28757, Montreat, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28757, Montreat, North Carolina is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28757 has some form of health insurance. 10.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 95.63 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 28757 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 81 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28757. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 12,202 health care providers accessible to residents in 28757, Montreat, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis of Physician Resources in Montreat (ZIP Code 28757)

The fight against lung cancer is a multifaceted endeavor, demanding a robust healthcare infrastructure. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians within Montreat's ZIP code, 28757, focusing on factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and management of this devastating disease. We examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the presence of mental health resources, ultimately culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and competent primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first line of defense. They are responsible for screening, ordering diagnostic tests, and referring patients to specialists. In Montreat, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Researching the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 28757 is the first step. Data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board, when cross-referenced with physician directories, can provide a reliable estimate. This ratio, alongside the age distribution of the population (older populations are at higher risk), forms the baseline for our score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by PCPs is equally important. Identifying standout practices involves assessing several factors. This includes examining physician credentials, board certifications, and experience levels. Reviewing patient testimonials and online ratings provides valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement programs, such as those focused on preventative care and chronic disease management, often demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic equipment, such as X-ray machines, can streamline the diagnostic process, reducing the time between suspicion and confirmation of a lung cancer diagnosis.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of our analysis. The ability to offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can provide timely follow-up appointments, discuss test results, and offer support to patients, even if they are unable to visit the office in person. The availability of telemedicine services directly impacts the accessibility of care, which is a key component of our Lung Cancer Score.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is immense. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Access to mental health support can help patients cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression associated with the disease, improving their overall well-being and treatment outcomes. The presence and accessibility of these resources are carefully considered in our scoring.

To calculate the Lung Cancer Score, we assign weighted values to each of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio receives a significant weighting, reflecting its impact on access to care. The quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources also receive substantial weightings. Each practice is then assessed based on these criteria, and a composite score is generated. This score provides a comparative ranking of the practices within ZIP code 28757, indicating their relative strengths and weaknesses in supporting patients with or at risk of lung cancer.

The final score provides a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Montreat. It highlights the practices that are best equipped to provide comprehensive lung cancer care, from early detection to ongoing support. This score is not static; it should be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, practice improvements, and the adoption of new technologies.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this analysis. Data availability can vary, and the assessment relies on publicly available information. Patient testimonials and online ratings, while valuable, are subjective and may not always reflect the full picture. Furthermore, this analysis focuses solely on primary care, and the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is also critical for lung cancer treatment. However, this analysis provides a valuable starting point for understanding the resources available to patients in Montreat and identifying areas for improvement.

The Lung Cancer Score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the community's commitment to healthcare. It is a tool for patients to make informed decisions about their care, for physicians to benchmark their performance, and for healthcare providers to identify areas where they can improve. This analysis aims to empower individuals and organizations to work together to improve lung cancer outcomes in Montreat.

For a more detailed, interactive map of physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability within Montreat (ZIP code 28757), we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer an unparalleled visualization of healthcare data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape.