28713, Bryson City, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28713, Bryson City, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.67 percent of the residents in 28713 has some form of health insurance. 44.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.40 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 28713 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,943 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28713. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,750 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 926 health care providers accessible to residents in 28713, Bryson City, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Bryson City, NC (ZIP Code 28713)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and support within Bryson City, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28713). The focus is on primary care physician (PCP) access, as early detection often hinges on regular checkups and screenings. The analysis also considers the integration of telemedicine, mental health support, and overall physician-to-patient ratios, crucial factors in providing comprehensive care to individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

Bryson City, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, presents unique challenges and opportunities for healthcare delivery. Its rural setting often translates to limited resources compared to urban areas. The success of any healthcare system in this location depends on innovative approaches and a commitment to serving the needs of its community.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible primary care. This involves having a sufficient number of PCPs to meet the needs of the population. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses.

Accurate physician-to-patient ratio data requires up-to-date information from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. Analyzing these data sources is the first step in assessing the overall availability of PCPs in Bryson City. The analysis must consider the geographical distribution of these physicians, accounting for travel times and accessibility for residents across the ZIP code.

The analysis also needs to identify any potential disparities in access based on socioeconomic factors or geographic location within the ZIP code. This could involve analyzing the location of practices relative to areas with higher concentrations of elderly residents or those with limited transportation options.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout primary care practices is critical. This involves evaluating factors beyond just the number of physicians. We need to assess the quality of care provided by each practice. This assessment requires looking at patient satisfaction scores, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient record-keeping and care coordination, and the practice's commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening protocols.

Practices that actively participate in lung cancer screening programs, such as those recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for high-risk individuals, should be highlighted. This includes practices that actively identify and refer eligible patients for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. Furthermore, the analysis should look at how well these practices coordinate care with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, if needed.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Role**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge the geographical barriers often present in rural communities. The analysis should assess the extent of telemedicine adoption by primary care practices in Bryson City. This involves determining whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and the use of telehealth platforms for specialist referrals.

The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access in the area and the willingness of both patients and providers to embrace this technology. The analysis must consider the digital literacy levels within the community and the availability of support services to help patients navigate telemedicine platforms.

Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with lung cancer, allowing them to consult with specialists, receive follow-up care, and manage their symptoms from the comfort of their homes, potentially reducing the need for frequent travel to medical facilities.

**Mental Health Resources and Support**

A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. The analysis needs to identify the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within Bryson City and the surrounding areas.

This includes assessing the number of mental health providers, their specialties, and their acceptance of various insurance plans. The analysis should also consider the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as the availability of on-site therapists or referral pathways to mental health specialists.

Furthermore, the analysis needs to evaluate the availability of support groups and other resources for lung cancer patients and their families. This includes identifying local chapters of organizations like the American Lung Association and the Cancer Support Community.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Recommendations**

Based on the analysis of these factors, a "Lung Cancer Score" can be assigned to Bryson City (ZIP Code 28713). This score would reflect the overall availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer care, providing a comprehensive assessment of the community's strengths and weaknesses.

The score would be based on the weighted average of the following factors: physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Specific recommendations for improvement can be made based on the analysis. These recommendations might include:

* **Recruiting additional PCPs:** Addressing any identified physician shortages to improve access to care.
* **Promoting telemedicine adoption:** Encouraging primary care practices to integrate telemedicine into their services.
* **Enhancing mental health support:** Increasing the availability of mental health professionals and support groups.
* **Expanding lung cancer screening programs:** Encouraging primary care practices to actively participate in lung cancer screening programs.

By addressing these areas, Bryson City can improve its ability to detect, treat, and support individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

**Conclusion: Visualize the Data with CartoChrome Maps**

The data used in this analysis can be further visualized using interactive maps. CartoChrome maps can be used to display physician locations, practice ratings, telemedicine availability, and mental health resources within the ZIP code. This visual representation can help residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers better understand the healthcare landscape in Bryson City and identify areas that need improvement. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.