30720, Dalton, Georgia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 30720, Dalton, Georgia is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.19 percent of the residents in 30720 has some form of health insurance. 30.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.35 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 30720 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,663 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 30720. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,777 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,591 health care providers accessible to residents in 30720, Dalton, Georgia.

This analysis explores the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP code 30720, focusing on the availability and quality of services provided by primary care physicians in Dalton, Georgia. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This information aims to assist residents in making informed decisions about their healthcare and to highlight areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of quality breast cancer care often begins with the primary care physician. They serve as the first point of contact, providing preventative screenings, early detection, and referrals to specialists. The physician-to-patient ratio in Dalton, specifically within the 30720 ZIP code, is a critical factor. A higher ratio can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced individual attention. Publicly available data from the Georgia Department of Public Health, alongside information from the US Census Bureau, can be used to estimate these ratios. This analysis would involve identifying the number of primary care physicians practicing within the specified ZIP code and comparing that number to the estimated population. The resulting ratio provides a snapshot of the accessibility of primary care services.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several aspects of care delivery. This includes the availability of same-day or next-day appointments, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for seamless information sharing, and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices that proactively remind patients about preventative screenings, such as mammograms, demonstrate a commitment to early detection. Furthermore, practices that offer extended hours or weekend appointments improve accessibility, especially for working individuals. These practices may be identified through patient reviews, practice websites, and by consulting with local healthcare advocacy groups.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Dalton. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Primary care practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are demonstrating a commitment to utilizing technology to enhance patient care. The availability of telemedicine can be assessed by reviewing practice websites, contacting the practices directly, and analyzing patient feedback. The success of telemedicine depends on factors like internet access and digital literacy among patients.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is another crucial element of comprehensive breast cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support is essential for patients' well-being. Practices that collaborate with mental health professionals, offer on-site counseling, or provide referrals to mental health services are demonstrating a holistic approach to patient care. The availability of mental health resources can be assessed by reviewing practice websites, contacting the practices directly, and consulting with local mental health organizations. The coordination between primary care physicians and mental health providers ensures that patients receive the comprehensive support they need.

Specific examples of practices within the 30720 ZIP code that demonstrate a commitment to quality breast cancer care should be highlighted. This could involve identifying practices with a high patient satisfaction rating, those that have adopted innovative technologies, or those that have established strong partnerships with local hospitals and specialists. The analysis should also consider the diversity of the physician workforce, ensuring that patients have access to physicians who can meet their cultural and linguistic needs.

The availability of specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, within the broader Dalton area is also important. Primary care physicians often refer patients to specialists for further evaluation and treatment. The proximity and availability of these specialists can significantly impact the patient's experience. This analysis should consider the distance patients must travel to access specialized care and the wait times for appointments.

The analysis should also consider the cost of care. The cost of healthcare can be a significant barrier to access, and patients should be aware of the costs associated with various services. The analysis should consider the acceptance of different insurance plans, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the transparency of pricing information.

The analysis should also acknowledge the limitations of the data. Publicly available data may not always be comprehensive or up-to-date. Patient feedback may be subjective. The analysis should clearly state the sources of information and any limitations.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a clear and concise overview of breast cancer care in the 30720 ZIP code. The analysis should identify areas of strength and weakness, and it should provide recommendations for improvement. The analysis should be presented in a way that is easy to understand and that empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

This analysis, however, is just a starting point. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The information provided is based on available data and may change. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Dalton, Georgia, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant healthcare data. This visual approach can help you to better understand the healthcare options available to you and to make informed decisions about your care.