28557, Morehead City, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28557, Morehead City, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.46 percent of the residents in 28557 has some form of health insurance. 40.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.22 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 28557 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,737 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 8 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28557. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,691 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,882 health care providers accessible to residents in 28557, Morehead City, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Morehead City, NC (ZIP Code 28557)

This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 28557 (Morehead City, NC), focusing on factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and support for individuals at risk or affected by lung cancer. The score considers physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of primary care, adoption of telemedicine, and access to mental health resources, all vital components of a comprehensive approach to lung cancer care. The analysis aims to highlight strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape, informing both residents and healthcare providers.

Morehead City, a coastal community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The population demographics, including age and lifestyle factors, can influence lung cancer risk. A thorough understanding of the local healthcare infrastructure is, therefore, essential for effective patient care.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Regular check-ups, screenings, and preventative care are critical for early detection, significantly improving survival rates. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of access. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time for individual patient care.

In Morehead City (28557), the physician-to-patient ratio needs careful evaluation. Data from state and national databases, such as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to determine the current ratio for primary care physicians. This data provides a baseline understanding of access. A shortage of primary care physicians, or a maldistribution of providers across the area, could significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is crucial. These practices often demonstrate best practices in lung cancer screening and management. Factors to consider include:

* **Adherence to Screening Guidelines:** Does the practice actively recommend lung cancer screenings for eligible patients based on established guidelines (e.g., those from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force)?
* **Use of Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT):** Does the practice have access to and utilize LDCT scans, a vital tool for early detection?
* **Patient Education:** Does the practice provide comprehensive patient education on lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of screening?
* **Referral Networks:** Does the practice have established referral networks with specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, for timely diagnosis and treatment?
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** Does the practice offer or refer patients to smoking cessation programs, a critical component of lung cancer prevention?

Practices excelling in these areas contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score, improving the overall quality of care available within the community.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Expanding Access:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated locations.

For the Lung Cancer Score, the level of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians in 28557 is assessed. This includes:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Are physicians offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Are physicians utilizing remote monitoring technologies to track patient symptoms and vital signs?
* **Access to Specialists:** Does telemedicine facilitate access to specialists, such as pulmonologists or oncologists, for consultations and second opinions?

A high level of telemedicine adoption can enhance the Lung Cancer Score by increasing access to care, reducing travel burdens, and improving communication between patients and providers.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common challenges. Access to mental health resources is, therefore, a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care.

The Lung Cancer Score assesses the availability of mental health resources in 28557, including:

* **On-site Counseling:** Do primary care practices offer on-site counseling services or have partnerships with mental health professionals?
* **Referral Networks:** Do practices have established referral networks for mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups?
* **Support Groups:** Are there local support groups for lung cancer patients and their families?
* **Integration of Mental Health Screening:** Do physicians routinely screen patients for mental health concerns?

The presence of robust mental health resources significantly improves the Lung Cancer Score, reflecting a commitment to holistic patient care.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Areas for Improvement:**

Based on the factors discussed above, a Lung Cancer Score for 28557 can be determined. This score is not a static number but rather a dynamic assessment that can be improved through targeted interventions.

Areas for potential improvement in Morehead City might include:

* **Increasing the number of primary care physicians.**
* **Promoting the adoption of telemedicine.**
* **Expanding access to mental health services.**
* **Enhancing patient education on lung cancer screening and prevention.**
* **Improving coordination between primary care physicians and specialists.**

By addressing these areas, the community can improve the quality of lung cancer care and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Morehead City and visualize the data discussed in this analysis, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare facility access, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare environment.