27520, Clayton, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27520, Clayton, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.56 percent of the residents in 27520 has some form of health insurance. 29.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.55 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 27520 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11,283 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27520. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,709 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,536 health care providers accessible to residents in 27520, Clayton, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Clayton, NC (ZIP Code 27520)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care availability and quality within Clayton, North Carolina (ZIP code 27520), focusing on physician access, primary care infrastructure, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" framework to understand the current landscape and identify areas for improvement.

The foundation of any successful breast cancer journey is access to qualified medical professionals. In Clayton, evaluating physician density, specifically oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast procedures, and radiologists proficient in mammography and related imaging, is paramount. While a precise physician-to-patient ratio requires access to real-time, granular data often unavailable publicly, we can assess the general availability. Searching for specialists within the 27520 ZIP code and the broader Johnston County area reveals the presence of these crucial specialists. However, the concentration of these specialists might be centered in larger medical centers, potentially requiring patients to travel outside of Clayton for specialized care. Proximity is a key factor; a shorter commute to a skilled specialist is generally associated with better patient outcomes.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in early detection and ongoing care for breast cancer patients. They are the gatekeepers to screening mammograms, provide crucial health education, and coordinate care with specialists. The availability of PCPs in Clayton is a critical component of our "Breast Cancer Score." Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs practicing within the area, their patient load, and the ease with which new patients can secure appointments. A high PCP-to-patient ratio indicates a potentially less strained healthcare system, leading to more accessible appointments and potentially more personalized care. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed screenings, longer wait times for appointments, and a less comprehensive approach to patient care.

Beyond physician density, the quality of care is influenced by the practices themselves. Are there any standout practices in Clayton that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in breast cancer care? This involves evaluating factors like accreditations (e.g., from the American College of Radiology for mammography facilities), patient satisfaction scores, and the use of evidence-based guidelines for screening and treatment. Identifying practices that prioritize patient education, offer support groups, and actively participate in clinical trials can significantly enhance the patient experience and outcomes.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in areas with limited access to specialists. The adoption of telemedicine by healthcare providers in Clayton can significantly impact the "Breast Cancer Score." Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with oncologists, follow-up appointments, and mental health counseling, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care for patients with mobility issues or those living in more rural areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the ease of access for patients is a crucial aspect of our analysis.

The emotional and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive breast cancer care. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, specializing in oncology or women's health within Clayton and the surrounding areas is crucial. Access to support groups, both in-person and online, is also essential. These resources provide patients with a safe space to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan significantly impacts the patient's well-being and quality of life.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Clayton, NC (27520) is a dynamic metric. It is not a static number, but rather a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in relation to breast cancer care. The score would be determined by considering the following weighted factors: physician density (30%), primary care availability (25%), practice quality (20%), telemedicine adoption (15%), and mental health resources (10%). Each factor would be assessed based on the data collected and the scores would be aggregated to provide an overall score.

A high score would indicate a robust healthcare infrastructure with ample access to specialists, a strong primary care network, high-quality practices, the integration of telemedicine, and readily available mental health support. A low score would suggest areas for improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, improving access to primary care, enhancing practice quality, increasing telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health resources.

This analysis highlights the importance of a multi-faceted approach to breast cancer care. It emphasizes the need for a strong network of physicians, accessible primary care, high-quality practices, the integration of telemedicine, and readily available mental health resources. The "Breast Cancer Score" framework provides a valuable tool for assessing the current landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize and further analyze the healthcare landscape in Clayton, NC (27520), including the geographic distribution of physicians, primary care facilities, and other relevant resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing complex data, identifying patterns, and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment. Explore the possibilities and visualize the data.