28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.59 percent of the residents in 28775 has some form of health insurance. 68.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.94 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 28775 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 153 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28775. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 198 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,056 health care providers accessible to residents in 28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 28775, specifically focusing on Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. A "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, while not a formally recognized metric, can be constructed by evaluating factors that influence early detection, treatment access, and overall patient well-being. This analysis will consider physician availability, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), as they are often the first point of contact for patients exhibiting symptoms. It will also examine the presence of specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in a comprehensive approach to lung cancer care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Scaly Mountain and the surrounding ZIP Code 28775 is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialists, and increased wait times for appointments. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to care, potentially leading to earlier detection and improved outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) or the North Carolina Medical Board can provide insights into the number of licensed physicians practicing within the area. This data, combined with population figures, allows for calculating the physician-to-patient ratio, giving a baseline understanding of access.

Identifying standout practices within the area requires investigating their service offerings and patient outcomes. This includes assessing whether practices offer screening programs for high-risk individuals, such as those with a history of smoking or exposure to environmental hazards. Practices that actively promote and implement lung cancer screening protocols, including low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, are likely to have a higher score. Furthermore, the presence of certified lung cancer specialists, pulmonologists, and oncologists within the practice or through affiliations is a significant advantage. Patient reviews and testimonials, available through online platforms, can also offer valuable insights into the quality of care and patient satisfaction.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to consult with physicians remotely can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Scaly Mountain. Telemedicine can facilitate initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies and offer virtual consultations, particularly for lung cancer-related care, should receive a higher score. This includes assessing the availability of telehealth platforms, the ease of scheduling virtual appointments, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's overall workflow.

The availability of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a critical component of a comprehensive lung cancer care plan. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health professionals, offer counseling services, or provide access to support groups should be highly regarded. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals within the practice, the ease of access to these services, and the integration of mental health support into the patient's care plan are all important considerations.

The "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, therefore, is not a single number but rather a composite assessment based on the factors discussed. Practices with a higher physician-to-patient ratio, comprehensive screening programs, specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health support will receive a higher score. The score is a qualitative assessment, not a quantitative one, and is intended to provide a general overview of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28775.

Analyzing the specific practices in Scaly Mountain, one might find that a smaller practice with a strong focus on preventative care and early detection, even without a large staff, could score well. Conversely, a larger practice with more specialists might have a higher score due to its ability to provide a wider range of services. The presence of a dedicated patient navigator who assists patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment would also significantly increase a practice's score.

It is important to acknowledge that this analysis is limited by the availability of public data. A more comprehensive assessment would require direct engagement with healthcare providers and access to more detailed information. However, this framework provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

The availability of primary care physicians in Scaly Mountain is a particularly critical factor. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms that could indicate lung cancer. A strong primary care presence, with readily available appointments and a proactive approach to screening, can significantly improve early detection rates and patient outcomes. This analysis would consider the number of PCPs practicing in the area, the average wait times for appointments, and the availability of same-day or urgent care appointments.

In conclusion, understanding the complexities of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28775 requires a comprehensive analysis that considers physician availability, specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. While a formal "Lung Cancer Score" is not a recognized metric, the factors discussed provide a framework for evaluating the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Scaly Mountain and ZIP Code 28775, and to visualize the data discussed, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, offering a powerful tool for understanding the accessibility and availability of healthcare resources in the area.