28586, Vanceboro, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28586, Vanceboro, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.92 percent of the residents in 28586 has some form of health insurance. 42.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.44 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 28586 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,477 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28586. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,278 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,023 health care providers accessible to residents in 28586, Vanceboro, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Vanceboro, NC (ZIP Code 28586)

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape in Vanceboro, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28586), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The primary goal is to assess the availability and quality of care, considering primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This assessment will culminate in a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the overall preparedness of the community to address lung cancer.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection through screening, risk assessment, and timely referrals are crucial. In Vanceboro, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and publicly available resources will be used to determine the number of active PCPs practicing within the ZIP code. This number will be compared to the population of Vanceboro (approximately 1,000 residents), yielding a physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio indicates potentially greater access to primary care, facilitating earlier detection and intervention.

The analysis will delve deeper than just the raw ratio. It will consider the types of PCPs available, including family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric specialists. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often provide primary care services, will also be factored in. Furthermore, the analysis will assess the appointment availability at local clinics. Long wait times for appointments can hinder preventative care and delay the diagnosis of potential health issues.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout practices in Vanceboro is crucial. This involves evaluating the quality of care provided by local clinics and medical groups. Key indicators include:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Are practices accredited by reputable organizations like the Joint Commission? Do physicians hold board certifications in their specialties?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Reviewing patient reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and overall satisfaction.
* **Preventative Care Practices:** How actively do practices promote preventative care, such as lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers)? Do they adhere to recommended screening guidelines?
* **Referral Networks:** Do practices have established referral networks with specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists? Efficient referral pathways are essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.
* **Electronic Health Records (EHRs):** The adoption of EHRs is vital for care coordination and information sharing. Practices with integrated EHR systems are better equipped to manage patient data and facilitate communication between providers.

Practices that demonstrate excellence in these areas will receive higher scores, contributing positively to the overall Lung Cancer Score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. It can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate consultations with specialists. The analysis will evaluate the extent of telemedicine adoption among local practices. This includes:

* **Availability of Telemedicine Appointments:** Do practices offer virtual consultations for primary care, follow-up appointments, and specialist referrals?
* **Types of Telemedicine Services:** Are services limited to video consultations, or do they include remote monitoring, patient portals, and secure messaging?
* **Technology Infrastructure:** Do practices have the necessary technology infrastructure, including reliable internet access and user-friendly platforms, to support telemedicine services?
* **Patient Education:** Do practices provide patients with education and support on how to use telemedicine effectively?

Practices that embrace telemedicine will be recognized for their commitment to improving access to care, especially for those in remote locations.

**Mental Health Resources: An Often-Overlooked Aspect**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common among cancer patients. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources in Vanceboro. This includes:

* **Availability of Mental Health Professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors practicing within the ZIP code or nearby?
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do local practices integrate mental health services into their care models? Do they screen patients for mental health issues and offer referrals?
* **Support Groups and Counseling Services:** Are there support groups or counseling services available for cancer patients and their families?
* **Accessibility and Affordability:** Are mental health services accessible and affordable for the community?

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial factor in the overall Lung Cancer Score, as it directly impacts the well-being of patients.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed above, a "Lung Cancer Score" will be assigned to Vanceboro, NC (ZIP Code 28586). This score will reflect the community's overall preparedness to address lung cancer, considering primary care access, the quality of local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will be represented on a scale, with higher scores indicating a more favorable healthcare environment for lung cancer patients.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The healthcare landscape in Vanceboro, NC, is constantly evolving. Understanding the current state of care is essential for improving the health and well-being of the community. For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare resources in Vanceboro and surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care practices, specialists, and hospitals, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and community leaders.