27014, Cooleemee, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27014, Cooleemee, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.72 percent of the residents in 27014 has some form of health insurance. 48.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.85 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 27014 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 191 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27014. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 132 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,550 health care providers accessible to residents in 27014, Cooleemee, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Cooleemee, NC (ZIP Code 27014)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning breast cancer, in Cooleemee, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27014) demands a multifaceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a 'Breast Cancer Score' assessment, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, specifically within the context of primary care, crucial for early detection and ongoing support. This is not a definitive ranking, but rather a comparative assessment based on available public data and reasonable assumptions.

The foundation of any breast cancer care pathway rests on robust primary care. In Cooleemee, assessing primary care availability is paramount. While precise physician-to-patient ratios require granular data often unavailable publicly, we can infer potential challenges. Cooleemee is a relatively small community. The presence of a limited number of primary care physicians suggests potential strain on resources. This could lead to longer wait times for appointments, impacting timely screenings and diagnostic follow-up. The 'Breast Cancer Score' will reflect this potential challenge.

Identifying standout practices is critical. Are there any primary care clinics in or serving Cooleemee that demonstrate a commitment to breast cancer screening and patient education? Do these practices actively participate in quality initiatives, such as those promoting mammography adherence? Do they offer patient navigators to guide individuals through the complex healthcare system? Without specific practice names, this assessment relies on general assumptions about best practices. However, a practice scoring high on these factors would significantly improve the overall 'Breast Cancer Score' for the area.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial factor in modern healthcare. In a rural setting like Cooleemee, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and vital information. Does the local primary care infrastructure embrace telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources? The availability of virtual consultations with oncologists or radiologists, even if limited, would significantly enhance the 'Breast Cancer Score'. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine integration would negatively impact the score, reflecting potential limitations in access to specialized care.

Mental health resources are a vital, often overlooked, component of breast cancer care. A diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling and support groups, is crucial for patient well-being. Do primary care practices in or serving Cooleemee have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Are there local support groups specifically for breast cancer survivors? The presence of these resources would substantially elevate the 'Breast Cancer Score', demonstrating a commitment to holistic patient care.

The 'Breast Cancer Score' for Cooleemee, NC (27014) is therefore a composite assessment, weighing the factors mentioned above. Without specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality metrics, and detailed information on telemedicine and mental health integration, a precise numerical score is impossible. However, based on the general assumptions, the score is likely to be moderate. The small size of the community may present challenges in physician availability. The absence of readily available data on practice-specific performance and resource availability further complicates the assessment.

Improving the 'Breast Cancer Score' requires a concerted effort. Local healthcare providers should prioritize:

* **Expanding primary care capacity:** Recruiting more physicians or implementing strategies to improve efficiency.
* **Enhancing screening programs:** Actively promoting mammography adherence and offering convenient screening options.
* **Integrating telemedicine:** Utilizing virtual consultations and educational resources.
* **Strengthening mental health support:** Establishing referral pathways and promoting local support groups.

This is a dynamic assessment. The 'Breast Cancer Score' is not static. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare infrastructure, practice improvements, and the availability of resources. This ongoing evaluation is crucial for ensuring that residents of Cooleemee have access to high-quality breast cancer care.

The limitations of this analysis are acknowledged. The absence of specific data on individual practices and resource availability restricts the depth and precision of the assessment. The 'Breast Cancer Score' is a general assessment, and individuals should always consult with their healthcare providers for personalized medical advice.

The goal is to provide a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Cooleemee. This assessment can be used by community leaders, healthcare providers, and residents to identify areas for improvement and advocate for better healthcare access and quality.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cooleemee, NC, and to visualize the location of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data discussed in this analysis, allowing for a more detailed and geographically informed assessment of healthcare access and availability.