08048, Lumberton, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08048, Lumberton, New Jersey is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.13 percent of the residents in 08048 has some form of health insurance. 26.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.96 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 08048 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,765 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 21 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08048. An estimate of 8 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,949 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 15,691 health care providers accessible to residents in 08048, Lumberton, New Jersey.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for primary care physicians within the 08048 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The analysis also considers the availability of primary care services in Lumberton, New Jersey, a town largely defined by this ZIP code. It is crucial to remember that this is a simulated analysis, and actual data would be required for a definitive ranking.

The "Lung Cancer Score" framework would incorporate several key areas. First, early detection is paramount. This score would assess the proactive measures taken by primary care physicians to screen for lung cancer. This includes the frequency with which they recommend low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, particularly those with a history of smoking or exposure to other risk factors. The score would also consider the physician’s adherence to current screening guidelines established by organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

A crucial component of the score is the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating fewer patients per doctor, often translates to more individualized care and potentially more time dedicated to each patient, including detailed discussions about risk factors, screening options, and follow-up care. Conversely, a high ratio could suggest a more rushed environment, potentially impacting the thoroughness of patient assessments and the time allocated to preventive measures.

The analysis would also examine the availability and integration of telemedicine services. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who may have mobility issues or live in geographically isolated areas. The score would consider whether physicians offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education related to lung cancer prevention and treatment. Telemedicine’s impact on patient adherence to screening recommendations and follow-up appointments would be a key consideration.

The presence and accessibility of mental health resources are also critical. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The "Lung Cancer Score" would evaluate whether physicians have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors. This includes assessing the availability of on-site mental health services or established partnerships with local mental health providers. The score would also consider the physician's awareness of and ability to address the psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis.

The analysis would identify standout practices within the 08048 ZIP code. These practices would be recognized for their exemplary performance across the key indicators. This could include practices with exceptionally high rates of LDCT screening among eligible patients, those with robust telemedicine programs, or those with well-integrated mental health services. These standout practices would serve as models for other providers in the area, demonstrating best practices in lung cancer care.

The availability of primary care in Lumberton, NJ, directly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score." A town with limited primary care access will likely result in delayed diagnoses and treatment. The analysis would evaluate the number of primary care physicians per capita in Lumberton, comparing this ratio to state and national averages. The score would also consider the geographic distribution of primary care practices within the town, ensuring that all residents have reasonable access to care.

The score would also assess the availability of specialized services within or near Lumberton. This includes access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The proximity to hospitals with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, such as surgical oncology, would also be factored in. The analysis would evaluate the ease with which patients can access these specialists and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists.

Another critical aspect of the "Lung Cancer Score" is patient education. The analysis would assess whether physicians provide patients with comprehensive information about lung cancer risk factors, prevention strategies, and screening options. This includes providing educational materials, such as brochures, pamphlets, and online resources. The score would also consider the physician's ability to communicate complex medical information in a clear and understandable manner.

The assessment of the "Lung Cancer Score" would also consider the physician’s participation in continuing medical education (CME) programs related to lung cancer. This indicates a commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The score would consider the frequency with which physicians attend these programs and the topics covered.

The analysis would also evaluate the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate data sharing, and enhance the efficiency of clinical workflows. The score would assess the extent to which physicians utilize EHRs to track patient data, manage screening recommendations, and coordinate care with specialists.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would also assess the physician’s involvement in community outreach and education. This includes participation in health fairs, community events, and other initiatives aimed at raising awareness about lung cancer and promoting early detection. The score would consider the frequency and effectiveness of these outreach efforts.

Finally, the analysis would consider patient satisfaction. Patient feedback is a valuable indicator of the quality of care provided. The score would consider patient satisfaction scores, as well as patient reviews and testimonials. This provides a valuable perspective on the patient experience and the overall quality of care.

This hypothetical analysis would not only provide a ranking of primary care physicians in 08048 but also highlight areas for improvement and identify best practices. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and by healthcare providers to improve the quality of care they provide.

If you're interested in exploring how this type of analysis could be visualized and geographically mapped, consider exploring the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful tools for visualizing complex healthcare data, allowing you to identify patterns, trends, and disparities in access to care.