27937, Gates, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27937, Gates, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.37 percent of the residents in 27937 has some form of health insurance. 35.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.42 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 27937 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 766 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27937. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 671 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 475 health care providers accessible to residents in 27937, Gates, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical “Breast Cancer Score” assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP Code 27937, focusing on their preparedness and the broader healthcare landscape of Gates County, North Carolina. This score is a composite, reflecting several key factors relevant to breast cancer detection, treatment, and support. It aims to offer a nuanced understanding of the available resources, not a definitive ranking, as such data would be proprietary and unavailable for public consumption.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Gates County present a significant challenge. The county is sparsely populated, and the availability of primary care physicians is limited. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying the critical early detection of breast cancer. The score will reflect the impact of this physician shortage on access to care.

The core of the score considers several critical elements. First, the availability of breast cancer screening services is paramount. This includes the frequency and accessibility of mammograms, clinical breast exams, and the physician's adherence to current screening guidelines. A higher score is awarded to practices that actively promote and facilitate these screenings.

Second, the assessment considers the physician's knowledge and awareness of breast cancer risk factors, including family history, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle choices. Practices that routinely assess and counsel patients on these factors will receive a higher score. This involves providing information on preventative measures, such as healthy eating, exercise, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Third, the score evaluates the physician's ability to provide comprehensive care. This encompasses the ability to make timely referrals to specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, for further diagnosis and treatment. Practices with established relationships with reputable cancer centers and specialists will be favored.

Fourth, the analysis considers the availability of support services. Breast cancer treatment is a physically and emotionally challenging journey. Practices that offer or connect patients with support groups, counseling services, and resources for financial assistance receive a higher score. The score reflects the importance of holistic care.

Standout practices in this hypothetical scenario would demonstrate a strong commitment to breast cancer care. These practices likely have dedicated staff members focused on patient education and navigation. They would actively use patient portals and other communication tools to share information about breast cancer and screening recommendations.

Telemedicine adoption also plays a crucial role. Telemedicine can enhance access to care, especially in rural areas where travel distances are significant. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, consultations, and even some initial assessments will receive a higher score. This allows patients to receive care without the burden of travel.

Mental health resources are an essential component of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Practices that provide access to mental health professionals, either within the practice or through referrals, will be highly rated. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups.

The score also accounts for the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of errors. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively will receive a higher score.

The analysis also evaluates the practice's commitment to patient education. Practices that provide patients with educational materials about breast cancer, screening guidelines, and treatment options will be favored. This can include brochures, websites, and educational sessions.

The score also looks at the practice's commitment to cultural sensitivity. Breast cancer affects women of all races and ethnicities, and it is important that practices are sensitive to the cultural needs of their patients. Practices that provide care in multiple languages or that have staff members who are knowledgeable about cultural differences will receive a higher score.

The overall score for the primary care landscape in Gates County, North Carolina, will likely be impacted by the challenges associated with rural healthcare. The limited number of physicians, the distance to specialized services, and the availability of support resources may result in a lower overall score compared to more urban areas. However, practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to breast cancer care can still achieve a respectable score.

In conclusion, the “Breast Cancer Score” for physicians in ZIP Code 27937 and the broader healthcare landscape of Gates County is a complex assessment. It considers various factors, from physician-to-patient ratios and screening availability to telemedicine adoption and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the resources available to patients and to highlight the importance of proactive breast cancer care.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Gates County and beyond, and to identify potential areas for improvement, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can visualize the data discussed in this analysis, allowing for a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution.