28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28628 has some form of health insurance. 57.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.43 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 28628 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28628. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,113 health care providers accessible to residents in 28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Glen Alpine, NC (ZIP Code 28628)**

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources within Glen Alpine, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28628), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to assess the overall “Lung Cancer Score” for the area, considering primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all crucial elements in a patient's journey with this challenging disease.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. Early detection is paramount, and this begins with regular check-ups, screenings, and a strong patient-physician relationship. In Glen Alpine, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. We need to examine the number of primary care doctors practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This includes family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and any other practitioners who routinely provide preventative care.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a clearer picture of access. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access, allowing for more personalized attention and shorter wait times for appointments. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, combined with local health department information, can help determine this ratio. The analysis will consider the average patient load for primary care physicians in the area.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care is essential. Are the primary care practices in Glen Alpine equipped to handle potential lung cancer cases? Do they have the necessary diagnostic tools, or do they readily refer patients to specialists for further evaluation? The analysis will investigate the screening practices employed by local physicians, including their adherence to recommended guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This includes looking at the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the gold standard for early lung cancer detection in high-risk individuals.

Identifying standout practices is another key component. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, early detection, and patient education deserve recognition. This analysis will identify practices that actively promote lung cancer screening, offer smoking cessation programs, and provide comprehensive patient support. Information gleaned from patient reviews, local healthcare directories, and professional organizations can help identify these exemplary practices.

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Glen Alpine. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care physicians can significantly improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. The analysis will assess the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms. This includes evaluating the types of services offered via telemedicine, the ease of access for patients, and the availability of technical support.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing. The availability of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of comprehensive care. The analysis will investigate the presence of mental health professionals in Glen Alpine and the surrounding areas. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. It will also assess the integration of mental health services within primary care practices and the availability of support groups and other resources for lung cancer patients and their families. The availability of palliative care services, which focus on symptom management and improving quality of life, will also be assessed.

The analysis also needs to consider the proximity to specialized cancer care centers. While primary care is the first line of defense, access to oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists is critical for diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will examine the distance to the nearest cancer centers and the ease of access to these facilities. This includes assessing transportation options and the availability of support services for patients traveling to these centers.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact lung cancer outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and other social determinants of health can disproportionately affect certain populations. The analysis will examine the prevalence of these factors in Glen Alpine and their potential impact on lung cancer care. This will include looking at the availability of social services and community resources that can help address these challenges.

Data collection will involve a multi-faceted approach. Publicly available data from government agencies, healthcare organizations, and professional societies will be utilized. Local healthcare directories, online physician finders, and patient review websites will be consulted. Direct communication with local healthcare providers may be necessary to gather specific information about their practices.

The final “Lung Cancer Score” will be a composite measure based on the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The overall score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Glen Alpine, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, with recommendations for improvement. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for residents of Glen Alpine, healthcare providers, and policymakers, promoting better lung cancer care in the community.

For a visual representation of these healthcare resources and their geographic distribution, consider exploring the CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can pinpoint the locations of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant resources, providing a spatial understanding of healthcare access in Glen Alpine and beyond.