28520, Cedar Island, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28520, Cedar Island, North Carolina is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.73 percent of the residents in 28520 has some form of health insurance. 49.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.74 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 28520 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28520. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 88 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 43 health care providers accessible to residents in 28520, Cedar Island, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the quality of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within the specific geographic parameters of ZIP Code 28520, encompassing Cedar Island, North Carolina. This assessment will consider factors influencing patient outcomes, including physician availability, technological integration, and access to supportive mental health services. A numerical “Lung Cancer Score” will be implicitly derived through the analysis, providing a comparative understanding of the healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in the availability of qualified medical professionals. ZIP Code 28520, a predominantly rural area, likely faces challenges common to such locations. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A low ratio, signifying a shortage of doctors, can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced access to specialists, and compromised patient outcomes. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with publicly available information on physician licensing and practice locations, will be crucial to estimating this ratio. The analysis will consider the presence of primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists within the specified ZIP Code and the surrounding areas within a reasonable driving distance. Proximity to specialized cancer centers and hospitals capable of providing comprehensive lung cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, will also be factored in.

Primary care availability in Cedar Island is pivotal, acting as the gateway to early detection and management of lung cancer. PCPs play a vital role in screening high-risk individuals, such as smokers and those with a family history of the disease. The analysis will assess the number of PCPs practicing in Cedar Island and the surrounding areas, considering factors such as patient load and appointment availability. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can augment the capacity of PCPs, will also be evaluated. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the availability of smoking cessation programs and other preventative services offered by local primary care practices.

Standout practices, if any, will be identified based on their commitment to providing comprehensive and patient-centered care. This includes examining their adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment, their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate care coordination, and their patient satisfaction scores. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to patient education and support, such as offering support groups or educational materials, will be given preferential consideration. Specific practices will not be named, as the analysis is designed to be a general overview.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Cedar Island. The analysis will investigate the extent to which local healthcare providers utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with lung cancer, allowing them to receive care from specialists without having to travel long distances. The availability of telehealth services for mental health support will also be considered.

Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, within ZIP Code 28520 and the surrounding areas. The presence of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, will be assessed. The integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan, such as offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health specialists, will be viewed favorably.

The “Lung Cancer Score” implicitly derived from this analysis will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in the specified geographic area. The score will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of primary care, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score will indicate a more favorable healthcare environment for lung cancer patients.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. The assessment relies on publicly available data, which may not always be complete or up-to-date. Patient outcomes data, such as survival rates, are often difficult to obtain at the local level. The analysis does not account for individual patient experiences or the nuances of specific healthcare providers. However, the analysis provides a valuable overview of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

In conclusion, the quality of lung cancer care in ZIP Code 28520, specifically in Cedar Island, is determined by a complex interplay of factors. Physician availability, primary care access, technological integration, and mental health support are all essential components of a comprehensive approach to patient care. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of healthcare in the area and identifying areas for improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28520 and visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing data and identifying potential gaps in care.