28616, Crossnore, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28616, Crossnore, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 36.84 percent of the residents in 28616 has some form of health insurance. 17.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.63 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 28616 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28616. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,976 health care providers accessible to residents in 28616, Crossnore, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Crossnore, NC (ZIP Code 28616)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources within ZIP code 28616 (Crossnore, North Carolina), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements influencing a patient's journey through a potential lung cancer diagnosis. This assessment is designed to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Crossnore, enabling residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

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

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Early detection through routine screenings, such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, significantly improves survival rates. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the likelihood of timely screenings and diagnoses. In Crossnore, assessing PCP availability requires examining the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reflects the number of residents served by each PCP. A high ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Researching this ratio for 28616 is crucial. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau are essential for obtaining accurate figures.

Furthermore, understanding the geographic distribution of PCPs within the zip code is critical. Are the practices concentrated in a specific area, potentially creating access challenges for residents in more rural parts of Crossnore? The analysis should explore the presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve a larger proportion of underserved populations. These facilities can play a vital role in ensuring access to care for all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Care:**

Beyond the general availability of PCPs, the analysis should identify any standout practices within or near Crossnore that demonstrate excellence in primary care, particularly regarding preventative care and early cancer detection. This involves researching practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive health screenings, and have a proven track record of referring patients promptly to specialists when necessary.

The presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable distance is also a critical factor. Lung cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving pulmonologists for diagnosis and staging, oncologists for treatment planning, and surgeons for surgical interventions. The analysis needs to identify the closest facilities offering these specialized services and assess their accessibility, including wait times for appointments and the availability of advanced diagnostic tools.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Access:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, especially in rural areas like Crossnore. The analysis should assess the extent to which local practices and hospitals have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online access to medical records.

Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients, allowing them to connect with specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and manage their symptoms without having to travel long distances. Evaluating the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the ease of use for patients is essential.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health resources in Crossnore and the surrounding area. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, and the availability of support groups and other mental health services.

The analysis should also explore the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. This integration can facilitate early detection of mental health issues and provide patients with convenient access to support. The availability of resources specifically tailored to cancer patients, such as support groups or counseling services offered by cancer centers or hospitals, should also be investigated.

**Specific Considerations for Lung Cancer:**

When assessing the healthcare landscape in 28616, it's important to consider factors directly related to lung cancer care. This includes:

* **Screening Programs:** Does the area have readily available low-dose CT scan screening programs for high-risk individuals?
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** Are there readily available smoking cessation programs to assist patients in quitting smoking, a major risk factor for lung cancer?
* **Awareness Campaigns:** Are there local campaigns to raise awareness about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection?
* **Patient Navigation:** Are there patient navigators or support staff who can assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and accessing resources?

**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the analysis of these factors, a "Lung Cancer Score" for Crossnore can be determined. This score would reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of healthcare resources available to residents, specifically in relation to lung cancer care. The score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, providing a readily understandable assessment of the healthcare landscape.

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of healthcare resources in Crossnore, NC, specifically focusing on factors related to lung cancer. The information gathered can empower residents to make informed decisions about their health and seek the best possible care.

**To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Crossnore and the surrounding area, including the location of medical facilities, specialists, and support services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can help you visualize the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare.**