28562, New Bern, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28562, New Bern, North Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.96 percent of the residents in 28562 has some form of health insurance. 40.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.84 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 28562 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,993 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28562. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 9,800 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,143 health care providers accessible to residents in 28562, New Bern, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: New Bern, NC (ZIP Code 28562) - A Comprehensive Analysis

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape in New Bern, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28562), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering primary care accessibility, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and identifying standout practices. This score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment, offering insights for patients and healthcare providers.

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

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact, screening for risk factors and ordering initial diagnostic tests. In New Bern, the availability of PCPs directly impacts the potential for timely diagnosis. We must consider the physician-to-patient ratio, which estimates the number of patients each PCP serves. A lower ratio generally indicates greater accessibility. Information on this ratio for ZIP Code 28562 requires data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or local hospital systems. If the ratio is high, indicating a shortage of PCPs, it poses a challenge. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying the identification of concerning symptoms and the initiation of screening programs.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they concentrated in specific areas of the city, leaving underserved populations? Are there sufficient PCPs accepting new patients, including those with Medicare or Medicaid? This analysis considers the geographic distribution of practices, insurance acceptance policies, and the availability of same-day or urgent care appointments to paint a complete picture of primary care accessibility.

**Standout Practices and Specialization:**

Within New Bern, certain practices may demonstrate a stronger commitment to lung cancer prevention and care. These "standout practices" often exhibit several key characteristics. They may actively participate in lung cancer screening programs, following guidelines from organizations like the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This includes offering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals. They may also have established protocols for managing patients with suspected or confirmed lung cancer, including efficient referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists.

The presence of specialized pulmonologists and oncologists is vital. A pulmonologist is a specialist in lung diseases, including lung cancer. An oncologist specializes in cancer treatment. The availability of these specialists within the community, or within a reasonable travel distance, significantly impacts the quality of care. The analysis assesses the number of specialists, their board certifications, their experience, and their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers. Practices that demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals, are highly valued.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Its adoption in New Bern is a critical factor. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing the need for travel, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and supportive care services. The analysis considers the extent to which practices in ZIP Code 28562 offer telemedicine services. This includes the availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists.

Telemedicine’s effectiveness depends on several factors. Are patients equipped with the technology needed for virtual visits? Does the practice have the infrastructure to support telehealth, including secure platforms and trained staff? The analysis also considers the integration of telemedicine with other aspects of care, such as remote monitoring of patients' symptoms and medication management. Practices that actively leverage telemedicine to expand access to care, especially for those facing mobility challenges or living in remote areas, receive higher scores.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Support:**

A lung cancer diagnosis is emotionally taxing. The availability of mental health resources is crucial for patients navigating this challenging journey. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, in New Bern. This includes the presence of mental health services within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers.

The analysis also considers the availability of support groups, patient navigators, and other resources that provide emotional and practical support to patients and their families. Cancer support organizations often offer valuable services, such as counseling, financial assistance, and educational programs. The presence of these resources, and their accessibility to patients, is a significant factor in the overall "Lung Cancer Score."

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for New Bern, NC (ZIP Code 28562), is a multifaceted assessment, reflecting the complex interplay of primary care accessibility, physician specialization, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The overall score will depend on the specific data gathered and the relative weighting of these factors. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Understanding the distribution of these resources and their accessibility is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike. For a visual representation of these factors, including the geographic distribution of practices, specialists, and resources, explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can transform complex healthcare data into actionable insights, helping patients find the care they need and empowering healthcare providers to improve their services.