28637, Hildebran, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28637, Hildebran, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.97 percent of the residents in 28637 has some form of health insurance. 42.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.15 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 28637 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 247 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28637. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 361 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,146 health care providers accessible to residents in 28637, Hildebran, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Hildebran, NC (ZIP Code 28637)

This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hildebran, North Carolina (ZIP code 28637), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, particularly the availability and quality of primary care services. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. The overall goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Hildebran, a small town in Burke County, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery. Rural communities often grapple with physician shortages, limited access to specialized care, and a lack of resources. The "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect these realities, offering a realistic assessment of the area's capabilities.

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

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible primary care. Early detection and preventative measures, such as smoking cessation programs and regular screenings, are best facilitated through a strong primary care network. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Hildebran is paramount. The national average of primary care physicians per 100,000 people serves as a benchmark. A significantly lower ratio in 28637 would indicate potential access issues, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment.

Research into local resources will be crucial. Does Hildebran have a sufficient number of primary care physicians? Are they accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for appointments? These factors directly impact the "Lung Cancer Score." Any significant shortage of primary care physicians would negatively affect the score, highlighting a critical area for improvement.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices within the 28637 ZIP code requires a deeper dive into the quality of care offered. This involves evaluating the practices' commitment to preventative care, their experience with lung cancer screening and diagnosis, and their ability to coordinate care with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists.

We will examine the practices’ adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, including the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. The availability of smoking cessation programs within these practices is another important factor. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation and offer resources to help patients quit will receive higher marks.

Furthermore, the ability of primary care practices to effectively communicate and coordinate care with specialists is critical. This includes efficient referral processes, clear communication of patient information, and a commitment to multidisciplinary care. Practices demonstrating strong collaboration with specialists will be recognized as standout performers.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural communities. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine within primary care practices in Hildebran is an essential component of the "Lung Cancer Score."

We will investigate the availability of telehealth consultations for primary care visits, follow-up appointments, and specialist consultations. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or those living with mobility limitations.

The quality of telemedicine services is also important. Are the practices using secure and reliable platforms? Do they provide adequate training and support for patients using telehealth services? Practices that have embraced telemedicine and provide high-quality virtual care will receive positive recognition.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on mental health. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. The availability of mental health resources and support within the Hildebran community is a critical factor in the "Lung Cancer Score."

We will assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the 28637 ZIP code. The presence of support groups specifically for cancer patients and their families is also important. Access to mental health services, either through primary care practices or through external providers, is essential for providing comprehensive care.

The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is another key consideration. Do primary care practices screen patients for mental health concerns? Do they have referral pathways to mental health providers? Practices that prioritize mental health and offer integrated care will be highly regarded.

**Overall "Lung Cancer Score" Assessment:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Hildebran, NC (28637) will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem, highlighting areas for improvement. A high score will indicate a strong primary care network, excellent access to specialists, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A lower score will indicate challenges in these areas, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and poorer patient outcomes.

The final score will not only reflect the current state of healthcare in Hildebran but also serve as a call to action. It will highlight the need for increased physician recruitment, improved access to specialists, expanded telemedicine services, and enhanced mental health support. It will serve as a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members seeking to improve lung cancer care in the area.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

Understanding the healthcare landscape is crucial for making informed decisions about your health and the health of your community. This analysis provides a snapshot of the resources available in Hildebran, NC, related to lung cancer care. However, a deeper, visual understanding of these resources, including their geographic distribution and accessibility, can be invaluable.

To gain a more comprehensive perspective, we encourage you to explore the power of **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome offers interactive visualizations that can map healthcare resources, identify areas of need, and facilitate data-driven decision-making. By utilizing CartoChrome, you can gain a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hildebran and beyond, empowering you to advocate for better care and make informed choices.