28708, Balsam Grove, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28708, Balsam Grove, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 41.07 percent of the residents in 28708 has some form of health insurance. 41.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 20.24 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 28708 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 35 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28708. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 34 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,277 health care providers accessible to residents in 28708, Balsam Grove, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28708 & Balsam Grove Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially concerning lung cancer care, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 28708, encompassing Balsam Grove, North Carolina, evaluating its medical landscape concerning lung cancer detection, treatment, and support. The primary focus is on primary care availability, a critical entry point for early detection and referral. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score assessment.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 28708 is a crucial starting point. Balsam Grove, being a relatively rural area, likely faces challenges common to such locations. These include a potentially lower density of physicians, particularly specialists like pulmonologists and oncologists. A low physician-to-patient ratio can translate to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced access to specialized care. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alongside publicly available information from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), would be essential to determine the precise ratio. This information would be a foundational element in the Lung Cancer Score.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of early lung cancer detection. Regular checkups, screenings, and proactive discussions about risk factors like smoking are vital. The analysis must assess the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within 28708 and the surrounding areas. This includes evaluating the types of practices: solo practitioners, group practices, and those affiliated with larger healthcare systems. The accessibility of these PCPs, considering factors like insurance acceptance, appointment availability, and patient reviews, significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score.

Identifying standout practices within the region is crucial. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening, patient education, and efficient referral pathways. This could involve practices utilizing advanced imaging techniques, offering smoking cessation programs, and actively promoting lung cancer awareness. Researching these practices involves examining their websites, patient testimonials, and publicly available data on their performance metrics, if available. These practices would contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in bridging healthcare gaps, especially in rural areas. The availability of telehealth services for primary care visits, specialist consultations (pulmonology, oncology), and mental health support is a key factor. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and potentially expedite diagnoses and treatment. The analysis must assess the extent to which practices in 28708 and the surrounding areas offer telehealth options, the types of services available, and the technology infrastructure supporting these services. A robust telemedicine presence would positively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis must investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the area. This includes assessing the number of mental health providers, their specialties, insurance acceptance, and the availability of support groups and counseling services specifically tailored to cancer patients. The presence of readily accessible mental health resources significantly enhances the Lung Cancer Score.

The Lung Cancer Score would be a composite measure, incorporating all the factors discussed above. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability and accessibility of primary care, the presence of standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance in influencing lung cancer care quality. The score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28708, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The analysis would delve into the specific practices and hospitals serving the Balsam Grove community. It would investigate the availability of lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. It would assess the referral pathways for patients suspected of having lung cancer, ensuring that patients are promptly referred to specialists for further evaluation and treatment. Furthermore, the analysis would examine the availability of support services for lung cancer patients, such as support groups, patient navigators, and palliative care services.

The Lung Cancer Score would also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence health outcomes. This includes assessing the prevalence of smoking within the community, the levels of poverty, and the educational attainment of the population. These factors can impact the risk of lung cancer and the ability of individuals to access healthcare. The analysis would consider how these factors might impact the Lung Cancer Score.

The final Lung Cancer Score would be presented as a numerical value, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology used to calculate the score. The score would be accompanied by a narrative summary that highlights the key findings of the analysis and provides recommendations for improving lung cancer care within ZIP code 28708. This might include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health resources.

The goal is to provide a clear, actionable assessment that can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to improve the quality of lung cancer care in Balsam Grove and the surrounding areas. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, stakeholders can work together to address the challenges and ensure that all residents have access to the care they need.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28708 and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital access, and potential areas of need, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you gain a comprehensive perspective on healthcare access and identify opportunities for improvement.