28692, Vilas, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28692, Vilas, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.72 percent of the residents in 28692 has some form of health insurance. 35.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.26 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 28692 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 620 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28692. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 846 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 532 health care providers accessible to residents in 28692, Vilas, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28692 and Primary Care in Vilas, NC

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services in Vilas, North Carolina (partially encompassed by ZIP code 28692), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This analysis is not intended to be a comprehensive medical evaluation.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer strategy rests on robust primary care. Regular checkups, screenings, and patient education are crucial for early detection and intervention. The physician-to-patient ratio in ZIP code 28692 is a critical indicator of access. While precise data is difficult to obtain without access to proprietary datasets, publicly available information suggests a potential challenge. Rural areas often face shortages, and Vilas, being a small community, could experience a limited number of primary care physicians compared to the population size. This can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses.

Primary care availability is not simply about the number of doctors; it's about the quality of care provided. Several factors contribute to this. The presence of board-certified physicians, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and the availability of specialized services are all important. Assessing the specific practices within the area requires deeper investigation. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their patient satisfaction scores, their commitment to preventative screenings (including lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals), and their integration of technology to improve patient care. This could include practices that actively track patient smoking history, offer smoking cessation programs, and implement standardized protocols for referring patients to specialists.

Telemedicine is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care providers in ZIP code 28692 is a significant factor. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive healthcare management. This is particularly relevant for lung cancer patients, who may face mobility challenges or require frequent follow-up appointments. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available in the immediate area.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are vital for patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The emotional toll of the disease, coupled with the stress of treatment, can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is a crucial component of comprehensive care. Primary care practices that integrate mental health services into their offerings, or that have established referral pathways to mental health providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. The proximity and accessibility of these resources are equally important.

Smoking cessation programs are another critical element. Primary care providers play a pivotal role in helping patients quit smoking, which is the leading cause of lung cancer. Practices that offer comprehensive smoking cessation programs, including counseling, medication, and support groups, are essential. Evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, measured by patient success rates, is another key indicator.

The presence of support groups and patient advocacy organizations also contributes to the overall quality of care. These resources provide emotional support, education, and a sense of community for patients and their families. Access to these resources can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

A thorough assessment of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28692 requires a multifaceted approach. This includes reviewing publicly available data, conducting patient surveys, and interviewing healthcare providers. Analyzing the practices’ adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment is essential. Evaluating the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scans, is also important.

The ability to access and understand this complex data is key. The information needs to be presented in an easily digestible format, allowing for quick identification of strengths and weaknesses. This is where the power of visual representation comes into play.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28692 and the primary care availability in Vilas, NC, consider using interactive mapping tools to visualize the data. These tools allow you to overlay various data points, such as physician locations, hospital locations, and the availability of specialized services, onto a map. This allows for a clear and concise understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.

**To explore the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28692 and visualize the data for a more informed understanding, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow you to easily visualize the data for a more informed understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.**