28619, Drexel, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28619, Drexel, North Carolina is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.86 percent of the residents in 28619 has some form of health insurance. 18.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.94 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 28619 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28619. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 27 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,413 health care providers accessible to residents in 28619, Drexel, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Drexel, NC (ZIP Code 28619)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services in Drexel, North Carolina (ZIP code 28619), with a specific focus on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice profiles, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in a patient's overall experience and the efficacy of their care.

Drexel, a small town in Burke County, faces unique challenges in healthcare access, particularly concerning specialized services like oncology. The availability of primary care, therefore, becomes even more critical as the first line of defense. Early detection of lung cancer, often through screening programs and prompt referrals, hinges on a strong primary care foundation.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access Challenges**

One of the primary metrics for evaluating healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures for Drexel alone can fluctuate, the general trend in rural areas like Burke County often reveals a shortage of primary care physicians compared to urban centers. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and ultimately, delayed diagnoses. The impact of a low physician-to-patient ratio is particularly concerning for lung cancer, as timely intervention is crucial for improving outcomes. Patients might postpone seeking care due to access barriers, potentially allowing the disease to progress.

The geographical distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is another factor to consider. Even if the overall ratio appears adequate, a concentration of practices in one area could leave residents in other parts of Drexel underserved. This necessitates examining the locations of primary care practices and their proximity to the population they serve. Transportation limitations, especially for elderly or low-income individuals, can exacerbate these challenges.

**Practice Profiles and Standout Practices**

Analyzing the profiles of primary care practices in the area is essential. This involves evaluating the services offered, the types of insurance accepted, and the qualifications and experience of the physicians. Practices that emphasize preventative care, such as offering regular screenings for lung cancer risk factors (e.g., smoking cessation programs) and providing patient education, deserve recognition.

Identifying "standout practices" involves looking for those that go above and beyond standard care. This could include practices that:

* **Offer comprehensive preventative screenings:** Beyond standard checkups, practices proactively offering lung cancer screenings to eligible patients (e.g., those with a history of smoking) are highly valuable.
* **Have established referral pathways to specialists:** A smooth and efficient referral process to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is crucial for patients diagnosed with or suspected of having lung cancer.
* **Employ care coordinators:** Care coordinators can help patients navigate the healthcare system, schedule appointments, manage medications, and provide emotional support.
* **Demonstrate a commitment to patient education:** Practices that actively educate patients about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options are more likely to empower patients to take control of their health.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool for improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Drexel is a critical factor in this assessment. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions. This can reduce the need for in-person visits, saving patients time and travel expenses.

For lung cancer patients, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial. It allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual support groups, and consultations with specialists who may not be readily available locally. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated it seamlessly into their workflow deserve a higher score. The quality of the telemedicine platform (e.g., ease of use, secure communication) is also a consideration.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Well-being**

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Access to mental health resources is, therefore, an essential component of comprehensive care. Primary care practices should have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists.

The availability of mental health services within the community is also a factor. Are there local therapists or counselors who specialize in oncology-related issues? Are there support groups for lung cancer patients and their families? Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients, either through in-house services or strong referral networks, are providing a more holistic and patient-centered approach to care.

**Lung Cancer Score Assessment: A Holistic Approach**

Ultimately, the "Lung Cancer Score" for primary care in Drexel is a composite measure. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, practice profiles, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, early detection, patient education, and comprehensive support services will receive higher scores.

This analysis highlights the importance of a robust primary care infrastructure in Drexel. It underscores the need for continued efforts to improve healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations. By focusing on these key factors, the community can work towards ensuring that residents have the best possible chance of preventing, detecting, and overcoming lung cancer.

**Call to Action:**

For a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in Drexel and across the broader region, including physician locations, clinic accessibility, and demographics, explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data and gain valuable insights into healthcare access and disparities.