28676, State Road, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28676, State Road, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.39 percent of the residents in 28676 has some form of health insurance. 40.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.03 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 28676 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 637 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28676. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 811 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 449 health care providers accessible to residents in 28676, State Road, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: State Road, NC (ZIP Code 28676)

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare in State Road, North Carolina (ZIP code 28676), requires a multifaceted approach, especially when considering the complexities of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This analysis, focused on the availability and quality of care, aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician accessibility, resource availability, and innovative healthcare practices. The ultimate goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in supporting patients facing this serious illness.

The foundation of any strong healthcare system lies in the availability of primary care physicians. In State Road, the density of primary care physicians directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely screenings, referrals, and ongoing support. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, presents a significant challenge. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial diagnostic procedures and treatment initiation. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates better access, allowing for more proactive and preventative care. The "Lung Cancer Score" will be impacted by this ratio, with higher scores awarded to areas with more favorable physician-to-patient ratios.

Beyond simple physician numbers, the quality and reputation of local practices are crucial. Standout practices, those recognized for their commitment to patient care, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and comprehensive treatment options, will significantly boost the overall score. Factors considered include the presence of board-certified pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. The availability of advanced imaging technology, such as low-dose CT scans for early detection, is also critical. Furthermore, practices that embrace multidisciplinary care, bringing together various specialists to develop personalized treatment plans, will be viewed favorably. The "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect the presence and quality of these specialist services.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like State Road. It can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients, and access to educational resources. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, and online educational materials, will contribute positively to the "Lung Cancer Score." This is especially important for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments due to physical limitations or geographical constraints.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of lung cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore crucial. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or partnerships with external mental health organizations, will receive a higher score. The "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect the availability and accessibility of these essential mental health resources.

The "Lung Cancer Score" also considers the availability of patient support groups and educational resources. Support groups provide a valuable forum for patients to connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and receive emotional support. Educational resources, such as pamphlets, websites, and workshops, can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care and manage their symptoms effectively. Practices that actively promote and facilitate access to these resources will contribute positively to the overall score. This holistic approach to patient care is essential for improving outcomes and enhancing quality of life.

Analyzing the specific practices within ZIP code 28676 requires detailed data collection. This includes identifying the number of primary care physicians practicing in the area, assessing their patient load, and evaluating their affiliations with hospitals and specialist networks. Further investigation would involve researching the availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons within a reasonable driving distance. The presence of advanced imaging technology, such as CT scanners, would also be assessed. Finally, the extent of telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources would be carefully evaluated. This comprehensive data collection is essential for generating a meaningful "Lung Cancer Score."

The specific practices in State Road and the surrounding areas need to be individually assessed. This assessment would involve contacting the practices to gather information on their services, staffing, and technology. Patient reviews and online ratings would also be considered, providing valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care. The "Lung Cancer Score" would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these various factors. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, would be assigned a specific weight based on its importance in lung cancer care.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" for State Road, NC (ZIP code 28676) would be presented as a numerical value, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology used to calculate the score. The score would be accompanied by a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. This analysis would provide valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions and advocate for improvements in lung cancer care. The goal is to empower the community to better address the challenges of this devastating disease.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in State Road and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points. This allows for a more intuitive and accessible way to understand the distribution of care and identify areas with limited access. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a visual perspective on the healthcare resources available in your community.