28594, Emerald Isle, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28594, Emerald Isle, North Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.34 percent of the residents in 28594 has some form of health insurance. 37.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.04 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 28594 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 608 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28594. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,171 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,264 health care providers accessible to residents in 28594, Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 28594, encompassing Emerald Isle, North Carolina. It will assess the available resources, including physician availability, primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, to provide a comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' ranking. This score aims to offer insights into the quality and accessibility of care for individuals facing lung cancer within this specific geographical area.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care system is the availability of skilled physicians. In Emerald Isle, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians is a crucial factor. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized attention. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access to care. This analysis will seek to ascertain the current physician-to-patient ratio within the 28594 ZIP code, comparing it to state and national averages to determine its relative strength. The presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is also critical. The analysis will identify the number of these specialists practicing within a reasonable commuting distance, considering factors like travel time and accessibility.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. The analysis will examine practices within the Emerald Isle area, evaluating their patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered, and their commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. Standout practices will be identified based on these criteria, highlighting those that demonstrate excellence in patient care and a proactive approach to lung cancer detection and management. This evaluation will consider the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scans, which are essential for early detection.

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited. The analysis will assess the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in the 28594 ZIP code. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the integration of telehealth platforms into existing care pathways. The degree to which telemedicine is embraced can significantly impact access to timely consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services, especially for patients who may face mobility challenges or live at a distance from specialized care centers.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive care system. The analysis will investigate the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the Emerald Isle area. It will assess the integration of mental health services into primary care practices and cancer treatment centers. This includes evaluating the availability of support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric care, all of which are essential for supporting patients through the emotional challenges of their illness. The analysis will also consider the accessibility of these resources, including insurance coverage and wait times for appointments.

The analysis will also examine the availability of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. This can include pain management, emotional support, and assistance with daily living activities. The presence of palliative care specialists and programs within the 28594 ZIP code will be assessed, as these services are crucial for improving the quality of life for lung cancer patients.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' will be a composite metric, taking into account all the factors discussed above. It will be a relative ranking, comparing the resources and care available in Emerald Isle to those in other areas. The score will be designed to be easily understandable, providing a clear indication of the strengths and weaknesses of the local lung cancer care system. This score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in assessing and improving the quality of care.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. This includes assessing the prevalence of health insurance coverage, the availability of transportation to medical appointments, and the affordability of medications and treatments. These factors can significantly influence a patient's ability to access and adhere to treatment plans. The analysis will identify any disparities in care and suggest potential solutions to address them.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the role of community resources in supporting lung cancer patients. This includes evaluating the presence of support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and educational programs. These resources can provide valuable information, emotional support, and practical assistance to patients and their families. The analysis will identify the organizations that are actively involved in supporting lung cancer patients in the Emerald Isle area.

The analysis will also evaluate the integration of technology into the lung cancer care pathway. This includes assessing the use of electronic health records, patient portals, and mobile health applications. These technologies can improve communication between patients and healthcare providers, facilitate access to medical information, and support self-management of the disease. The analysis will identify the practices and specialists that are effectively utilizing technology to enhance patient care.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for Emerald Isle (ZIP code 28594) will be a dynamic assessment, recognizing that the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Regular updates and revisions will be necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of support services. This ongoing monitoring will ensure that the score remains a relevant and valuable tool for assessing and improving the quality of lung cancer care in the area.

The final 'Lung Cancer Score' will be a nuanced assessment, providing a comprehensive view of the available resources and the quality of care. This will include a detailed analysis of physician availability, primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The analysis will identify standout practices and highlight areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Emerald Isle and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, we invite you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive, data-driven visualizations that can help you understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and make informed decisions about your care. Explore the possibilities and visualize the data today.