27283, Julian, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27283, Julian, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.32 percent of the residents in 27283 has some form of health insurance. 27.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.85 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 27283 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 770 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27283. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 539 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,785 health care providers accessible to residents in 27283, Julian, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Julian, NC (ZIP Code 27283)

This analysis assesses the landscape of breast cancer care within and around Julian, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27283). It focuses on the availability and quality of primary care, a critical entry point for early detection and ongoing management, and evaluates the overall support system for patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" analysis, considering factors like physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible and competent primary care. In Julian, a rural community, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial determinant of patient outcomes. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is the first step. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be used to estimate the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, then compared to the population size. A lower ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and preventative screenings. This is especially important for breast cancer, where early detection through regular mammograms and clinical breast exams significantly improves survival rates.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. The analysis will consider several factors. First, the presence of board-certified physicians is an important indicator of expertise and adherence to current medical standards. Second, the practice's commitment to preventative care, specifically breast cancer screening protocols, will be evaluated. This includes examining the practice's policies on mammogram referrals, patient education materials, and follow-up procedures for abnormal findings. Third, patient reviews and satisfaction scores, gleaned from online platforms and surveys, will be assessed to gauge the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and overall care quality.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial element in the modern healthcare landscape, particularly in rural areas where geographic barriers can limit access to care. The analysis will investigate the extent to which primary care practices in and around Julian offer telehealth services. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and post-operative follow-up appointments. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, reduce travel time, and potentially improve patient adherence to treatment plans. Practices with robust telemedicine programs will receive higher scores in this category.

The analysis will also examine the availability of mental health resources for breast cancer patients. The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be substantial. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is vital for supporting patients through this challenging journey. This includes assessing the availability of on-site mental health services within primary care practices or nearby clinics, as well as the referral pathways to mental health specialists. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, will also be evaluated.

Identifying standout practices is a key component of this analysis. Practices that demonstrate excellence in multiple areas – high physician-to-patient ratios, board-certified physicians, a strong commitment to preventative care, robust telemedicine programs, and readily available mental health resources – will be highlighted. These practices serve as models for best practices in breast cancer care and provide valuable resources for patients in the Julian area. The analysis will also consider the presence of any specific programs or initiatives, such as patient navigation services, that further enhance the patient experience.

The analysis will consider the availability of specialists, such as oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, within a reasonable distance from Julian. While primary care serves as the initial point of contact, the ability to access specialized care quickly and efficiently is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will assess the proximity of these specialists, the referral pathways from primary care practices, and the overall coordination of care between different healthcare providers.

Another important aspect of the analysis will be to assess the availability of resources for financial assistance and patient support. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and patients may face financial hardship. The analysis will investigate the availability of programs that provide financial assistance, such as grants, co-pay assistance, and free or low-cost mammograms. It will also assess the presence of patient advocacy groups and support organizations that offer education, emotional support, and practical assistance to patients.

The analysis will also consider the presence of educational materials and resources for patients. This includes the availability of information about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, treatment options, and survivorship care. Practices that provide patients with access to high-quality educational materials, both online and in print, will receive higher scores.

Finally, the analysis will consider the impact of healthcare disparities on breast cancer care in the Julian area. Rural communities often face challenges in accessing healthcare services, and certain populations may be disproportionately affected by breast cancer. The analysis will examine factors such as socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity to identify any potential disparities in access to care and outcomes.

This "Breast Cancer Score" analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of the breast cancer care landscape in and around Julian, North Carolina. It will highlight strengths, identify areas for improvement, and provide valuable information for patients seeking care. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and to advocate for better access to quality breast cancer care in their community.

This analysis will not be a simple ranking. Instead, it will be a nuanced evaluation of the factors described above. The final "Breast Cancer Score" will be a composite score, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in the Julian area. This score will be based on a weighted average of the different factors, with the weights reflecting the relative importance of each factor.

To visualize and better understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and support services, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a clear and concise visual representation of the healthcare landscape, making it easier to identify areas with limited access to care and to plan for future healthcare needs.