27299, Linwood, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27299, Linwood, North Carolina is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.50 percent of the residents in 27299 has some form of health insurance. 34.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.62 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 27299 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,284 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27299. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 443 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,877 health care providers accessible to residents in 27299, Linwood, North Carolina.

Breast cancer, a formidable adversary, demands a multifaceted approach to care, from early detection to comprehensive treatment and ongoing support. Analyzing the availability and quality of these resources within a specific geographic area offers valuable insights for patients navigating their healthcare journey. This analysis focuses on the breast cancer care landscape for doctors in ZIP Code 27299, specifically considering primary care availability in Linwood, North Carolina.

ZIP Code 27299 encompasses Linwood, a community in Davidson County. Assessing the “Breast Cancer Score” requires evaluating several key factors. These include the density of primary care physicians (PCPs), the presence of specialized breast cancer care providers, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare environment and its capacity to address the needs of breast cancer patients.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A higher ratio of patients per PCP can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. Determining the precise ratio for ZIP Code 27299 necessitates accessing data from the North Carolina Medical Board and other relevant sources. This data should be cross-referenced with population estimates for the area to calculate the PCP density. A low PCP density, especially when combined with a limited number of oncologists or surgeons specializing in breast cancer, could present challenges for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. Primary care physicians play a vital role in breast cancer screening, including mammograms and clinical breast exams. They also serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. Evaluating the quality of primary care involves assessing factors such as the physicians' adherence to screening guidelines, their referral patterns to specialists, and their communication skills. Publicly available data, such as patient reviews and practice ratings, can offer some insight, though this data should be interpreted with caution.

Identifying standout practices within the area requires a deeper dive into individual provider profiles. This involves researching the credentials of physicians, their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers, and their participation in clinical trials. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including on-site mammography, access to genetic counseling, and support groups, often demonstrate a higher level of commitment to breast cancer care. It is also important to consider the practice's patient-centered approach, including its ability to provide culturally competent care and address the unique needs of diverse patient populations.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It offers several benefits for breast cancer patients, including access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and support groups, without the need for travel. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in ZIP Code 27299 involves determining whether they offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients.

The mental health of breast cancer patients is often overlooked, but it is a critical aspect of their overall well-being. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential. Assessing the mental health landscape involves identifying the number of mental health providers in the area, their expertise in treating cancer patients, and their accessibility. Practices that integrate mental health services into their breast cancer care programs demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Primary care availability in Linwood is a key component of the overall score. Linwood's proximity to other towns and cities with larger medical centers must be considered. If Linwood has limited primary care options, residents may need to travel to neighboring areas for their healthcare needs. This can impact access to screening, diagnosis, and early intervention. Analyzing the availability of primary care in Linwood requires examining the number of PCPs, their practice locations, and their acceptance of new patients. The presence of community health centers or other safety-net providers can also impact the score.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 27299 and primary care availability in Linwood is not simply a numerical ranking. It is a complex assessment that considers the interplay of various factors. The score should reflect the density of providers, the quality of care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score should also consider the patient-centeredness of the practices, their commitment to cultural competency, and their ability to address the unique needs of diverse patient populations.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" is a tool to inform patients and empower them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It is essential to emphasize that this is a dynamic assessment, and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The information presented is based on available data and should be considered a starting point for further investigation. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for their individual needs.

For a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27299 and surrounding areas, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, offering a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare access.