28804, Asheville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28804, Asheville, North Carolina is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.72 percent of the residents in 28804 has some form of health insurance. 34.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.58 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 28804 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,341 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28804. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,756 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,857 health care providers accessible to residents in 28804, Asheville, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: Asheville, NC (ZIP Code 28804) - An Analysis

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Asheville, North Carolina's 28804 ZIP code requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive support to individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The goal is to assess the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for the area, providing a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients.

Primary care forms the foundational layer of healthcare access. In Asheville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. A robust primary care network is essential for early detection through screening programs, timely referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of patients' overall health. While precise data on PCP availability within 28804 requires a granular examination of insurance networks and practice affiliations, general trends suggest a moderately competitive market. This means patients generally have a reasonable choice of PCPs, though wait times for appointments and specialist referrals can vary. The density of primary care practices within the ZIP code, alongside the presence of urgent care clinics, plays a significant role in the overall accessibility of care.

Physician-to-patient ratios offer another lens through which to evaluate healthcare access. A favorable ratio, indicating a higher number of physicians per capita, generally translates to better access to care. In 28804, the specialist-to-population ratio, particularly concerning pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is particularly important. These specialists are the cornerstones of lung cancer treatment. Analyzing the concentration of these specialists within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas reveals potential bottlenecks in care. Areas with a lower concentration of specialists might experience longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. The presence of larger medical groups and hospitals, such as Mission Hospital, can influence the specialist-to-patient ratio by attracting a broader range of specialists.

Identifying standout practices requires examining their commitment to lung cancer care. This involves evaluating their adoption of evidence-based practices, their participation in clinical trials, and their patient outcomes. Practices that actively participate in lung cancer screening programs, utilizing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, demonstrate a proactive approach to early detection. Furthermore, practices that offer multidisciplinary care, bringing together pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists to collaborate on patient treatment plans, are often associated with improved outcomes. Assessing the availability of support services, such as patient navigators and support groups, also contributes to the evaluation of a practice's commitment to comprehensive care.

The integration of telemedicine has become increasingly significant, particularly in the context of lung cancer care. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care for patients, especially those living in rural areas or with mobility limitations. It enables remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and even access to support groups. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by local practices is a key factor in evaluating the overall "Lung Cancer Score." Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, are better positioned to provide accessible and convenient care.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric support, is essential for supporting patients' well-being. Evaluating the accessibility of these resources within 28804 involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals, the availability of support groups specifically for cancer patients, and the integration of mental health services within the broader healthcare system. Practices that prioritize mental health support, either through in-house services or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 28804, therefore, is not a single number but a composite assessment based on these factors. While a definitive score requires detailed data analysis, the preliminary assessment suggests a mixed landscape. Asheville benefits from the presence of a major hospital and a reasonable number of specialists. However, challenges may exist in terms of specialist-to-patient ratios, wait times for appointments, and the availability of specific support services. The adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health resources are areas where further improvement could significantly enhance the "Lung Cancer Score." The ongoing efforts of local healthcare providers to improve access to care, embrace innovative technologies, and address the psychological needs of patients are crucial to improving the overall quality of lung cancer care within the community.

To delve deeper into the specific locations of healthcare providers, analyze physician-to-patient ratios, and visualize the accessibility of resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to identify areas with higher concentrations of specialists, assess the proximity of practices to your location, and explore the availability of support services. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a comprehensive understanding of the lung cancer care landscape in Asheville, NC (28804).