27939, Grandy, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27939, Grandy, North Carolina is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.18 percent of the residents in 27939 has some form of health insurance. 35.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.75 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 27939 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 503 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 20 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27939. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 572 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,132 health care providers accessible to residents in 27939, Grandy, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Grandy, NC (ZIP Code 27939)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer care within ZIP code 27939, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility and the overall healthcare landscape in Grandy, North Carolina. The goal is to assess the area's preparedness for early detection, diagnosis, and support for individuals facing breast cancer. We will explore physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment.

Grandy, a relatively rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The success of early breast cancer detection heavily relies on consistent primary care, prompt referrals to specialists, and readily available supportive services. This analysis considers these factors.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Accessibility**

One of the most critical indicators of healthcare preparedness is the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically the ratio of PCPs to the population. A low ratio can lead to appointment delays, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. While precise, up-to-the-minute data is often difficult to obtain, publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards provide valuable insights. Researching the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 27939 ZIP code, coupled with the estimated population, will provide a preliminary understanding of this ratio. This ratio should be compared to both state and national averages to assess the relative accessibility of primary care in Grandy.

Beyond the raw numbers, the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is important. Are the practices clustered in a specific area, potentially creating access challenges for residents in more remote locations? Transportation limitations, particularly for elderly or disabled individuals, can further exacerbate these challenges. Public transportation options and the availability of patient transportation services become critical considerations.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout practices within the 27939 ZIP code involves evaluating several factors. These include the range of services offered, patient reviews, and the practice’s commitment to preventative care, especially breast cancer screening. Practices actively promoting mammograms, offering convenient appointment scheduling, and educating patients on risk factors are key indicators of a proactive approach.

Furthermore, practices with strong referral networks to specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, are crucial. The efficiency and speed of these referrals can significantly impact patient outcomes. Practices that have implemented patient portals, allowing for easy communication, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records, also deserve recognition. The practices’ adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) can streamline information sharing and improve care coordination.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve healthcare access in rural areas like Grandy. The ability to consult with PCPs and specialists remotely can reduce travel time and expenses, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among practices in the 27939 ZIP code is vital.

This includes determining if practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient education resources. The availability of telemedicine services can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing cancer treatment, providing convenient access to support and guidance. The practice’s integration of telemedicine platforms, ensuring patient privacy and data security, is another important factor to consider.

**Mental Health Resources and Support**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive care. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Grandy area is essential.

This includes identifying practices that offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral networks with mental health providers. Support groups, both in-person and online, can provide invaluable emotional support and a sense of community for patients and their families. The availability of resources that address financial concerns, such as assistance with insurance and treatment costs, also contributes to the overall support system.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed above, a "Breast Cancer Score" can be developed for the 27939 ZIP code. This score would represent a composite assessment of the area's preparedness for breast cancer care. The score would consider:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A higher ratio, indicating better access to PCPs, would contribute positively to the score.
* **Primary Care Practice Quality:** Practices actively promoting screening, offering efficient referral networks, and utilizing patient portals would receive higher marks.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Practices embracing telemedicine would positively influence the score.
* **Mental Health Resource Availability:** The presence of mental health professionals, support groups, and financial assistance resources would enhance the score.

The score can be presented as a numerical value or a rating (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) to provide a clear and concise overview of the area's strengths and weaknesses. This score can be used to inform community members, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the need for improvements in breast cancer care.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

The assessment of breast cancer care availability in Grandy, NC, highlights the importance of comprehensive primary care, robust referral networks, and accessible support services. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within the 27939 ZIP code is crucial for improving outcomes for individuals facing breast cancer.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Grandy, including the location of practices, physician density, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides powerful visualization tools that can help you analyze healthcare data and identify areas for improvement. Visit their website today to learn more.