28510, Arapahoe, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28510, Arapahoe, North Carolina is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.32 percent of the residents in 28510 has some form of health insurance. 46.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.90 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 28510 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 200 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28510. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 457 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,929 health care providers accessible to residents in 28510, Arapahoe, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28510 & Arapahoe Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning lung cancer, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will explore the landscape of primary care in Arapahoe, focusing on its impact on lung cancer outcomes, and then specifically examine the availability and quality of care for lung cancer patients in ZIP Code 28510. The goal is to develop a Lung Cancer Score, informed by factors like physician density, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, ultimately painting a picture of patient access and care quality.

Arapahoe County, while not directly tied to a specific ZIP code like 28510, provides a broader context for understanding primary care availability. Primary care serves as the crucial entry point for patients, facilitating early detection and management of lung cancer. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Arapahoe is a critical factor. A low PCP-to-population ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced screening rates, and poorer overall health outcomes. This can be further complicated by geographic disparities, where access to care is unevenly distributed across the county.

The success of lung cancer treatment often hinges on early detection. This is where primary care plays a vital role, through screening programs and patient education. Primary care physicians are responsible for encouraging smoking cessation, a key preventative measure. The presence of robust primary care networks in Arapahoe, offering easy access to these services, is therefore directly linked to improved lung cancer outcomes. This also includes access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who are essential for diagnosis and treatment.

Now, focusing on ZIP Code 28510, a more granular assessment is needed. While specific data on physician-to-patient ratios within this ZIP code is crucial, a general understanding of the area's healthcare infrastructure is essential. Are there hospitals or clinics located within the ZIP code? What is the range of specialists available? Access to these resources directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely and effective care.

One key aspect to examine is the presence of standout practices. These are healthcare providers that have demonstrated excellence in lung cancer care, whether through innovative treatment approaches, high patient satisfaction rates, or proactive screening programs. Identifying these practices can highlight best practices and offer insights into successful models of care. This includes examining patient outcomes, such as survival rates and quality of life metrics.

Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool for expanding access to care, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine within 28510 is vital. Does the area have access to virtual consultations with specialists? Are remote monitoring programs available for patients undergoing treatment? Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to receive care without having to travel long distances. The extent of telemedicine adoption, especially for lung cancer patients, can be a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score.

Mental health support is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in the lives of lung cancer patients. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric services, is a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. Evaluating the availability of these resources within 28510, and their integration into the overall care plan, is essential for a holistic Lung Cancer Score.

The Lung Cancer Score for 28510 should incorporate all these factors. It should consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialist care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the existence of standout practices. The score could be a composite metric, using a weighted average of these factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for lung cancer patients. A higher score would indicate better access to care, a more supportive environment, and a greater likelihood of positive outcomes.

The impact of primary care availability in Arapahoe on the overall Lung Cancer Score for 28510 is indirect but substantial. The quality of primary care in the broader region sets the stage for early detection and management. If Arapahoe has strong primary care networks, with a high rate of screening and patient education, it will likely lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for patients in 28510. Conversely, a weak primary care infrastructure can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes.

The Lung Cancer Score should also consider the availability of supportive services, such as smoking cessation programs and palliative care. These services are crucial for improving the quality of life for lung cancer patients. The score should also consider the demographics of the population, including age, socioeconomic status, and access to insurance. These factors can influence a patient's ability to access care and their overall health outcomes.

Finally, the Lung Cancer Score is not a static measure. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking the adoption of new technologies, the development of new treatment options, and changes in the availability of resources. The score should be used as a tool to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for policies that support better lung cancer care.

This analysis provides a framework for assessing the healthcare landscape for lung cancer patients in 28510 and the surrounding Arapahoe area. By considering factors like physician density, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, it can inform the development of a Lung Cancer Score that reflects the quality and accessibility of care. This score can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for policies that support better lung cancer outcomes.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28510 and Arapahoe, including physician locations, hospital access, and resource distribution, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can visualize the data discussed above, allowing for a deeper understanding of healthcare access and quality.