27360, Thomasville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27360, Thomasville, North Carolina is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.90 percent of the residents in 27360 has some form of health insurance. 40.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.87 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 27360 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11,454 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27360. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,544 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,087 health care providers accessible to residents in 27360, Thomasville, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Thomasville, NC (ZIP Code 27360)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care availability and quality within the Thomasville, NC, ZIP code 27360, focusing on primary care access, physician resources, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. This evaluation aims to offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for individuals seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial for early detection through routine screenings and referrals to specialists. In Thomasville, the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delay crucial screenings. Research into the specific ratio within 27360 is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or the US Census Bureau, combined with information from local hospital systems and physician directories, is essential to establish this ratio accurately. This data point alone, however, is insufficient.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are physicians clustered in certain areas, creating healthcare deserts for some residents? Are there specific practices that stand out in terms of patient satisfaction, preventative care focus, and early detection initiatives? Investigating the patient reviews, practice websites, and community health reports can reveal the strengths and weaknesses of individual practices. Some practices may have implemented innovative programs, such as dedicated breast cancer screening days or educational workshops, which could significantly improve early detection rates.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to consult with a physician remotely, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in Thomasville involves examining their websites and contacting them directly to determine the services they offer. This analysis should include the types of appointments available via telemedicine (e.g., initial consultations, follow-ups), the platforms used, and the insurance coverage for these services.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but crucial component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore essential. This analysis must assess the availability of mental health services within the 27360 ZIP code. This includes identifying the number of mental health professionals, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy), and their acceptance of various insurance plans. Furthermore, it’s important to determine if local primary care practices have integrated mental health services or offer referrals to mental health specialists.

A comprehensive breast cancer score for Thomasville would also consider the proximity to specialized cancer centers and the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as mammography and MRI. While this analysis focuses on primary care and related support, the presence of a nearby cancer center with comprehensive breast cancer services, including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology, is a significant factor in the overall quality of care. The travel time to these centers is a crucial element of the assessment. Similarly, the availability and accessibility of diagnostic imaging services, including the types of imaging offered and the wait times for appointments, can significantly impact early detection and timely diagnosis.

Analyzing the demographics of the 27360 ZIP code is also essential. Understanding the age, race, and socioeconomic status of the population can reveal potential disparities in access to care and health outcomes. For example, if a significant portion of the population is uninsured or underinsured, access to screening and treatment may be limited. The analysis should consider the prevalence of breast cancer risk factors within the community, such as family history, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. This information can help identify specific needs and inform targeted interventions.

The analysis should include a detailed assessment of the local hospital systems and their breast cancer programs. This involves evaluating the services offered, the accreditations held (e.g., accreditation by the American College of Surgeons), and the outcomes data. The hospital’s commitment to breast cancer research, clinical trials, and patient support programs is another crucial factor. The availability of patient navigators, who can guide patients through the complex healthcare system, is also a significant advantage.

The final breast cancer score for Thomasville should be a composite score based on all the factors discussed above. This score could be presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating better access to care and higher quality of services. The score should be accompanied by a detailed report that explains the methodology, the data sources, and the rationale behind the scoring system. The report should also include specific recommendations for improving breast cancer care in Thomasville, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and enhancing mental health support services.

This analysis is intended to provide a starting point for a more in-depth investigation of breast cancer care in Thomasville. The information gathered can be used to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This will enable them to make informed decisions and advocate for improvements in breast cancer care, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Thomasville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital access, and demographic data, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in the 27360 ZIP code.