28743, Hot Springs, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28743, Hot Springs, North Carolina is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.68 percent of the residents in 28743 has some form of health insurance. 44.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.16 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 28743 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 386 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28743. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 573 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 492 health care providers accessible to residents in 28743, Hot Springs, North Carolina.

The following analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care access within ZIP Code 28743, encompassing Hot Springs, North Carolina. This evaluation considers factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. It aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem, highlighting strengths and areas for potential improvement.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is a critical first step. While publicly available data on precise physician counts within a specific ZIP Code can be limited, regional and county-level data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services can provide valuable insights. This data, coupled with information from the US Census Bureau regarding population demographics, allows for a rough estimate of the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally indicates better access to care. However, this is a simplistic view. The type of physician, their specialization, and the specific needs of the population significantly impact the practical availability of care.

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is particularly relevant. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating referrals to specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists for lung cancer screening and treatment. A robust primary care network is essential for early detection and effective management of lung cancer. Therefore, the density of PCPs in the area, coupled with their capacity to accept new patients, directly influences the overall quality of care.

Beyond simple numbers, the characteristics of individual practices are also important. The size of a practice, the types of services offered, and the technologies employed all contribute to the patient experience. Larger practices may have more resources, including access to advanced diagnostic equipment and a wider range of specialists. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is also crucial. EHRs improve care coordination, facilitate information sharing between providers, and streamline administrative tasks, ultimately freeing up physicians to focus on patient care.

Standout practices within the 28743 ZIP Code, or those serving its population, can be identified by examining patient reviews, assessing accreditation status, and evaluating their commitment to quality improvement initiatives. Practices with a strong track record of patient satisfaction, demonstrated through online reviews and surveys, are likely to provide a higher level of care. Accreditation by organizations like the Joint Commission or the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) indicates adherence to rigorous standards of quality and safety. Furthermore, practices actively involved in quality improvement programs, such as those focused on lung cancer screening or chronic disease management, demonstrate a proactive approach to patient care.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in modern healthcare. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Hot Springs. Telemedicine enables patients to consult with physicians remotely, receive remote monitoring, and access educational resources. This can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients, who may face mobility limitations or live far from specialized care centers. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide convenient and accessible care. The availability of telehealth services for both primary care and specialist consultations can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Mental health resources are also a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging for patients and their families. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns are common. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for providing holistic care. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the comprehensive needs of their patients. The presence of these resources can significantly improve patients' quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of their illness.

The integration of these various factors into a comprehensive assessment of lung cancer care and primary care availability in Hot Springs, NC, requires a multi-faceted approach. It is not simply about counting physicians; it's about understanding the resources available, the quality of care provided, and the accessibility of services. The ideal healthcare environment in this region would feature a robust network of PCPs, readily available pulmonologists and oncologists, a commitment to telemedicine, and integrated mental health support. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, embrace technology, and actively seek to improve quality are the most likely to deliver positive outcomes for patients.

To further enhance the understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28743, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome allows you to visualize complex data sets, identify patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in Hot Springs and beyond.