28791, Hendersonville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28791, Hendersonville, North Carolina is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.82 percent of the residents in 28791 has some form of health insurance. 37.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.12 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 28791 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,735 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28791. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,882 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,608 health care providers accessible to residents in 28791, Hendersonville, North Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Hendersonville, NC (ZIP Code 28791)**

Analyzing healthcare resources within ZIP code 28791, Hendersonville, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach, particularly when assessing the landscape of lung cancer care. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, mental health resources, and identifies potential standout practices. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals facing this serious illness.

Primary care is the cornerstone of early detection and management of lung cancer. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the likelihood of timely screenings, diagnosis, and referral to specialists. In Hendersonville, the density of PCPs relative to the population is a critical factor. While precise physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, understanding the local landscape is crucial. Are there enough PCPs to adequately serve the community? Are wait times for appointments reasonable? These are crucial questions in evaluating the accessibility of care. Insufficient primary care resources can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes for lung cancer patients.

The physician-to-patient ratio provides a quantitative measure of access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can strain the system. This can result in longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed referrals to specialists, all of which can negatively impact lung cancer care. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is also vital. The proximity of these specialists to primary care practices facilitates seamless referrals and collaborative care.

Standout practices within Hendersonville can be identified by examining their patient outcomes, patient satisfaction scores, and their commitment to evidence-based practices. Practices that actively participate in lung cancer screening programs, utilize advanced diagnostic tools, and offer comprehensive treatment plans often demonstrate a higher level of care. These practices may have dedicated lung cancer programs, multidisciplinary teams, and patient navigators to guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment. Researching local hospital affiliations, physician credentials, and patient reviews can help identify these standout practices.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, particularly in rural areas like Hendersonville. Its adoption can significantly enhance access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in remote locations. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Examining the degree to which local practices and hospitals have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered and the ease of access, is a key component of the "Lung Cancer Score" analysis.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can have a profound emotional impact, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for providing comprehensive care. Assessing the integration of mental health services within local practices and hospitals, including the availability of on-site counselors or referrals to mental health professionals, is a vital consideration.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Hendersonville, NC, would be influenced by a combination of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare infrastructure, with a sufficient number of primary care physicians, readily accessible specialists, a high adoption rate of telemedicine, and strong mental health support systems. Conversely, a lower score would reflect potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive care.

The assessment should also consider the availability of resources for lung cancer screening. Guidelines from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals at high risk. Practices that actively implement these screening recommendations, offer convenient screening locations, and ensure appropriate follow-up are essential for improving early detection rates.

The analysis must also take into account the presence of community resources. Support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and educational programs can play a crucial role in empowering patients and their families. The availability of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with lung cancer.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Lung Cancer Score" for Hendersonville, NC (28791) requires a thorough investigation of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices committed to providing high-quality lung cancer care. This assessment should consider the entire continuum of care, from early detection and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hendersonville and beyond, and to explore the spatial relationships between these factors, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visualization of healthcare resources, helping to identify areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.