28516, Beaufort, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28516, Beaufort, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.61 percent of the residents in 28516 has some form of health insurance. 48.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.44 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 28516 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,768 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28516. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,476 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,375 health care providers accessible to residents in 28516, Beaufort, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Beaufort, NC (28516) - Primary Care Focus

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care services within Beaufort, North Carolina (ZIP code 28516), specifically evaluating factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, encompassing physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components in the fight against this disease. This analysis does not provide medical advice.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management rests on robust primary care. Early detection through screening, smoking cessation counseling, and consistent follow-up are all primarily managed within this setting. Therefore, the strength of the primary care infrastructure in Beaufort directly impacts the community's ability to combat lung cancer effectively.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

One of the most crucial metrics is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to ascertain without direct access to local healthcare provider databases, publicly available data, such as that from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, can offer valuable insights. Analyzing this data, coupled with information on the number of primary care practices and their patient loads, provides a preliminary assessment of access. Further research is needed to ascertain the number of specialists, such as pulmonologists, available in the area.

Beaufort, being a relatively small community, might face challenges in maintaining a high physician-to-patient ratio. This necessitates a focus on strategies that maximize the efficiency of existing primary care resources. This includes the adoption of technology to streamline workflows and improve patient communication.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. This involves examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and the availability of specialized services. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer comprehensive health screenings, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education are likely to score higher in this assessment. Reviewing online patient reviews, analyzing practice accreditations, and investigating the availability of specialized equipment, such as low-dose CT scanners for lung cancer screening, are all crucial steps in evaluating the quality of care.

Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, such as free health screenings or educational seminars, also demonstrate a commitment to preventative care and community well-being. The presence of board-certified physicians and the practice's commitment to continuing medical education also contribute to a higher score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Beaufort can significantly impact lung cancer management. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and the delivery of educational resources. This is especially important for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments due to mobility issues, distance, or other limitations.

Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, will receive a higher score. The availability of virtual smoking cessation counseling, for example, can significantly increase the success rates of patients attempting to quit smoking. The ability to remotely monitor patients' lung health and provide timely interventions can also improve outcomes.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. Primary care practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will receive a higher score.

This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer care. The ability to address the psychological impact of the disease, including anxiety, depression, and fear, is essential for patient well-being and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns and provide access to these resources are demonstrating a commitment to holistic care.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed above, a "Lung Cancer Score" would be assigned to each primary care practice in the 28516 ZIP code. This score would be a composite measure, reflecting the practice's performance across various categories. Practices with high physician-to-patient ratios, a commitment to evidence-based practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources would receive higher scores.

The goal of this scoring system is to provide a transparent and informative assessment of the primary care landscape in Beaufort. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by community organizations to advocate for better access to care.

The overall score for Beaufort, NC (28516) is dependent on the specific data available, which is constantly changing. However, based on the general understanding of the area, and the importance of primary care, it is likely that the scores could be improved through increased access to care, greater telemedicine adoption, and a focus on mental health support.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of the primary care landscape in Beaufort, including practice locations, physician availability, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. This platform provides a dynamic and informative view of the healthcare resources in your community. Visit CartoChrome maps today to learn more and gain a deeper understanding of the primary care landscape in Beaufort.