28547, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28547, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 25.37 percent of the residents in 28547 has some form of health insurance. 0.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 25.23 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 28547 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,141 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28547. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 12 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,052 health care providers accessible to residents in 28547, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: Analyzing Primary Care in Camp Lejeune (ZIP Code 28547)

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care within ZIP Code 28547, encompassing Camp Lejeune, is crucial for understanding the potential for early lung cancer detection and effective treatment. This analysis, framed as a "Lung Cancer Score," considers factors impacting patient access to care, the quality of that care, and the availability of supporting resources. The score, while not a single numerical value, will be built upon a qualitative assessment of various elements.

One of the most critical components is the physician-to-patient ratio. Camp Lejeune, as a military installation, has a unique healthcare system, including the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune (NHCL). The physician-to-patient ratio within this system, and the availability of civilian primary care providers in the surrounding community, directly influences the ability of individuals to access regular checkups, screenings, and timely diagnosis. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment frequency, and potentially delayed detection of lung cancer. The analysis will consider the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing in the area, their patient loads, and the efficiency of the appointment scheduling process.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening and patient education. This includes clinics and individual physicians who actively promote screening guidelines, particularly for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, those with a family history of lung cancer). The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the presence of these practices by examining their patient outreach programs, the availability of screening services (e.g., low-dose CT scans), and their documented adherence to established screening protocols. Practices that integrate these elements into their standard of care will be recognized as contributing positively to the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to access healthcare remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and initial consultations, can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in the area utilize telemedicine platforms, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve their "Lung Cancer Score" by demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and patient convenience.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical for overall patient well-being, particularly for individuals facing a cancer diagnosis. The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the availability of mental health support services within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals. This includes assessing the presence of on-site counselors or therapists, the availability of mental health education and support groups, and the ease of access to these resources for patients experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges related to their health. Practices that prioritize mental health support will be viewed favorably.

The NHCL plays a central role in providing healthcare to the military population. The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the hospital's resources and capabilities in the context of primary care. This includes the availability of PCPs, the efficiency of the referral process to specialists (e.g., pulmonologists, oncologists), the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, and the hospital's commitment to patient education and support services. The NHCL's performance will be considered alongside the availability of civilian primary care options.

The analysis also considers the demographic characteristics of the population served by primary care providers in the area. The prevalence of smoking, the age distribution of the population, and the socioeconomic factors that may impact access to care are all relevant. This will inform the overall score by considering the specific needs of the population and the challenges faced by healthcare providers in delivering effective care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will also examine the availability of patient education materials and resources. Practices that provide clear, concise, and accessible information about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options will be viewed positively. This includes the availability of written materials, online resources, and educational programs.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will also consider the level of coordination and communication between primary care providers, specialists, and other healthcare professionals. Effective communication is essential for ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care. This includes the use of electronic health records, the ease of sharing patient information, and the coordination of care across different healthcare settings.

The analysis will also consider the patient experience. This includes the ease of scheduling appointments, the wait times for appointments, the quality of communication with healthcare providers, and the overall satisfaction of patients with the care they receive. Patient feedback will be an important factor in determining the overall score.

Finally, the "Lung Cancer Score" will be a dynamic assessment. Healthcare practices are constantly evolving, and new technologies and approaches to patient care are continually emerging. The analysis will be updated regularly to reflect these changes and to ensure that the score remains a relevant and accurate reflection of the quality and availability of primary care in the area. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28547, focusing on the factors that impact the early detection and effective treatment of lung cancer.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Camp Lejeune and gain a visual understanding of physician locations, healthcare facility proximity, and other relevant data, we encourage you to utilize the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive mapping capabilities provide a valuable tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.