27804, Rocky Mount, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27804, Rocky Mount, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.65 percent of the residents in 27804 has some form of health insurance. 40.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.30 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 27804 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,414 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27804. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,622 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,621 health care providers accessible to residents in 27804, Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Rocky Mount, NC (ZIP Code 27804)

Analyzing breast cancer care within Rocky Mount, North Carolina (ZIP code 27804) requires a multi-faceted approach, evaluating physician availability, quality of care, access to resources, and the overall health infrastructure. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering the specific needs of patients in this community. The score will be inherently subjective, reflecting the complex interplay of factors influencing patient outcomes.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on a strong primary care network. Early detection and proactive screening are crucial, and a readily accessible primary care physician (PCP) is the first line of defense. In Rocky Mount, the physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for PCPs, is a critical metric. A lower ratio, meaning more patients per doctor, can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and a less personalized approach to care. Data on the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 27804 ZIP code, compared to the population size, is essential. This data should be cross-referenced with information on patient demographics, including age and socioeconomic status, to identify potential disparities in access.

Furthermore, the availability of PCPs who specialize in women's health, including those with specific training in breast cancer screening and early detection, is a significant factor. These specialists often possess a deeper understanding of breast health and can provide more targeted care.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several key aspects. Firstly, the presence of board-certified oncologists and surgeons specializing in breast cancer is paramount. The number of these specialists practicing within the area, and their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers, directly impacts the quality of care available. Secondly, the availability of advanced diagnostic imaging, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and MRI, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging. Practices offering these technologies demonstrate a commitment to utilizing the latest advancements in breast cancer detection.

Thirdly, the presence of multidisciplinary teams, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses, is a hallmark of comprehensive cancer care. These teams collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate and effective care. Fourthly, the practice’s adherence to national guidelines and standards of care, as established by organizations like the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), is an important indicator of quality.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers a significant opportunity to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas like Rocky Mount. The adoption of telemedicine technologies by local practices can broaden the reach of specialists, reduce travel burdens for patients, and facilitate remote consultations and follow-up appointments. Assessing the extent to which practices utilize telemedicine for various aspects of breast cancer care, such as initial consultations, post-operative follow-ups, and supportive care, is crucial.

The availability of virtual support groups, online educational resources, and remote monitoring tools can further enhance the patient experience and improve outcomes. The score should reflect the degree to which practices have integrated telemedicine into their care models.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore an integral part of comprehensive care. Evaluating the availability of these resources within the community, and the degree to which practices integrate mental health support into their care plans, is essential.

The presence of social workers, patient navigators, and other support staff who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system is also important. These professionals can provide emotional support, assist with practical needs, and connect patients with relevant resources. The score should reflect the strength of the community's commitment to providing holistic care that addresses the psychological and social needs of breast cancer patients.

**Breast Cancer Score Considerations:**

Based on these factors, a "Breast Cancer Score" for doctors in ZIP code 27804 could be developed. This score would be a composite measure, incorporating the following elements:

* **Physician Availability (25%):** Reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs and specialists, and the availability of women's health specialists.
* **Quality of Care (35%):** Assessing the presence of board-certified specialists, advanced diagnostic imaging, multidisciplinary teams, and adherence to national guidelines.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (15%):** Evaluating the extent to which practices utilize telemedicine for various aspects of care.
* **Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care (25%):** Assessing the availability of mental health services, support groups, and patient navigation resources.

Each element would be weighted based on its perceived importance in influencing patient outcomes. Data collection would involve researching physician profiles, practice websites, hospital affiliations, and publicly available information on healthcare quality. The score would be presented on a scale, allowing for easy comparison and identification of areas for improvement.

**Conclusion:**

The analysis of breast cancer care in Rocky Mount, NC, reveals the need for continuous improvement and targeted interventions. This score serves as a starting point for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. To gain a visual understanding of these healthcare resources, and to compare them to other areas, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can help you visualize physician locations, hospital affiliations, and other relevant data points, providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape.