28525, Deep Run, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28525, Deep Run, North Carolina is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.35 percent of the residents in 28525 has some form of health insurance. 48.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.54 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 28525 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 531 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28525. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 552 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 936 health care providers accessible to residents in 28525, Deep Run, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Deep Run, NC (ZIP Code 28525)**

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources in Deep Run, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28525), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to create a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the area's preparedness to address this significant health concern. We will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in a comprehensive cancer care framework.

The core of any effective lung cancer care system lies in access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Deep Run, the primary care landscape is a critical factor. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is the initial step. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with information from healthcare directories, can provide an estimate of this ratio. However, this is just the beginning.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is essential. This includes the PCPs' willingness and ability to screen for lung cancer, particularly in high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history). Early detection through low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans significantly improves survival rates. Therefore, PCPs must be knowledgeable about screening guidelines and actively encourage eligible patients to undergo these scans. The availability of advanced imaging facilities within a reasonable distance of Deep Run is also a crucial factor. Access to these facilities is a must.

Identifying standout medical practices is another key element of the Lung Cancer Score. These practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive cancer care. This can include practices that have implemented patient navigation programs, which assist patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. They also need to have specialized oncology services and support groups. The existence of these practices, combined with their integration with larger healthcare systems, can significantly enhance the quality of care available to residents of Deep Run.

Telemedicine adoption is a modern healthcare feature that can dramatically improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Deep Run. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups remotely. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to medical appointments due to physical limitations, transportation challenges, or geographical isolation. The availability of telemedicine services for oncology consultations, follow-up appointments, and mental health support should be assessed.

The mental health aspect of cancer care is often overlooked, but it is vitally important. A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore a crucial component of the Lung Cancer Score. These resources can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological burdens of the disease. The accessibility of these resources, whether in-person or through telemedicine, is a critical factor.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Deep Run, NC (ZIP Code 28525) will be a composite measure, incorporating the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the area's preparedness to address lung cancer, from early detection to comprehensive treatment and support. It will be based on a weighted average of the various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will be given a weight, reflecting its impact on access to care. The availability of screening services and advanced imaging facilities will also be weighted. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will also be factored in, with each element contributing to the overall score.

The final score will provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Deep Run, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents to identify areas for improvement. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, efforts can be made to recruit more PCPs to the area. If telemedicine adoption is limited, initiatives can be launched to expand these services. If mental health resources are scarce, programs can be developed to address this need.

The analysis of the data will involve several steps. First, data will be collected from various sources, including healthcare directories, government agencies, and healthcare providers. Second, the data will be analyzed to determine the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of screening services, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Third, the data will be weighted and combined to create the Lung Cancer Score. Finally, the score will be interpreted and used to identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare resources available in Deep Run, NC (ZIP Code 28525), specifically focusing on lung cancer care. This score can be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents, helping them to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify areas for improvement. The goal is to create a healthcare environment that promotes early detection, comprehensive treatment, and robust patient support.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Deep Run, NC (ZIP Code 28525), and to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence the Lung Cancer Score, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. They can provide valuable insights into physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data.