27869, Rich Square, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27869, Rich Square, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.30 percent of the residents in 27869 has some form of health insurance. 46.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.54 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 27869 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 208 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27869. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 469 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 618 health care providers accessible to residents in 27869, Rich Square, North Carolina.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27869 & Primary Care in Rich Square**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning breast cancer care, within ZIP code 27869 (likely encompassing Rich Square, North Carolina, and surrounding areas) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the landscape of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a composite “Breast Cancer Score” for the region. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement in supporting breast cancer patients and those at risk.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. In Rich Square, assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. A low PCP-to-patient ratio indicates potential challenges in accessing timely appointments for routine screenings, diagnostic referrals, and ongoing management of chronic conditions, including those related to breast cancer. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, impacting patient outcomes. Investigating the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often supplement the care provided by PCPs, is crucial. Their availability can mitigate the impact of a low physician-to-patient ratio, ensuring a more accessible healthcare system.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The analysis must delve into the practices' characteristics. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they provide comprehensive preventative care, including breast cancer screening recommendations aligned with current guidelines? Practices that actively promote early detection through mammography referrals and patient education demonstrate a commitment to proactive breast cancer management. Examining the practices' affiliations with larger healthcare systems or hospitals provides insight into their access to specialized resources and expertise.

Telemedicine adoption has significantly altered healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services in ZIP code 27869 is vital. Practices offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, or even initial consultations can improve access to care, particularly for patients facing transportation challenges or geographical limitations. The availability of telemedicine can be a critical factor in ensuring patients receive timely information and support. Evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, secure messaging) and their integration with electronic health records provides a clearer picture of their effectiveness.

Mental health support is an integral component of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources within the region is essential. Are there mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) accepting new patients? Are these professionals integrated into primary care practices, facilitating seamless referrals and coordinated care? The presence of support groups, counseling services, and other resources specifically tailored to breast cancer patients can significantly improve their quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Determining the "Breast Cancer Score" requires a weighted assessment of the factors discussed. A high score indicates a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to support breast cancer patients, while a low score highlights areas needing improvement. The following categories are considered, with their relative weights:

* **Primary Care Availability (30%):** This includes the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and the practices' acceptance of new patients.
* **Practice Characteristics (25%):** This encompasses the practices' preventative care practices, hours of operation, and affiliations with larger healthcare systems.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (20%):** This assesses the availability and utilization of telemedicine services for breast cancer-related care.
* **Mental Health Resources (25%):** This evaluates the availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services specifically for breast cancer patients.

Each category is scored individually based on available data. The scores are then weighted and combined to produce the final "Breast Cancer Score." This score serves as a comparative metric, allowing for comparisons over time and across different geographic areas.

**Standout Practices and Considerations:**

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 27869 requires a deeper dive into individual practice characteristics. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, offer comprehensive services, and embrace technology are likely to receive higher scores. This involves looking at the practices' patient satisfaction scores, their participation in quality improvement programs, and their use of electronic health records to facilitate care coordination. The presence of dedicated breast cancer navigators, who assist patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, is a significant asset.

Furthermore, analyzing the demographic makeup of the patient population is crucial. Are there disparities in access to care or treatment outcomes based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status? Addressing these disparities is essential to ensure equitable access to quality breast cancer care for all residents of the region. This requires a commitment to culturally competent care, patient education, and community outreach programs.

The analysis must also consider the impact of external factors, such as healthcare policy changes, funding availability, and the overall economic climate. These factors can influence the availability of resources, the adoption of new technologies, and the ability of practices to provide high-quality care.

**Conclusion:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 27869 provides a valuable framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement. By evaluating primary care availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, this analysis aims to inform stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members, about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in supporting breast cancer patients. The ultimate goal is to improve access to care, enhance patient outcomes, and promote early detection and prevention of breast cancer within the community.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 27869 and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping tools can provide valuable insights into healthcare accessibility and help visualize the data discussed in this analysis.