28613, Conover, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28613, Conover, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.34 percent of the residents in 28613 has some form of health insurance. 39.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.99 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 28613 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,005 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28613. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,247 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,236 health care providers accessible to residents in 28613, Conover, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Conover, NC (ZIP Code 28613)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP Code 28613 (Conover, North Carolina), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and related resources. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score," a qualitative assessment of the community's readiness to address lung cancer detection, diagnosis, and support, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This score is not a numerical rating but rather a comprehensive overview.

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

Conover, NC, is a relatively small community, and the availability of PCPs is a critical determinant of lung cancer care access. A higher physician-to-patient ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to preventative care, including screenings and early detection efforts for lung cancer. Publicly available data, such as those from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, can be used to estimate this ratio. However, obtaining precise, up-to-the-minute figures requires a more detailed analysis, potentially including contacting local practices directly.

The presence of large healthcare systems, such as Catawba Valley Medical Center, in the broader region (Hickory, NC) can significantly influence PCP availability in Conover. Residents may choose to seek care outside of the immediate ZIP code, impacting the perceived accessibility within 28613. Analyzing the catchment area of these systems, including the number of PCPs affiliated with them and the patient volume they serve, is crucial.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics**

Identifying "standout practices" requires evaluating several factors beyond just the number of physicians. This includes the types of services offered, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and patient satisfaction. Practices that actively promote lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (smokers or former smokers), deserve recognition. This includes offering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, adhering to screening guidelines established by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and providing patient education about the benefits and risks of screening.

The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is another critical factor. Practices with robust EHR systems can efficiently track patient data, manage screening reminders, and coordinate care with specialists. The ability to quickly access patient history, including smoking status and family history of cancer, is essential for identifying individuals who may benefit from screening. The presence of dedicated care coordinators who guide patients through the screening process and manage follow-up appointments is also a positive indicator.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can facilitate consultations with specialists, provide remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and deliver educational resources. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, such as video conferencing and remote patient monitoring devices, are better positioned to provide comprehensive care.

However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the ability of providers to effectively communicate through virtual platforms. The analysis should assess the level of telemedicine adoption in Conover practices, the types of services offered remotely, and the strategies used to address potential barriers to access.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Importance**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive care. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, or that have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to support patients.

The analysis should investigate the availability of mental health services in Conover, including the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). It should also assess the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as the use of screening tools for depression and anxiety. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers is essential to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate support.

**Lung Cancer Score Summary**

Based on the factors discussed above, a "Lung Cancer Score" for Conover, NC (ZIP Code 28613) can be qualitatively assessed. This score would reflect the community's strengths and weaknesses in providing lung cancer care. For example, a high score would indicate a high physician-to-patient ratio, a strong presence of practices actively promoting screening, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would suggest limited access to PCPs, a lack of emphasis on screening, minimal telemedicine integration, and a shortage of mental health services.

**Conclusion**

Understanding the healthcare landscape within a specific geographic area is essential for improving health outcomes. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the readiness of Conover, NC, to address lung cancer. By examining physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can gain valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

**Call to Action**

To gain a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare resources in Conover, NC, and to map the distribution of physicians, practices, and other relevant data, explore the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can visualize healthcare data, allowing for a deeper understanding of access to care and the identification of potential areas for improvement.