28587, Vandemere, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28587, Vandemere, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.24 percent of the residents in 28587 has some form of health insurance. 72.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.13 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 28587 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 46 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28587. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 86 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 63 health care providers accessible to residents in 28587, Vandemere, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28587 & Primary Care in Vandemere

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the landscape for lung cancer care within ZIP code 28587, focusing specifically on primary care availability in the adjacent community of Vandemere, North Carolina. We will assess factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, ultimately culminating in a data-driven perspective on the quality of care available.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon robust primary care. Early detection through screening and timely referrals are critical. Vandemere, as a geographically proximate area, influences the accessibility of primary care services for residents of 28587. Assessing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Vandemere, and their willingness to accept new patients, is paramount. This involves considering the patient-to-physician ratio, a key indicator of access. A higher ratio suggests a greater burden on existing PCPs, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced opportunities for preventative care, including lung cancer screenings.

Analyzing the patient-to-physician ratio requires data from multiple sources. County-level data, combined with information from insurance providers and local healthcare networks, can provide an estimated ratio. However, this is just the beginning. The age and health profile of the Vandemere population must also be considered. A population with a higher proportion of older adults and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions might require more frequent primary care visits, further straining resources.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices in and near Vandemere are vital. Are the practices part of larger health systems, offering integrated care and access to specialists? Do they have electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing and care coordination? The presence of these features can significantly impact the quality of care, especially for complex conditions like lung cancer. Practices affiliated with larger health systems often have established referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists, streamlining the diagnostic and treatment process.

Standout practices within the region deserve specific attention. Identifying practices known for their commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening, is crucial. This involves examining their screening rates, patient education programs, and adherence to established guidelines. Practices actively promoting smoking cessation programs also contribute significantly to reducing lung cancer risk. Identifying these practices requires careful review of publicly available data, patient testimonials, and potentially, interviews with healthcare professionals.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration involves evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered remotely, and the technological infrastructure in place to support telemedicine. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can provide more convenient and accessible care, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, but critical, component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is essential for providing comprehensive support. Assessing the availability of mental health services involves evaluating the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the availability of referrals to specialists, and the accessibility of support groups and other resources. Practices that prioritize mental health support demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

The analysis must also consider the specific challenges faced by the population of 28587 and Vandemere. Rural communities often have limited access to healthcare services, transportation challenges, and a higher prevalence of risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve care. This includes identifying barriers to screening, addressing transportation needs, and implementing targeted interventions to promote smoking cessation.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of specialized lung cancer care. While primary care is the gateway, access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Assessing the proximity of these specialists, their patient volume, and their access to advanced technologies, such as imaging and radiation therapy, provides a complete picture of the available care. The presence of clinical trials and research opportunities in the region is another positive factor, potentially offering patients access to innovative treatments.

The overall ‘Lung Cancer Score’ will be derived from a weighted average of these factors. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance to patient outcomes. For example, patient-to-physician ratio might be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups. The final score will provide a comparative assessment of the quality of lung cancer care available in and around ZIP code 28587, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. This score will be a dynamic tool, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

This analysis aims to provide a data-driven perspective on the landscape of lung cancer care. The goal is to empower patients and healthcare providers with the information they need to make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes. The data gathered will be used to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and accessibility maps, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing the data, identifying potential gaps in care, and making informed decisions about healthcare access. Explore CartoChrome maps today to visualize the landscape of care.