28615, Creston, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28615, Creston, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.19 percent of the residents in 28615 has some form of health insurance. 49.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.46 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 28615 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 250 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28615. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 546 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,764 health care providers accessible to residents in 28615, Creston, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Creston, NC (ZIP Code 28615)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 28615, Creston, North Carolina, and evaluates the availability of primary care services in the area. The score considers factors crucial for early lung cancer detection and management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all vital for a comprehensive approach to patient care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection significantly improves survival rates. The first step is to ensure patients can easily access a PCP for regular checkups, screenings, and referrals. The availability of PCPs in Creston, therefore, is a critical factor in our analysis.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is fundamental. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access to care. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can be used to estimate these ratios. However, these figures often represent county-level data, requiring careful consideration to accurately reflect the specific needs of the Creston community.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. This involves evaluating factors like the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and coordination of care, and the overall patient satisfaction levels. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care will receive higher scores.

Standout practices within the Creston area may be identified through several indicators. Reviewing online patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or Zocdoc can provide insights into patient experiences. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback regarding communication, thoroughness, and responsiveness to patient concerns are likely to be highly regarded. Furthermore, practices that actively promote preventive care, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screenings for eligible patients, are considered leaders in their field.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, particularly in rural areas like Creston. It enhances access to care by reducing the need for travel, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring capabilities, can improve patient convenience and potentially enhance the overall quality of care.

The inclusion of mental health resources is also critical. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating. The availability of mental health support, either within the primary care practice or through readily accessible referrals, is essential for patient well-being. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services or have strong partnerships with mental health providers will score higher in this area.

To arrive at a Lung Cancer Score, each of these factors is weighted and assessed. Physician-to-patient ratios are weighted heavily, followed by practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A composite score is then generated, providing a comprehensive assessment of the primary care landscape in Creston.

The specific practices within ZIP code 28615 are assessed on the above criteria. This includes identifying the names of the practices, the number of physicians in each practice, the types of services offered, the availability of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health support. Publicly available data, such as practice websites and information from insurance providers, is used to gather this information.

The availability of primary care services is a critical factor in the early detection and management of lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Score analysis evaluates the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of primary care services in Creston, providing valuable information for patients and healthcare providers. This analysis is a snapshot in time, and the landscape of healthcare is constantly evolving.

The final Lung Cancer Score for Creston (28615) will reflect the overall quality of care. The score will be based on the weighted average of the factors described above. Practices with higher scores will be recognized for their commitment to providing excellent primary care and supporting early lung cancer detection and management.

This analysis, while providing a valuable overview, is just the beginning. The data used is constantly changing. The information is intended to inform and empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

For a more detailed and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Creston and surrounding areas, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers and the availability of resources, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps.