28607, Boone, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28607, Boone, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.29 percent of the residents in 28607 has some form of health insurance. 23.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.70 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 28607 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28607. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,276 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,231 health care providers accessible to residents in 28607, Boone, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Boone, NC (28607)

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape in Boone, North Carolina (ZIP code 28607), specifically focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care. We'll consider primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score. This score aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare environment, particularly as it pertains to early detection, treatment, and supportive care for individuals facing lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests heavily on accessible and high-quality primary care. Boone, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique challenges and opportunities in this regard. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the crucial first point of contact, facilitating early screenings, coordinating specialist referrals, and providing ongoing support. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 28607 ZIP code and the surrounding areas, factoring in the population served. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Researching the current ratio for Boone compared to state and national averages is essential.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. We must evaluate the practices' commitment to preventative care, including adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers, those with a family history). This includes assessing the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the recommended screening method for eligible patients. Investigating practices’ internal protocols for patient education about lung cancer risk factors and screening benefits is also crucial. Are patients proactively informed? Are resources readily available?

Identifying standout practices involves delving deeper into their operational models and patient outcomes. This requires gathering data from multiple sources, including patient reviews, physician directories, and potentially, local hospital systems. Practices with a demonstrable commitment to patient-centered care, evidenced by positive patient feedback and a focus on preventative screening, would score higher. Examining the availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-rays or basic lab work, can also streamline the patient journey and improve access to care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Boone. Telemedicine offers a way to overcome geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support remotely. Assessing the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms is vital. Are virtual appointments offered for routine check-ups? Are specialists readily available for telehealth consultations? The availability of telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are often accompanied by significant emotional and psychological challenges. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. This includes evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Boone area. Are there readily available mental health services specifically tailored to the needs of cancer patients and their families? Investigating partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers can indicate a more integrated and supportive approach to patient care. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, also contributes to a supportive environment for patients.

The Lung Cancer Score for Boone, NC (28607) will be determined by aggregating these factors. A higher score indicates a more favorable healthcare environment for lung cancer patients, reflecting strong primary care availability, proactive screening practices, telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health support. The score is not a single number but a composite of several factors, each weighted based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of LDCT screenings would likely receive a higher weight than the availability of support groups.

Ultimately, the Lung Cancer Score is intended to be a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape in Boone. It is a snapshot in time, and the score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of support services. This analysis is a starting point for understanding the healthcare environment in Boone.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Boone, NC (28607) and explore the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and mental health facilities, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data analyzed, helping to identify areas with limited access to care and highlighting potential opportunities for improvement.