28657, Newland, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28657, Newland, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.38 percent of the residents in 28657 has some form of health insurance. 44.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.04 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 28657 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,442 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28657. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,277 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,149 health care providers accessible to residents in 28657, Newland, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Newland, NC (ZIP Code 28657)

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within Newland, North Carolina (ZIP code 28657), focusing on primary care physician availability and related resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and patient well-being. This score, though not a single numerical value, will be represented through a qualitative evaluation across several key areas.

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

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Regular check-ups, screenings, and referrals are critical for early detection, significantly improving patient outcomes. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Newland is paramount. Information from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau is essential. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, poses a challenge. Residents might face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial diagnostic procedures.

Specific data on the number of practicing primary care physicians within the 28657 ZIP code is needed. This includes family medicine practitioners, internal medicine specialists, and potentially, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who provide primary care services. Data on the population of Newland must be coupled with this physician count to calculate the ratio. A ratio exceeding the national average raises concerns.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices in Newland is crucial. This involves evaluating their commitment to lung cancer screening, particularly through low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. Practices that actively promote screening, adhere to guidelines from organizations like the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and have established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists deserve recognition.

The practices' adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another critical factor. EHRs facilitate efficient communication between providers, ensuring seamless information flow and coordinated care. Practices that integrate EHRs effectively, allowing for easy access to patient records and test results, contribute significantly to improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, the availability of patient education materials within the practice, covering topics like smoking cessation and lung cancer risk factors, is a positive indicator.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Implications:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool in healthcare, especially in rural areas like Newland. Its adoption by primary care practices can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated locations. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment.

Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption in Newland requires identifying practices that offer these services. This includes assessing the types of telemedicine platforms used, the availability of virtual appointments, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to care and improving patient convenience.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can profoundly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Addressing these needs is an integral part of comprehensive care. Assessing the availability of mental health resources in Newland is critical. This involves identifying mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who are accepting new patients.

Furthermore, the presence of support groups and patient advocacy organizations in the area is essential. These resources provide patients with emotional support, information, and a sense of community. Primary care practices that actively screen for mental health issues, provide referrals to mental health professionals, and promote patient support groups demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

**Specifics and the Challenges:**

The analysis must be specific. Simply stating "there are doctors" is insufficient. The report should identify the names of the primary care practices, if possible, and detail their services. For instance, does a practice offer LDCT screening on-site, or does it have a clear referral pathway to a facility that does? Are there any pulmonologists or oncologists practicing within the 28657 ZIP code, or do patients need to travel to larger cities for specialized care?

The challenges are significant. Rural areas often face shortages of healthcare professionals and limited access to specialized services. This analysis must acknowledge these challenges and assess their impact on lung cancer care. The report should not shy away from highlighting the gaps in care and suggesting potential solutions.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed above, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Newland (28657) will be a qualitative assessment. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will not be a single number but a narrative that summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

A high score would indicate a well-resourced environment with ample access to primary care, active screening programs, telemedicine options, and robust mental health support. A low score would highlight challenges such as physician shortages, limited screening options, and a lack of readily available mental health resources. The assessment will provide insights into the current state of lung cancer care in Newland and identify areas for improvement.

**Call to Action:**

For a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in Newland, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and other relevant healthcare facilities, we encourage you to explore the power of data visualization. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize geographical data, providing valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare resources and their accessibility. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a clearer picture of the healthcare ecosystem in Newland and beyond.