28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.04 percent of the residents in 28644 has some form of health insurance. 42.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.22 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 28644 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 125 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28644. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 432 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 729 health care providers accessible to residents in 28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Laurel Springs, NC (ZIP Code 28644)**

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of healthcare resources within ZIP code 28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The assessment incorporates primary care physician availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, culminating in a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for potential lung cancer patients. This is not a definitive medical recommendation but rather an informational overview.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible and competent primary care physicians. In Laurel Springs, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A lower ratio, signifying more patients per doctor, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Researching the current ratio within 28644 is paramount. Public health data, available from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, would be the starting point. This data, however, might not be fully specific to Laurel Springs and could require analysis of county-level data for a more precise picture.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. Does the area have practices known for preventative care, including robust screening programs for lung cancer, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals? Are these practices actively promoting smoking cessation programs? Investigating the specific practices within the area, their patient reviews, and their adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening and prevention is necessary.

Specialist access is another vital component. Lung cancer often requires the expertise of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. The proximity of these specialists to Laurel Springs, along with their availability and the efficiency of referral processes, significantly impacts patient outcomes. Assessing the travel time to specialists in nearby towns or cities, such as Boone or Winston-Salem, is crucial. Furthermore, understanding the wait times for appointments with these specialists is essential.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and provide convenient follow-up appointments. Evaluating the availability of telemedicine services within the primary care practices and specialist offices in and around 28644 is vital. Do these practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals? These features can enhance patient convenience and improve communication.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is essential for patients and their families. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the area is crucial. Do primary care practices have integrated mental health services or referral pathways to mental health providers? Are there support groups for cancer patients and their families?

Specific practices deserve special attention. Identifying standout practices in the area requires a multi-faceted approach. Researching patient reviews online, checking the practices’ accreditations, and reviewing their participation in quality improvement programs are all important. Practices that actively promote preventative care, offer comprehensive services, and demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care should be highlighted.

The implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) is another factor to consider. EHRs facilitate information sharing between providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. Assessing the adoption of EHRs within the practices in 28644 can provide insight into the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

The availability of smoking cessation programs is a critical component of lung cancer prevention. Are there readily accessible programs in the area, either through primary care practices, hospitals, or community organizations? Evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, including their success rates and the support they provide to patients, is essential.

The presence of community resources, such as cancer support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and financial assistance programs, can significantly improve the quality of life for lung cancer patients. Researching the availability of these resources within the community and assessing their accessibility is an important part of the analysis.

In conclusion, evaluating the healthcare landscape in Laurel Springs (28644) for lung cancer care requires a thorough assessment of physician availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by local practices. This analysis should consider physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of preventative care, and the existence of support services for patients and their families. The quality of lung cancer care in this area hinges on the accessibility and quality of these resources.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Laurel Springs and the surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a geographic representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant healthcare resources. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze healthcare data in your area.