28660, Olin, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28660, Olin, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.05 percent of the residents in 28660 has some form of health insurance. 39.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.68 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 28660 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 474 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28660. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 524 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,988 health care providers accessible to residents in 28660, Olin, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28660 and Primary Care Availability in Olin

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services within the context of lung cancer detection and treatment, focusing on ZIP Code 28660 and the town of Olin, North Carolina. The aim is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the accessibility of resources crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing patient support. This score is not a single number but rather a composite evaluation based on several key factors.

The foundation of this analysis rests on the understanding that early detection is paramount in lung cancer outcomes. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in this process, acting as the first point of contact for patients exhibiting symptoms or at high risk due to factors like smoking history. Therefore, the availability and quality of PCPs in the area are central to the Lung Cancer Score.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A fundamental metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. This indicates the potential workload of each PCP and, by extension, the accessibility of appointments and the time available for comprehensive patient care. In ZIP Code 28660 and the surrounding Olin area, data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be analyzed to determine the current ratio. A lower ratio (more physicians per capita) generally suggests better access to care, potentially leading to earlier detection and intervention for lung cancer. However, this ratio alone doesn't paint the whole picture.

**Standout Practices:** Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of the primary care practices is vital. This involves examining factors like the training and experience of the physicians, the availability of specialized services within the practice (e.g., on-site imaging), and the patient satisfaction levels. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including proactive screening for high-risk individuals, will be given a higher score. This will involve researching practices within the area, evaluating their websites, and potentially analyzing publicly available patient reviews. Practices that actively participate in continuing medical education, especially related to lung cancer screening and treatment, will also be considered favorably.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** The integration of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially expediting the diagnosis and treatment process. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, will receive a higher score. This is particularly relevant for patients managing chronic conditions or those who may have mobility limitations. The availability of telemedicine also demonstrates a practice's commitment to patient convenience and modern healthcare delivery.

**Mental Health Resources:** The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through in-house therapists or established referral networks, will be viewed more favorably. This ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs. The ease with which patients can access these resources is also a key factor.

**Specific Analysis within 28660 and Olin:** To provide a meaningful Lung Cancer Score, a detailed investigation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28660 and Olin is necessary. This will involve identifying the primary care practices serving the area, assessing their physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating their telemedicine capabilities, and determining the availability of mental health support. This will also include an assessment of the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The proximity of these specialists and the ease of referral from primary care practices are important considerations.

**Challenges and Limitations:** This analysis faces certain challenges. Publicly available data may not always provide a complete picture of a practice's quality or the resources available. Patient reviews, while helpful, can be subjective. Furthermore, the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with practices opening, closing, and changing their services. Therefore, the Lung Cancer Score will be a snapshot in time, reflecting the information available at the time of the analysis.

**Scoring Methodology:** The Lung Cancer Score will be a composite score, weighted to reflect the relative importance of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant component, reflecting access to care. The quality of the practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources will also be weighted heavily. The final score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing residents of 28660 and Olin to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their local healthcare system in relation to lung cancer.

**Conclusion:** The health of a community is a complex issue. The Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a framework for understanding the availability of resources that are critical for early detection and treatment. By assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, this analysis provides a valuable overview of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28660 and the Olin area. This information can empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements in the local healthcare system.

For a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and to visualize the data used in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you understand the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, patient populations, and other relevant factors, providing a more comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape in your community.