28605, Blowing Rock, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28605, Blowing Rock, North Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.15 percent of the residents in 28605 has some form of health insurance. 28.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.12 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 28605 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 383 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28605. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 858 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,843 health care providers accessible to residents in 28605, Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Blowing Rock, NC (ZIP Code 28605)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within the Blowing Rock, North Carolina (ZIP code 28605) area, focusing on primary care physician availability, the quality of care, and access to crucial resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem, specifically concerning lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The analysis will delve into the physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, explore the adoption of telemedicine, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a patient-centered approach to lung cancer care.

Blowing Rock, a relatively small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities within its healthcare system. The limited geographical area often translates to a smaller pool of healthcare providers, potentially impacting access to care. However, this also fosters a close-knit community, which can facilitate collaboration and improve patient support.

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

A cornerstone of effective lung cancer care is the availability of accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms and play a vital role in early detection through screening and referrals. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 28605 is paramount. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the American Medical Association will be reviewed to determine the number of active PCPs practicing within the area and estimate the patient population. This data will reveal the number of residents per PCP, giving a clear picture of access to primary care. A high ratio could indicate potential challenges in scheduling appointments, timely screenings, and overall access to preventative care.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the types of primary care practices available. Are there solo practices, group practices, or affiliations with larger healthcare systems? Group practices often provide a broader range of services and may have better access to specialists and diagnostic tools. Affiliations with larger systems can also provide patients with access to resources like specialized cancer centers and clinical trials.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**

Identifying standout practices within the 28605 ZIP code requires a deeper dive into quality metrics and patient satisfaction. This involves reviewing publicly available data from sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals. Key indicators of quality include:

* **Adherence to Screening Guidelines:** Are practices actively promoting and performing lung cancer screenings for eligible patients, particularly those with a history of smoking or other risk factors?
* **Referral Rates to Specialists:** How quickly and efficiently do PCPs refer patients with suspected lung cancer to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists?
* **Patient Satisfaction Scores:** Are patients satisfied with the quality of care, the communication from their physicians, and the overall experience?
* **Use of Evidence-Based Guidelines:** Do practices follow established guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care?

Practices that demonstrate excellence in these areas will be highlighted as examples of quality care within the community.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The analysis will investigate the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Blowing Rock. This includes:

* **Availability of Virtual Appointments:** Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and follow-up appointments?
* **Use of Remote Monitoring Technologies:** Are practices utilizing remote monitoring devices to track patient health metrics, such as blood pressure or blood glucose levels?
* **Access to Specialists via Telemedicine:** Do patients have access to specialists, such as pulmonologists or oncologists, through telemedicine consultations?

The benefits of telemedicine, such as reduced travel time and increased convenience, are particularly important for patients in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care and enhance the overall patient experience.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Support**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, access to mental health resources is crucial. The analysis will assess the availability of:

* **Mental Health Professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors available in the Blowing Rock area?
* **Support Groups:** Are there local support groups for lung cancer patients and their families?
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do primary care practices have established protocols for screening patients for mental health concerns and referring them to appropriate resources?
* **Availability of Palliative Care:** Is palliative care available to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients facing advanced lung cancer?

The presence of robust mental health support systems is essential for providing comprehensive and compassionate care to lung cancer patients.

**Conclusion**

This Lung Cancer Score analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Blowing Rock, NC, specifically related to lung cancer care. The assessment of physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will help to identify strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system. This information can be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the resources available and the areas that need improvement.

Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources is crucial for patients seeking care. To visualize the locations of primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and support services in the Blowing Rock area, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. Explore the interactive maps to gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about your care.