28779, Sylva, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28779, Sylva, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.68 percent of the residents in 28779 has some form of health insurance. 36.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.81 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 28779 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,841 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28779. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,832 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,152 health care providers accessible to residents in 28779, Sylva, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Sylva, NC (ZIP Code 28779)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Sylva, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28779), requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly when assessing factors relevant to lung cancer care. This analysis considers physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and supportive resources, culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. We will focus on primary care availability as a critical access point for early detection and coordinated care.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care pathway begins with accessible primary care. Sylva, a rural community, faces challenges common to such areas: physician shortages and limited access to specialized services. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced continuity of care. While precise figures fluctuate, Sylva likely experiences a ratio that is less favorable than more urbanized areas, placing a strain on existing primary care practices. This scarcity necessitates a deeper examination of resource allocation and innovative solutions.

Standout practices within Sylva deserve recognition. These clinics and individual physicians are the cornerstones of local healthcare. Identifying practices with a demonstrated commitment to preventative care, including robust screening programs for lung cancer, is paramount. This involves evaluating the frequency of lung cancer screenings (using low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), the availability of patient education materials, and the practice's overall approach to patient-centered care. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, promoting early detection and smoking cessation, deserve special consideration. These practices often demonstrate a proactive approach to patient well-being, improving outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in our analysis. Rural communities can significantly benefit from telehealth services, which can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists. The availability of telemedicine consultations for pulmonary specialists, oncologists, and mental health professionals is a significant indicator of a practice's ability to provide comprehensive lung cancer care. Practices that have embraced telehealth platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are better positioned to support patients throughout their treatment journey. This is especially important for patients needing follow-up care or facing mobility challenges.

The psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Mental health resources are therefore an essential component of a comprehensive care model. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology or chronic illness is critical. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, either through on-site therapists or referral networks, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. Access to support groups, both in-person and online, is also a valuable resource for patients and their families. The ability to address the emotional and psychological needs of patients can significantly improve their quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Evaluating the quality of care requires analyzing several key factors. This includes the adherence to established guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, and the practice's participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices that actively track patient outcomes, monitor their performance against benchmarks, and implement strategies to improve care delivery are more likely to provide high-quality services. Furthermore, the practice’s ability to coordinate care with specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and surgeons, is a key indicator of a well-integrated healthcare system.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Sylva, NC (28779) is a composite assessment, taking into account all the factors discussed. The score reflects the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of lung cancer care within the community. A higher score indicates a more favorable healthcare environment, with greater access to resources and a higher likelihood of positive patient outcomes. A lower score highlights areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, or enhancing mental health support.

While a precise numerical score requires detailed data analysis, the general assessment for Sylva suggests potential challenges. The rural nature of the area likely contributes to a lower physician-to-patient ratio, impacting access to primary care. Telemedicine adoption, while growing, may still be limited, restricting access to specialists. The availability of mental health resources, while present, may require strengthening to fully support patients' needs. Standout practices, those with a demonstrated commitment to preventative care and patient-centered services, are critical to the community's well-being.

Improving the “Lung Cancer Score” for Sylva requires a multi-pronged approach. Recruiting and retaining primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and increasing access to mental health resources are all critical steps. Community-based initiatives, such as smoking cessation programs and public awareness campaigns, can also play a significant role in improving outcomes. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to creating a robust and supportive healthcare system.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sylva and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice types, and the availability of specialized services, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer valuable insights into the local healthcare ecosystem, enabling informed decision-making and facilitating targeted interventions to improve lung cancer care in the community.