28681, Taylorsville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28681, Taylorsville, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.99 percent of the residents in 28681 has some form of health insurance. 37.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.17 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 28681 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,606 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28681. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,127 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,159 health care providers accessible to residents in 28681, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

The following analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 28681, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians in Taylorsville, North Carolina. This evaluation considers factors crucial for effective lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. It aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment for individuals at risk or facing a diagnosis.

Taylorsville, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, limited access to specialists, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can provide insights into the physician-to-patient ratio within the 28681 ZIP code. This data should be compared to both state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care physicians.

Standout practices in Taylorsville are those that demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly in areas relevant to lung cancer. These practices might be recognized for their commitment to preventative care, including robust screening programs for at-risk individuals, such as those with a history of smoking. They could also excel in coordinating care, ensuring seamless transitions between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. Identifying these practices requires examining online patient reviews, consulting with local healthcare professionals, and reviewing any publicly available quality metrics, such as those reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers are common. Its application can include virtual consultations with primary care physicians, remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, and access to specialist consultations. The level of telemedicine adoption within the 28681 ZIP code can be assessed by researching the telehealth services offered by local medical practices and hospitals. This includes examining their websites, contacting their offices, and reviewing any published reports on telemedicine utilization.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to comprehensive lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the treatment that follows, can be emotionally taxing. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is therefore essential. Evaluating the mental health resources available in Taylorsville involves identifying local mental health providers, such as therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors. This includes assessing the availability of support groups specifically for cancer patients and their families.

The analysis of these factors forms the basis for a "Lung Cancer Score" for the 28681 ZIP code. This score is not a single, definitive number but rather a composite assessment reflecting the overall healthcare environment. The score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance in providing effective lung cancer care. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment, while a lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing care.

The specific scoring methodology would involve assigning numerical values to each factor based on predefined criteria. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio could be assigned a score based on its deviation from state and national averages. The presence of standout practices could be scored based on their demonstrated commitment to preventative care, care coordination, and patient satisfaction. Telemedicine adoption could be scored based on the range of services offered and the accessibility of those services to patients. The availability of mental health resources could be scored based on the number of providers, the availability of support groups, and the affordability of services.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" would then be calculated by combining the scores for each factor, weighted appropriately. This score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Taylorsville, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. It could be used by individuals at risk of lung cancer, patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about care and resource allocation. The score would be most useful when regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare environment.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. The data used to calculate the score would be based on publicly available information, which may not always be complete or up-to-date. The subjective nature of some factors, such as the assessment of standout practices, could introduce bias. The score would not capture all aspects of the healthcare environment, such as the quality of care provided by individual physicians. Despite these limitations, the "Lung Cancer Score" would provide a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in Taylorsville and identifying areas for improvement.

The analysis would also include recommendations for improving lung cancer care in the 28681 ZIP code. These recommendations could include increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, expanding mental health resources, and supporting the development of lung cancer screening programs. These recommendations would be based on the findings of the analysis and would be tailored to the specific needs of the community. The goal is to improve access to care, enhance the quality of care, and ultimately, improve outcomes for individuals affected by lung cancer.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Taylorsville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a dynamic and informative way to visualize the data discussed in this analysis.