28786, Waynesville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28786, Waynesville, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.51 percent of the residents in 28786 has some form of health insurance. 42.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.98 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 28786 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,022 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28786. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,398 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,468 health care providers accessible to residents in 28786, Waynesville, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care access within ZIP code 28786, encompassing Waynesville, North Carolina. This assessment considers factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and integration of supportive services. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, highlighting strengths and areas for potential improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access to care. In Waynesville, the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely screenings and initial diagnoses for lung cancer. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying the identification of suspicious symptoms and the subsequent initiation of diagnostic procedures. Analyzing data from sources such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is essential to establish an accurate physician-to-patient ratio for 28786. This data should be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care services in the area.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is critical for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. While primary care physicians play a vital role in screening and initial referral, specialized care is essential for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. The presence of pulmonologists within or near Waynesville is a significant factor. The proximity of oncology centers, including those offering radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical interventions, also influences patient outcomes. The analysis should identify the number of pulmonologists and oncologists serving the area, their affiliations with hospitals or cancer centers, and the types of services they provide.

Several primary care practices in Waynesville may stand out based on their commitment to comprehensive patient care. These practices may have implemented innovative approaches to lung cancer screening, such as proactively identifying high-risk patients through electronic health records (EHRs) and implementing structured screening protocols. Practices that demonstrate a strong emphasis on patient education, providing clear and accessible information about lung cancer risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment options, should be recognized. The integration of patient navigators, who assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, can also be a distinguishing factor.

Telemedicine has the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Waynesville. The adoption of telemedicine technologies by primary care practices and specialists can facilitate remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists located outside the immediate area. The analysis should assess the extent to which telemedicine is being utilized in 28786, including the types of services offered remotely and the platforms being used. The availability of reliable internet access in the community is a crucial factor that impacts the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives.

The emotional and psychological well-being of patients diagnosed with lung cancer is paramount. The analysis must consider the availability of mental health resources in Waynesville, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Lung cancer patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, and access to timely and appropriate mental health support can significantly improve their quality of life. The analysis should identify mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer, and the extent to which they collaborate with primary care physicians and oncologists.

The presence of smoking cessation programs is another critical factor. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing access to effective smoking cessation programs is essential for prevention and improving patient outcomes. The analysis should identify smoking cessation programs available in Waynesville, including those offered by primary care practices, hospitals, and community organizations. The effectiveness of these programs, as measured by patient quit rates, should be considered.

The overall organization of the healthcare system, including the level of coordination between primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other healthcare providers, significantly impacts patient outcomes. The analysis should assess the degree to which these entities are integrated, including the use of shared electronic health records, referral pathways, and communication protocols. The existence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, which bring together physicians from various specialties to collaborate on patient care, is a positive indicator of a well-coordinated healthcare system.

The financial aspects of healthcare, including insurance coverage and the affordability of care, must be considered. The analysis should assess the prevalence of various insurance plans in the community, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. The availability of financial assistance programs for patients who are unable to afford the cost of care should also be considered. The cost of lung cancer treatment can be substantial, and access to financial resources is essential for ensuring that patients can receive the care they need.

The analysis should also consider the role of community outreach and education. Primary care practices and healthcare organizations that actively engage in community outreach efforts, such as health fairs, educational seminars, and awareness campaigns, play a vital role in promoting lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The analysis should identify the community outreach activities being undertaken in Waynesville and assess their impact on community awareness and health outcomes.

The availability of clinical trials is another important consideration. Clinical trials offer patients access to innovative treatments and can contribute to advancements in lung cancer care. The analysis should identify clinical trials that are available to patients in or near Waynesville, including the types of trials, the eligibility criteria, and the enrollment process.

Finally, the analysis should consider patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction surveys and feedback provide valuable insights into the quality of care being provided. The analysis should assess patient satisfaction levels with primary care practices, specialists, and hospitals in Waynesville, using publicly available data or conducting surveys. Patient feedback can identify areas for improvement and inform efforts to enhance the overall patient experience.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Waynesville, including physician locations, specialist availability, and resource distribution, explore the power of data visualization. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive and insightful way to understand the complexities of healthcare access in 28786.