08349, Port Norris, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08349, Port Norris, New Jersey is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.16 percent of the residents in 08349 has some form of health insurance. 38.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.49 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 08349 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 850 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08349. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 394 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 552 health care providers accessible to residents in 08349, Port Norris, New Jersey.

The following analysis explores the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care access within ZIP code 08349, encompassing Port Norris, New Jersey. This evaluation considers factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician availability, innovative care models, and supportive resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, enabling informed decisions about healthcare access and potentially highlighting areas for improvement.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care, and indeed all healthcare, is access to qualified physicians. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios provides a crucial first step. In Port Norris, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced preventative care, and overall poorer health outcomes. While specific, up-to-the-minute physician counts are proprietary data, publicly available resources like the US Census Bureau and the New Jersey Department of Health can provide population data, which, when combined with physician directories, allows for a rough approximation of this crucial ratio. This initial assessment sets the stage for a deeper dive into the quality of care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the specific specializations of available physicians are paramount. While primary care physicians are the initial point of contact, access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons is essential for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The presence of these specialists within a reasonable commuting distance is a significant advantage. Are there local practices that specialize in pulmonary medicine or oncology? Do they offer comprehensive services, including diagnostic imaging like CT scans and access to the latest treatment modalities, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy? Identifying these specialized resources is vital for a comprehensive assessment of lung cancer care accessibility.

Standout practices often distinguish themselves through a combination of factors. Patient reviews, available through platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, can offer insights into patient experiences, including communication, empathy, and overall satisfaction. Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (for surgical practices) or the Commission on Cancer (for cancer centers) is another indicator of quality. These accreditations often signify adherence to rigorous standards of care, including multidisciplinary teams, comprehensive treatment planning, and ongoing quality improvement initiatives. Practices that prioritize patient education and support groups further enhance the care experience.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Port Norris. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and even support groups remotely. The availability of telehealth services, especially for pulmonology and oncology, can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients who may face long travel times. Assessing which practices offer telemedicine options, the types of services provided, and the ease of use of the technology is a key component of this analysis.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical in cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, is essential. Do local practices offer integrated mental health services, or do they provide referrals to mental health professionals in the area? Support groups, both in-person and online, can provide valuable emotional support and a sense of community for patients and their families. Assessing the accessibility and availability of these resources is a crucial part of a comprehensive care evaluation.

The integration of these factors paints a more complete picture of the lung cancer care landscape in Port Norris. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized physicians, the quality of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to a more accurate understanding of the care available.

The analysis should not be considered a definitive ranking, but rather a starting point for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in the area. The information gathered can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare system. This information can be useful for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.

This analysis is intended to provide a general overview of lung cancer care and primary care availability in Port Norris. Specific data, such as exact physician counts and practice-level details, are constantly changing. However, by considering the factors discussed above, patients can make more informed decisions about their healthcare, and healthcare providers can identify areas for improvement.

For a more detailed and visually informative understanding of healthcare access, including the geographic distribution of physicians, specialized services, and other relevant data, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their platform allows for a deeper dive into the spatial aspects of healthcare, offering a powerful tool for both patients and healthcare professionals.