28685, Traphill, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28685, Traphill, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.79 percent of the residents in 28685 has some form of health insurance. 42.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.63 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 28685 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 401 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28685. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 402 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 778 health care providers accessible to residents in 28685, Traphill, North Carolina.

The following analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care access within ZIP Code 28685, encompassing the Traphill area of Wilkes County, North Carolina. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, focusing on factors impacting patient outcomes, from physician availability to the integration of mental health services. This evaluation is designed to be a resource for individuals seeking care and a benchmark for healthcare providers in the region.

Assessing the availability of primary care physicians is the first critical step. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or the US Census Bureau can be cross-referenced with physician directories to estimate this ratio. The specific ratio for 28685 needs to be determined using these data sources, as it is the foundation of the assessment.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code matters. Are primary care practices clustered in one area, potentially leaving residents in more rural parts of Traphill with limited access? Understanding the geographic spread of providers is crucial. This involves considering factors like transportation infrastructure, travel times, and the availability of public transportation options. This assessment needs to analyze the physical locations of practices and their proximity to the population.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in various aspects of care. This includes patient satisfaction scores, which can be gleaned from online reviews and patient surveys. Practices that prioritize preventative care, such as offering regular screenings for lung cancer, are also highly valued. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers is another key indicator. This allows for better coordination of care and facilitates the seamless transfer of patient information.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists, receive follow-up care, and manage chronic conditions from the comfort of their homes. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are better positioned to serve a wider patient population. The availability of reliable internet access in the Traphill area is a crucial factor influencing the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical element of a comprehensive healthcare system. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support is essential for patient well-being. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals are better equipped to address the psychological needs of their patients. This assessment needs to investigate the availability of these resources within the practices in 28685.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is a key factor in lung cancer care. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer require specialized care from these specialists. Evaluating the proximity of these specialists to 28685 is important. The travel time to these specialists is another factor. The existence of a local hospital with a dedicated oncology unit and access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as CT scans and PET scans, is another critical element.

The quality of lung cancer screening programs is a vital aspect of early detection. These programs involve low-dose CT scans for individuals at high risk, such as current or former smokers. The availability and accessibility of these screening programs within the ZIP code are essential. The assessment should evaluate the number of screening programs, their eligibility criteria, and the ease with which patients can access them.

The level of patient education and support services offered by healthcare providers is another important factor. Patients with lung cancer require comprehensive information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects. Practices that provide educational materials, support groups, and access to patient navigators can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that impact healthcare access. This includes the percentage of the population with health insurance coverage, the prevalence of poverty, and the availability of transportation assistance programs. These factors can significantly influence a patient's ability to access care.

The assessment needs to consider the presence of community health initiatives and partnerships. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health agencies can enhance the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This includes programs that promote smoking cessation, healthy lifestyles, and early detection of lung cancer.

The overall assessment should also evaluate the performance of the healthcare system in terms of patient outcomes. This includes data on lung cancer survival rates, the stage at which lung cancer is diagnosed, and the utilization of evidence-based treatment guidelines. This data can be obtained from public health agencies or healthcare quality organizations.

In conclusion, the healthcare landscape in 28685, encompassing Traphill, requires a multifaceted assessment. This analysis needs to consider physician-to-patient ratios, the distribution of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of specialists, the quality of lung cancer screening programs, and the provision of patient education and support services. The goal is to identify areas of strength and weakness, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Traphill and surrounding areas, including the locations of healthcare providers, access to specialists, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize and understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in your community.