28762, Old Fort, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28762, Old Fort, North Carolina is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.91 percent of the residents in 28762 has some form of health insurance. 45.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.82 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 28762 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28762. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,712 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,664 health care providers accessible to residents in 28762, Old Fort, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: Old Fort, NC (ZIP Code 28762)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality in Old Fort, North Carolina (ZIP code 28762) requires a multifaceted approach, especially concerning lung cancer, a disease significantly impacted by early detection and effective treatment. This analysis will delve into primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and its potential impact on lung cancer outcomes within this specific community.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer strategy rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers to early detection, offering screenings, referrals, and ongoing management. Evaluating primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, as well as assessing the patient-to-physician ratio. A low ratio, indicating more physicians per patient, generally suggests better access. Conversely, a high ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial diagnostic procedures and treatment initiation. Further complicating the assessment is the consideration of insurance acceptance, as this dictates the ability of residents to access care.

Within Old Fort, the availability of primary care is a crucial consideration. The size of the town, combined with its rural nature, may present challenges in terms of physician recruitment and retention. This could potentially lead to a higher patient-to-physician ratio than in more urbanized areas. The presence of community health centers or other federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) is a positive factor, as these often serve as safety nets for underserved populations. Evaluating the services offered by these centers, including their capacity for lung cancer screening (e.g., low-dose computed tomography or LDCT), is critical.

Identifying standout practices within the area requires a closer look at their performance metrics and patient reviews. Practices that prioritize preventative care, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening, should be recognized. Examining patient satisfaction scores, particularly those related to communication, appointment scheduling, and overall experience, can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided. Furthermore, assessing the practice’s adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment is essential. This includes evaluating their use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to coordinate care with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists.

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Old Fort can be a key factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals can enhance convenience and reduce barriers to care. This is especially relevant for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments due to distance, mobility issues, or other factors. The availability of telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists located outside of the immediate area, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who are critical in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of cancer care, but it plays a vital role in patient well-being and treatment outcomes. A lung cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore crucial. Assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices and the accessibility of these resources for patients is important. This includes evaluating whether practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Old Fort (ZIP code 28762) is a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It considers the patient-to-physician ratio, the availability of primary care practices, the quality of care provided by those practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score is not a single number but a nuanced assessment that highlights strengths and weaknesses within the healthcare system. A higher score indicates better access to care, higher-quality services, and a more supportive environment for lung cancer patients. A lower score indicates potential challenges and areas where improvements are needed.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" for Old Fort, NC, would need to be determined by analyzing the data from various sources, including government databases, insurance providers, and healthcare organizations. This data would be used to create a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape, including physician-to-patient ratios, the number of practices, and the availability of services. The score would be a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping them understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and identify areas where improvements are needed.

To further understand the healthcare landscape in Old Fort and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can visualize healthcare data, allowing you to explore physician locations, practice specializations, and other relevant information. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community and how they might impact your health.