27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.21 percent of the residents in 27948 has some form of health insurance. 25.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.76 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 27948 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,947 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27948. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,109 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 847 health care providers accessible to residents in 27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Kill Devil Hills, NC (ZIP Code 27948)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area, particularly concerning a critical health issue like breast cancer, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on Kill Devil Hills, NC (ZIP Code 27948), examining the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This information, combined, forms the basis for a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the community's readiness to address breast cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being.

The foundation of any effective breast cancer care system is the availability of accessible primary care physicians. These doctors are often the first point of contact for patients, providing routine screenings, referrals to specialists, and ongoing support. In Kill Devil Hills, assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code, considering the population size, and calculating the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio indicates a greater potential for patients to access timely appointments and comprehensive care. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau provides the raw material for this calculation. It is crucial to factor in the age and health demographics of the population, as a community with a higher proportion of older adults or individuals with pre-existing health conditions may require more intensive primary care services.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are also crucial. This involves evaluating the types of services offered by primary care practices, including the availability of mammography screening, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the responsiveness of the practice to patient inquiries. Practices that proactively promote breast cancer awareness, offer educational materials, and participate in community outreach programs would score favorably in this assessment.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the local healthcare landscape. This involves examining the reputations of individual physicians and practices, considering factors such as patient reviews, accreditations, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices that employ advanced technologies, such as digital mammography, and offer comprehensive support services, such as patient navigators, would be considered high-performing. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, with a focus on communication, empathy, and shared decision-making, would be highly valued.

The integration of telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. In the context of breast cancer care, telemedicine can be used for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine in Kill Devil Hills involves determining which primary care practices and specialists offer these services, evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, and assessing the patient experience with these technologies. Practices that embrace telemedicine and integrate it seamlessly into their workflow would receive a higher score.

The emotional and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive breast cancer care. This involves assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the community. It also involves evaluating the integration of mental health services into primary care practices and specialist clinics. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, partner with mental health organizations, or provide referrals to support groups would be considered more supportive of patients' emotional well-being. The presence of support groups specifically for breast cancer survivors and their families is also a positive indicator.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Kill Devil Hills would be a composite measure, reflecting the combined assessment of all these factors. It would not be a simple numerical score but rather a nuanced understanding of the community's strengths and weaknesses in providing breast cancer care. A high score would indicate a community with readily accessible primary care, a high physician-to-patient ratio, standout medical practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health resources. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as addressing physician shortages, increasing telemedicine adoption, or expanding mental health services.

The analysis would also identify potential areas for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, or expanding mental health services. It could also highlight opportunities for collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies to improve breast cancer care in Kill Devil Hills.

This assessment is a dynamic process. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and care models emerging regularly. Therefore, the "Breast Cancer Score" should be updated periodically to reflect these changes and ensure that the community's efforts to address breast cancer are aligned with the latest best practices.

This analysis, however, is a snapshot. To truly understand the nuances of the healthcare landscape in Kill Devil Hills, a visual representation is invaluable. Consider using CartoChrome maps to visualize the distribution of physicians, the locations of medical practices, and the availability of mental health resources. CartoChrome maps can also be used to identify areas with limited access to care and to track changes over time.