28709, Barnardsville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28709, Barnardsville, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.11 percent of the residents in 28709 has some form of health insurance. 56.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.79 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 28709 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 726 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28709. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 789 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,755 health care providers accessible to residents in 28709, Barnardsville, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Barnardsville, NC (ZIP Code 28709)**

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection and treatment within Barnardsville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28709). The focus is on primary care, as it represents the crucial first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or needing preventative screenings. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all factors influencing the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for the area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in early detection. This necessitates a robust primary care infrastructure. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per primary care physician (PCP), can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, delayed diagnoses. In Barnardsville, determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires data analysis beyond the scope of this overview. However, publicly available data on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website could be used to find this metric. This data is critical in understanding the accessibility of primary care.

The presence of standout practices within the 28709 ZIP code significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. These practices are characterized by several key features. They might boast a team of experienced PCPs with a proven track record in early cancer detection, including a focus on screening protocols for high-risk individuals (e.g., smokers, those with a family history of lung cancer). Furthermore, standout practices often employ advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scans, which are crucial for identifying lung nodules at their earliest, most treatable stages. The practices also have strong relationships with pulmonologists and oncologists, ensuring seamless referrals and coordinated care. Identifying these practices requires research into local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component of the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages, particularly in rural areas like Barnardsville. It can reduce travel time for patients, making it easier to access consultations and follow-up appointments. This is particularly important for patients who may have mobility issues or live far from specialized care centers. Telemedicine also facilitates remote monitoring of patients, allowing physicians to track their progress and intervene promptly if necessary. The extent of telemedicine adoption in 28709 is difficult to ascertain without a survey of local practices.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is crucial for patient well-being and can positively impact treatment outcomes. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model receive a higher Lung Cancer Score. This integration might involve on-site therapists, partnerships with local mental health providers, or readily available referrals. Assessing the availability of these resources requires research into local healthcare providers.

Another factor influencing the Lung Cancer Score is the presence of a strong referral network. Primary care physicians must have established relationships with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. These relationships ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care. A well-coordinated referral system can reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly improve patient outcomes. This also includes the availability of specialized facilities, such as radiation therapy centers and surgical oncology units, within a reasonable distance from Barnardsville.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Barnardsville, NC (28709) is a composite metric. It is derived from all the factors discussed above. A high score indicates a strong healthcare infrastructure that supports early detection, effective treatment, and comprehensive patient care. A low score suggests areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine capabilities, or enhancing mental health support services. Further research and data collection are needed to accurately calculate the score.

The availability of primary care physicians is a key indicator. The number of PCPs practicing within the 28709 ZIP code, and their respective patient loads, is a primary determinant of the Lung Cancer Score. A higher density of PCPs, with reasonable patient-to-physician ratios, contributes to a higher score. This density is influenced by the geographic distribution of the population.

The quality of care provided by primary care physicians is another critical factor. This includes their experience in diagnosing and managing lung cancer, their adherence to screening guidelines, and their ability to effectively communicate with patients. The Lung Cancer Score is influenced by the qualifications of the PCPs.

The presence of ancillary services, such as radiology and laboratory services, also affects the Lung Cancer Score. Easy access to these services facilitates timely diagnosis and treatment. This includes the availability of advanced imaging modalities, such as low-dose CT scans, which are essential for early lung cancer detection.

The community's awareness of lung cancer risk factors and screening guidelines is also a factor. Public health initiatives and educational programs can play a crucial role in promoting early detection and improving patient outcomes. The Lung Cancer Score is influenced by the presence of these programs.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Barnardsville (28709) is dependent on a complex interplay of factors. While a definitive score requires a comprehensive data analysis, the key elements include physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to specialized services. These factors are all critical in ensuring that residents of Barnardsville have access to the best possible care for lung cancer.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Barnardsville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and access to specialized services, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and can help identify areas where access to care may be limited.