27932, Edenton, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27932, Edenton, North Carolina is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.03 percent of the residents in 27932 has some form of health insurance. 50.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.97 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 27932 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,872 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27932. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,078 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 353 health care providers accessible to residents in 27932, Edenton, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Edenton, NC (ZIP Code 27932)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within Edenton, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27932), focusing on primary care availability and physician resources. The goal is to provide a ‘Breast Cancer Score,’ a qualitative evaluation based on key factors influencing patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support. This score will not be a numerical value but a narrative evaluation reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

Edenton, a historic town in northeastern North Carolina, presents a unique healthcare environment. The population density is relatively low, which can impact the availability of specialized medical services. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers of healthcare, playing a crucial role in early detection, referrals, and ongoing patient management. The availability of PCPs is therefore a critical determinant of the overall Breast Cancer Score.

**Primary Care Availability in Edenton:**

Assessing primary care availability begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric indicates the number of residents served by each PCP. A higher ratio may suggest increased patient volume per physician, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less time for individual patient care. While precise data on the physician-to-patient ratio in 27932 is difficult to obtain without a formal survey, publicly available resources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can provide estimates. These estimates, however, need to be contextualized. The presence of a nearby hospital, such as the one in Elizabeth City, can influence where residents seek care.

The geographic distribution of PCPs within Edenton is also crucial. Are primary care practices concentrated in specific areas, or are they distributed across the town, ensuring accessibility for all residents, including those in more rural areas? Analyzing the location of these practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans is vital. This information paints a picture of the ease with which residents can access primary care services.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Impact:**

A low physician-to-patient ratio is generally considered favorable, allowing for more individualized attention and potentially leading to earlier detection of breast cancer risk factors or symptoms. Conversely, a high ratio can strain the healthcare system, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. The impact extends beyond diagnosis. It affects the ability to provide comprehensive follow-up care, including regular screenings, patient education, and support services.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the qualifications and experience of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment (e.g., mammography), and the integration of patient-centered care models. Practices that prioritize preventative care, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and provide clear communication with patients are likely to be considered highly effective. It's crucial to examine the practice's commitment to early detection, which can include offering educational materials, promoting self-exams, and actively scheduling patients for screenings based on national guidelines.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Its adoption in Edenton should be assessed. Are local practices offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or for discussing test results? Does telemedicine facilitate access to specialists who may not be readily available locally, such as oncologists or breast surgeons? The availability of telemedicine can be a crucial factor in improving the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for patients who face transportation challenges or geographical barriers.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive breast cancer care. The analysis should investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, in Edenton. Do primary care practices offer on-site mental health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health providers? The presence of support groups and educational programs for breast cancer patients and their families is also a positive indicator.

**Overall Breast Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, the Breast Cancer Score for Edenton (ZIP Code 27932) will be determined. The score is not a single number but a narrative evaluation. This assessment will consider the strength of primary care availability, the quality of physician practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. A high score would reflect a healthcare environment that prioritizes early detection, provides comprehensive care, and supports patients throughout their journey. A lower score would indicate areas needing improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or improving access to mental health support.

**Conclusion:**

The Breast Cancer Score provides a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of breast cancer care in Edenton. It highlights areas where the community excels and identifies opportunities for improvement. This analysis underscores the importance of accessible primary care, the value of patient-centered practices, and the need for comprehensive support services.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Edenton and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations and practice types, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to analyze healthcare data and gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare environment.