28705, Bakersville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28705, Bakersville, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.25 percent of the residents in 28705 has some form of health insurance. 42.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.47 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 28705 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,341 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28705. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,798 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,212 health care providers accessible to residents in 28705, Bakersville, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Bakersville, NC (ZIP Code 28705)

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Bakersville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28705) requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess the availability and quality of primary care, the presence of specialists, the integration of technology, and the support systems available to patients. This analysis will culminate in a ‘Lung Cancer Score’ assessment, providing a nuanced understanding of the resources available to individuals facing this challenging diagnosis.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and competent primary care physicians (PCPs). In Bakersville, the availability of PCPs is a critical starting point. Data regarding physician-to-patient ratios is essential. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment initiation. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, potentially leading to earlier detection through routine screenings and prompt referrals to specialists. This initial assessment informs the first component of our score.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the PCPs' familiarity with lung cancer risk factors, their commitment to preventive screenings (particularly for high-risk individuals), and their ability to effectively communicate with patients about potential symptoms and concerns. We must consider whether practices actively promote smoking cessation programs, as this is a critical intervention for reducing lung cancer incidence. The second component of our score will reflect the quality of primary care.

Specialist availability is another crucial element. The presence of pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists within or near Bakersville directly impacts the speed and quality of care. Assessing the number of specialists, their board certifications, and their experience in treating lung cancer patients is essential. The proximity of these specialists is also a factor. Long travel distances can create significant barriers to care, especially for patients undergoing treatment that requires frequent visits. The third component of our score addresses specialist availability.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Bakersville. The ability to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even certain types of therapy remotely can significantly improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel. Evaluating the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine, the types of services offered via telehealth, and the ease of access for patients will be part of our analysis. The fourth component of our score incorporates telemedicine integration.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical for lung cancer patients. A diagnosis of lung cancer can trigger a range of emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services in Bakersville is essential. The integration of mental health support into the overall care plan, including referrals from PCPs and specialists, is a key indicator of a comprehensive approach. The fifth component of our score considers mental health resources.

Standout practices within the Bakersville area will be identified. These practices demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care. This may include practices that have implemented innovative screening programs, have a strong track record of patient outcomes, or actively participate in clinical trials. Recognizing and highlighting these practices can serve as a model for others and provide valuable information for patients seeking the best possible care. Identifying standout practices informs the sixth component of our score.

The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for Bakersville will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of these six components: primary care availability, primary care quality, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices. The weighting of each component will reflect its relative importance in providing comprehensive and effective lung cancer care. A higher score will indicate a more favorable environment for lung cancer patients, characterized by greater access to care, higher quality services, and robust support systems.

The analysis will also consider the presence of community resources, such as patient advocacy groups, support organizations, and educational programs. These resources can play a vital role in empowering patients, providing them with information, and connecting them with valuable support networks. Their presence or absence will influence the overall assessment.

Data sources for this analysis will include publicly available information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the North Carolina Medical Board, and other relevant healthcare databases. We will also consult with local healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups to gather firsthand information and perspectives.

The final ‘Lung Cancer Score’ will be presented in a clear and concise format, providing an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the lung cancer care landscape in Bakersville. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas for improvement and to make informed decisions about healthcare services.

The analysis will also provide recommendations for improving lung cancer care in Bakersville. These recommendations may include suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs, expanding access to specialists, promoting telemedicine adoption, and enhancing mental health support services.

Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities in Bakersville is the first step toward improving outcomes for lung cancer patients. This comprehensive analysis will provide a valuable roadmap for achieving this goal.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Bakersville and visualize the distribution of resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions to help you gain deeper insights into healthcare access and availability.