27127, Winston Salem, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27127, Winston Salem, North Carolina is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.29 percent of the residents in 27127 has some form of health insurance. 36.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.07 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 27127 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11,865 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 96 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27127. An estimate of 74 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,201 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,511 health care providers accessible to residents in 27127, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Winston Salem, NC (ZIP Code 27127)

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care in Winston Salem, specifically within the 27127 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources, ultimately formulating a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care. This score is not a single number but a holistic evaluation based on various interconnected factors.

The foundation of any robust healthcare system is the availability of qualified physicians. In ZIP code 27127, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Determining this ratio necessitates examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast cancer, and radiologists within the defined geographic area. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the American Medical Association can be used to estimate the number of active physicians. Then, population data from the U.S. Census Bureau is used to calculate the ratio of physicians per 1,000 residents. A higher ratio of specialists, especially oncologists and breast surgeons, generally indicates better access to specialized care. However, it's also crucial to assess the PCP availability, as they often serve as the initial point of contact and play a crucial role in early detection and referral.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of medical practices significantly influence the quality of breast cancer care. This involves evaluating the presence of comprehensive breast centers, which often offer multidisciplinary care under one roof. These centers typically house oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and support staff, streamlining the patient experience. Furthermore, the availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and MRI, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging. The accreditation status of these practices, particularly by organizations like the American College of Radiology (ACR), provides an additional layer of quality assurance.

Standout practices within the 27127 ZIP code are identified by their commitment to excellence and patient-centered care. These practices often demonstrate a strong focus on early detection, utilizing advanced screening techniques and implementing robust patient education programs. They may also have dedicated breast cancer navigators who guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. These navigators provide crucial support, coordinating appointments, providing emotional support, and connecting patients with relevant resources. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials and research initiatives are also highly regarded, as they offer patients access to the latest advancements in treatment.

Telemedicine has become an increasingly important aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption rate within the 27127 ZIP code is a key factor in our assessment. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing emotional support to patients who may have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments. The availability of virtual consultations with specialists also expands access to care.

The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an integral component of comprehensive care. This includes assessing the availability of licensed therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through on-site therapists or referrals to external providers, receive higher scores. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, provides patients with a crucial network of peers who can offer emotional support and share experiences.

Assessing the quality of mental health resources includes evaluating the types of services offered. Does the practice offer individual therapy, group therapy, or both? Are there specialized therapists who understand the unique challenges faced by breast cancer patients? The availability of resources for managing stress, anxiety, and depression is crucial for promoting overall well-being.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for the 27127 ZIP code is derived from a weighted average of these factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are all assigned specific weights based on their relative importance. The final score reflects the overall quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of breast cancer care within the defined geographic area. A higher score indicates a more robust and patient-centered healthcare environment.

The primary care availability in Winston Salem is a crucial element in this assessment. The accessibility of PCPs significantly impacts early detection rates. A strong network of PCPs who are knowledgeable about breast cancer screening guidelines and can effectively refer patients to specialists is essential. Examining the density of PCPs within the 27127 ZIP code and their referral patterns is essential for a complete picture. The presence of community health centers and other safety-net providers also plays a role in ensuring access to care for all residents.

In conclusion, evaluating breast cancer care in the 27127 ZIP code requires a comprehensive analysis of multiple factors. The availability of physicians, the characteristics of medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources all contribute to the overall quality of care. The "Breast Cancer Score" provides a framework for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Winston Salem and to explore the distribution of physicians, access to care, and other relevant data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provides a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling informed decision-making and promoting better patient outcomes.