

Sunset Beach, a coastal community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its population, potentially including a significant number of retirees and seasonal residents, necessitates a robust and accessible primary care infrastructure. Early detection of lung cancer is paramount, and this is directly tied to the availability of proactive primary care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Assessing this ratio within the 28468 ZIP code, or within a reasonable radius considering patient travel patterns, is critical. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be essential in determining the current physician supply. Any analysis must also consider the specialties represented within the primary care landscape, including internal medicine, family medicine, and geriatrics, as these are the typical entry points for patients needing lung cancer screening or experiencing symptoms.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices are equally important. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they participate in value-based care models, which often emphasize preventative care and chronic disease management? The presence of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as X-ray machines, would be a significant advantage, allowing for quicker initial assessments of potential lung cancer symptoms. Furthermore, the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers, including specialists and hospitals, is a key indicator of a modern and efficient practice.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in improving access to care, especially in a geographically dispersed area like Sunset Beach. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients, particularly those at high risk for lung cancer or undergoing treatment. The availability of telemedicine platforms within primary care practices in the area, and the extent to which these platforms are integrated into the overall care workflow, should be carefully evaluated. This includes assessing the ease of use for both patients and providers, the security of the platforms, and the reimbursement policies for telemedicine services by major insurance providers.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, cannot be overstated. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting, or through readily accessible referrals, is crucial. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology or chronic illness. Assessing the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, or the establishment of formal referral pathways to external mental health providers, is a vital component of the Lung Cancer Score analysis. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Standout practices in the Sunset Beach area should be identified. These practices may demonstrate excellence in specific areas, such as patient communication, preventative care, or care coordination. Identifying these practices and highlighting their best practices can serve as a model for other providers in the area. This could involve assessing patient satisfaction scores, reviewing the practices' participation in quality improvement initiatives, and evaluating their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and management.

The Lung Cancer Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contributions of each of the factors discussed above. The weighting will be based on the relative importance of each factor in influencing the quality and accessibility of care. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing residents of Sunset Beach to understand the overall strength of the primary care infrastructure in relation to lung cancer care.

The analysis should also consider the proximity of specialists and hospitals equipped to handle lung cancer cases. The availability of oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and surgeons within a reasonable driving distance is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. This includes assessing the capabilities of local hospitals, such as their ability to perform advanced imaging techniques, surgical procedures, and chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The presence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, which bring together specialists from various fields, is also a positive indicator.

The analysis will also consider the community's health literacy levels and any specific needs of the local population. This may involve assessing the prevalence of risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking rates, and the availability of smoking cessation programs. The analysis will also consider the cultural and linguistic diversity of the community, and the availability of culturally competent healthcare providers.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score analysis for Sunset Beach (28468) provides a comprehensive assessment of the primary care landscape, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and support. This analysis will provide valuable insights for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes in the community.

Want to visualize this data and uncover even more insights? Explore the healthcare landscape of Sunset Beach and beyond with CartoChrome maps.