28504, Kinston, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28504, Kinston, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.10 percent of the residents in 28504 has some form of health insurance. 48.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.50 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 28504 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28504. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,529 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 669 health care providers accessible to residents in 28504, Kinston, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Kinston, NC (ZIP Code 28504)

This analysis assesses the landscape of healthcare resources within ZIP code 28504 (Kinston, NC), specifically focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care. We'll examine physician availability, primary care access, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score ranking for local physicians and practices.

The foundation of effective lung cancer treatment rests on early detection and comprehensive care. This necessitates readily available primary care physicians (PCPs) for screening referrals, prompt diagnosis, and ongoing management. Kinston, like many rural areas, often faces challenges in healthcare access, which can significantly impact patient outcomes.

**Primary Care Availability in Kinston:**

Assessing primary care availability involves several key metrics. First, the **physician-to-patient ratio** is crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, often translates to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau will be critical in calculating this ratio. We will need to determine the number of active PCPs practicing within the 28504 ZIP code and compare it to the estimated population. This data provides a baseline understanding of the current accessibility of primary care.

Second, the **geographic distribution of PCPs** is important. Are the available physicians clustered in a central location, or are they distributed across the community, making access easier for residents in different areas? Examining the locations of primary care practices and their proximity to residential areas is essential.

Third, the **acceptance of new patients** by local practices is a key indicator. Practices that are consistently accepting new patients signal a greater capacity to serve the community. This information requires direct research, possibly through phone calls or online inquiries to local practices.

Finally, **insurance acceptance** is a significant factor. The availability of PCPs who accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, ensures that a broader segment of the population can access care.

**Standout Practices and Physicians:**

Identifying standout practices and physicians involves evaluating several factors. The **quality of care** is paramount. This can be assessed through patient reviews, physician ratings, and data on patient outcomes. Practices with consistently positive patient feedback and a demonstrated commitment to quality improvement are likely to be highly regarded.

The **scope of services offered** is another important consideration. Practices that offer a comprehensive range of services, including on-site diagnostic testing, such as X-rays and potentially CT scans, can streamline the diagnostic process and reduce the need for patients to travel to multiple locations.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine, or the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments.

Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication between patients and providers. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to be better equipped to provide timely and convenient care, which can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients who may require frequent follow-up appointments.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore critical. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources involves identifying local mental health providers and support groups. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices is also a positive indicator, as it allows for seamless coordination of care between physical and mental health providers.

**Lung Cancer Score Ranking:**

Based on the factors discussed above, we can develop a Lung Cancer Score ranking for physicians and practices in ZIP code 28504. This ranking will be a composite score based on the following criteria:

* **Primary Care Availability (Weight: 30%):** Physician-to-patient ratio, geographic distribution, new patient acceptance, insurance acceptance.
* **Quality of Care (Weight: 30%):** Patient reviews, physician ratings, outcome data.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (Weight: 20%):** Availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, EHR integration.
* **Mental Health Resources (Weight: 20%):** Availability of mental health providers, support groups, integrated behavioral health services.

Each criterion will be scored on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of access and quality. The weighted average of these scores will determine the overall Lung Cancer Score for each physician and practice.

**Specific Considerations for Kinston:**

Kinston's healthcare landscape is likely shaped by factors such as its location in a rural area, the demographics of the population, and the availability of funding for healthcare services. Specific challenges may include physician shortages, limited access to specialized care, and a lack of transportation options for patients.

**Conclusion:**

This Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare resources available to lung cancer patients in Kinston, NC. The findings will help patients make informed decisions about their care and will highlight areas where improvements are needed.

For a more detailed and interactive visualization of the data, including physician locations, practice profiles, and access to care information, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.