28735, Gerton, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28735, Gerton, North Carolina is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28735 has some form of health insurance. 40.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 92.41 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 28735 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28735. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 91 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,055 health care providers accessible to residents in 28735, Gerton, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: A Gerton, NC Analysis

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within ZIP Code 28735 (Gerton, NC) and its immediate surrounding areas. The focus is on primary care availability and the quality of care offered by physicians, particularly concerning early detection and patient support. The goal is to assess the community's readiness to address lung cancer effectively, considering factors beyond just the presence of medical professionals.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and competent primary care. In Gerton, a critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reflects the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care, all of which negatively impact lung cancer outcomes. Researching the specific ratio in Gerton is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state health departments can provide this information.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. This includes the expertise of the physicians, their commitment to preventative screenings, and their willingness to engage in patient education. For lung cancer, this means actively promoting and facilitating low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals, especially those with a smoking history. Assessing the percentage of PCPs in the area who are up-to-date on the latest screening guidelines and actively participate in patient education programs is crucial.

A key element of a successful lung cancer program is the availability of specialized care. While Gerton may not have its own oncologists or pulmonologists, the proximity to larger medical centers in Asheville or Hendersonville is vital. Evaluating the ease of access to these specialists, including transportation options and referral processes, is necessary. A seamless referral system between primary care physicians in Gerton and specialists in nearby cities is a strong indicator of a well-coordinated healthcare network.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments or initial assessments, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas with limited transportation options. Assessing the percentage of PCPs and specialists in the area who offer telemedicine services is a key metric. Evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used and the availability of technical support for patients is also important.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The emotional toll of the disease, coupled with the physical challenges of treatment, can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within Gerton and the surrounding areas is necessary. Evaluating whether PCPs screen for mental health issues and have referral pathways to mental health services is also critical.

Within the context of Gerton, identifying standout practices is a valuable exercise. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care, including proactive screening programs, patient education initiatives, and a patient-centered approach. This involves evaluating the practices' patient satisfaction scores, their adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment, and their involvement in community outreach programs. Gathering information on patient testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

The presence of support groups and patient advocacy organizations is also a positive indicator. These resources provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community for patients and their families. Assessing the availability of these resources in Gerton and the surrounding areas, including their accessibility and the range of services they offer, is essential.

The availability of resources for smoking cessation is another important factor. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing access to effective smoking cessation programs can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease. Assessing the availability of these programs in Gerton, including their cost, accessibility, and effectiveness, is crucial.

Evaluating the availability of palliative care services is also important. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort and support to patients with serious illnesses, including lung cancer. Assessing the availability of palliative care specialists, their expertise, and their integration into the overall healthcare system is a key metric.

Finally, the overall community awareness of lung cancer is an important factor. This includes the level of public education about the disease, the availability of information about risk factors and early detection, and the willingness of the community to support patients and their families. Assessing the level of community awareness through surveys, public health campaigns, and other initiatives is a valuable exercise.

In conclusion, assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" for Gerton, NC (28735) requires a multi-faceted approach. This involves evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the availability of specialized care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, standout practices, support groups, smoking cessation programs, palliative care services, and community awareness. This comprehensive analysis provides a snapshot of the community's readiness to address lung cancer effectively.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and access, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in Gerton and the surrounding areas. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available to the community.