28677, Statesville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28677, Statesville, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.79 percent of the residents in 28677 has some form of health insurance. 41.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.21 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 28677 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,177 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28677. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,814 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,489 health care providers accessible to residents in 28677, Statesville, North Carolina.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians in ZIP code 28677 (Statesville, North Carolina) and evaluates primary care availability within the city. This assessment considers factors relevant to lung cancer detection and treatment, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals seeking lung cancer-related care in this specific area.

Statesville, North Carolina, is a community that, like many others, faces the ongoing challenge of providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare. The success of lung cancer treatment hinges on early detection and prompt, effective care. Therefore, assessing the quality and availability of healthcare resources within the city is critical.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a foundational element of this evaluation. A higher ratio of patients per physician can potentially limit the time available for individual patient care, including crucial aspects like thorough examinations, detailed discussions about risk factors, and personalized treatment plans. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, offers insights into these ratios. In Statesville, the availability of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and oncologists directly impacts the ability of patients to receive timely screenings, diagnoses, and treatment. A lower ratio, indicating a greater availability of physicians, typically translates to improved access and potentially better outcomes. However, it is essential to note that the mere presence of physicians is not sufficient; the quality of care is equally important.

Standout practices within ZIP code 28677 would be those that demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening and management. This includes implementing evidence-based screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), for individuals at high risk, typically those with a history of smoking. These practices should also have established protocols for prompt follow-up and referral to specialists, like pulmonologists and oncologists, when suspicious findings are identified. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to lung cancer treatment are particularly noteworthy, as they often provide access to cutting-edge therapies and contribute to advancements in the field. Examining patient reviews and practice ratings can help identify those practices that consistently deliver high-quality care and positive patient experiences.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The integration of telehealth services can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals who may face geographical barriers or mobility limitations. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes. For lung cancer patients, telemedicine can be especially beneficial for managing symptoms, providing emotional support, and ensuring adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated it seamlessly into their workflows are better positioned to serve a wider patient population and improve overall patient outcomes.

The availability of mental health resources is an often-overlooked, yet critical, component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common among individuals facing this disease. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health support, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This includes access to support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric care when needed. Integrated mental health services can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of treatment.

The Lung Cancer Score for physicians in ZIP code 28677 is therefore a multifaceted assessment. It’s not just about the number of physicians; it's about the quality of care they provide, their commitment to early detection, their use of technology to improve access, and their recognition of the importance of mental health support. A high score would reflect a healthcare environment characterized by readily available primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and oncologists; proactive screening programs; seamless telemedicine integration; and easy access to mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score would indicate potential challenges in these areas, suggesting the need for improvements in access, quality, or the integration of comprehensive care.

Primary care availability in Statesville is directly linked to the overall lung cancer score. The presence of a robust primary care network is essential for early detection. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms or at risk for lung cancer. Their ability to provide timely screenings, referrals, and ongoing care is critical. The availability of primary care physicians in the area, coupled with their willingness to engage in proactive screening and patient education, significantly impacts the overall effectiveness of lung cancer management.

The analysis of the healthcare landscape in Statesville also needs to consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. Factors such as insurance coverage, transportation, and health literacy can significantly influence a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial to ensure equitable access to lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment for all residents of Statesville.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score assessment for Statesville, North Carolina, is a dynamic evaluation of the healthcare environment. It requires continuous monitoring and improvement to ensure that residents have access to the best possible care. By considering the physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape can be achieved. This understanding can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for policies and programs that enhance access to care and improve patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of this data and to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Statesville and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into physician distribution, access to care, and other relevant factors.