08735, Lavallette, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08735, Lavallette, New Jersey is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.92 percent of the residents in 08735 has some form of health insurance. 48.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.62 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 08735 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 411 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08735. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,681 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,296 health care providers accessible to residents in 08735, Lavallette, New Jersey.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Lavallette, NJ (ZIP Code 08735)

This analysis assesses the landscape of healthcare resources in Lavallette, New Jersey (ZIP code 08735), with a specific focus on factors relevant to lung cancer care, including primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the presence of supportive services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem to inform patient decision-making and potentially identify areas for improvement. The analysis considers both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of care.

Lavallette, a small coastal community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its seasonal population fluctuations, coupled with its proximity to larger urban centers, influence the availability and utilization of medical services. The analysis considers these factors in its evaluation.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care is robust primary care. Early detection and ongoing management rely heavily on the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Lavallette is crucial. While precise figures require detailed data analysis, the overall impression is that the area may experience challenges. The limited number of practices physically located within the ZIP code suggests a potential scarcity of PCPs. Residents may need to travel to neighboring towns like Toms River or Brick to access primary care.

This necessitates a deeper dive into the actual physician-to-patient ratio. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide population estimates. Combining this with the number of practicing PCPs in and around 08735 allows for a calculation of the ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care, potentially impacting early lung cancer detection.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their service offerings, patient reviews, and commitment to preventative care. Practices that prioritize early cancer screenings, such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, are particularly valuable. Furthermore, practices that have established referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists are essential for seamless care.

The analysis would seek to identify practices known for their patient-centered approach, including clear communication, accessible appointment scheduling, and a focus on patient education. Practices actively involved in community outreach and health promotion initiatives would also be viewed favorably. This might include practices that offer smoking cessation programs or educational seminars on lung cancer risk factors.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Role:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in areas with limited resources. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices is a key indicator of their commitment to patient care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience.

The analysis would investigate the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services. This includes assessing the types of services available (e.g., virtual appointments, remote monitoring), the technology platforms used, and the availability of technical support for patients. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve access to care for residents of Lavallette, particularly those with mobility issues or transportation limitations.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Access to mental health resources and supportive care is critical for patients' well-being. The analysis would investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, in the area.

This includes assessing the presence of support groups, counseling services, and other resources specifically tailored to cancer patients. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through on-site providers or referral networks, are particularly valuable. The availability of palliative care services, which focus on symptom management and improving quality of life, is also an important consideration.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Lavallette, NJ (ZIP code 08735) would be a composite measure based on the factors discussed above. The score would reflect the accessibility of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health and supportive care resources.

The final score would provide a snapshot of the local healthcare ecosystem, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. It would serve as a valuable resource for residents seeking care, as well as for healthcare providers and policymakers seeking to improve access to care and enhance the quality of services. The score would also inform areas for improvement, such as the need for additional primary care physicians, the expansion of telemedicine services, and the strengthening of mental health support networks.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lavallette and surrounding areas, including the precise locations of medical facilities, physician specializations, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allows you to visualize healthcare resources, analyze geographic patterns, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.