The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27950, Knotts Island, North Carolina is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 85.57 percent of the residents in 27950 has some form of health insurance. 22.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.57 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 27950 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 358 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27950. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 220 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 188 health care providers accessible to residents in 27950, Knotts Island, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 27950, Knotts Island, North Carolina
Breast Cancer Score | 33 |
---|---|
People Score | 70 |
Provider Score | 6 |
Hospital Score | 49 |
Travel Score | 43 |
27950 | Knotts Island | North Carolina | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Knotts Island, NC (ZIP Code 27950)
Analyzing healthcare access and quality in a specific geographic area, particularly for a disease like breast cancer, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on Knotts Island, North Carolina (ZIP code 27950), evaluating the availability of primary care physicians and assessing factors crucial for breast cancer care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Breast Cancer Score’ perspective for residents.
Knotts Island, a relatively isolated community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The small population size often translates to limited resources, particularly in specialized medical fields. Therefore, understanding the primary care landscape is paramount. The availability of primary care physicians serves as the initial gateway to the healthcare system. Early detection and prompt referral are critical for successful breast cancer treatment.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
Accurately determining the physician-to-patient ratio for Knotts Island requires data from multiple sources. This data should be compiled from the local health department, state medical boards, and potentially, insurance providers. The ideal ratio, reflecting adequate access, is generally considered to be around 1:1000, but this can vary based on the specific needs of the community. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and delayed diagnosis. It also increases the burden on existing physicians, potentially impacting the quality of care.
**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**
Identifying “standout practices” involves evaluating several factors. These include the availability of comprehensive services, the use of evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening and treatment, and patient satisfaction. Practices that offer on-site mammography services, or have established partnerships with local imaging centers and oncology specialists, are particularly valuable. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, promoting breast cancer awareness and early detection, deserve recognition. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals also enhances care coordination and patient engagement.
**Telemedicine Adoption: A Lifeline in Rural Settings:**
Telemedicine plays a critical role in improving healthcare access in rural areas like Knotts Island. It enables patients to consult with specialists, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups without the need for long-distance travel. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for breast cancer patients, allowing them to connect with oncologists, surgeons, and therapists remotely. Assessing the telemedicine adoption rate among primary care practices and specialists in the area is crucial. Factors to consider include the availability of necessary technology, patient acceptance of telemedicine, and the reimbursement policies of insurance providers.
**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component:**
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore essential. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer-related issues. The presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices or the existence of referral networks to mental health providers in the broader region is important. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, can provide valuable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning.
**Specific Considerations for Knotts Island:**
Given the geographic isolation of Knotts Island, the availability of transportation to specialized medical facilities is a critical factor. The presence of reliable transportation services, such as public transit or volunteer driver programs, can significantly improve access to care. The community's socioeconomic demographics should also be considered. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage rates, and educational attainment can impact a patient's ability to access and afford healthcare services.
**Breast Cancer Score Framework:**
A ‘Breast Cancer Score’ for Knotts Island would be a composite metric, reflecting the above-mentioned factors. The score would be calculated based on a weighted average of several indicators, including:
* Physician-to-patient ratio
* Availability of on-site mammography or easy access to imaging services
* Telemedicine adoption rates among primary care practices and specialists
* Availability of mental health resources (therapists, counselors, support groups)
* Community outreach and awareness programs
* Patient satisfaction data (if available)
* Transportation access
Each indicator would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in determining the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. The final score would provide a quantitative measure of the community's preparedness to address breast cancer-related needs.
**Data Collection Challenges:**
Gathering accurate data for this analysis can be challenging. Information on physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and patient satisfaction is often not readily available. Data collection may require contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing public health records, and conducting patient surveys. The privacy of patient data must be protected throughout the data collection and analysis process.
**The Importance of Community Engagement:**
The success of any healthcare initiative depends on community engagement. Local residents, healthcare providers, and community organizations should be involved in the development and implementation of programs aimed at improving breast cancer care. This collaborative approach ensures that the programs are tailored to the specific needs of the community and that they are sustainable over time.
**Conclusion:**
Assessing the ‘Breast Cancer Score’ for Knotts Island requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis underscores the importance of addressing healthcare disparities in rural communities. By understanding the specific challenges and opportunities in Knotts Island, stakeholders can work together to improve breast cancer outcomes for local residents. The data gathered can be used to identify areas for improvement and to develop targeted interventions.
**Call to Action:**
For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Knotts Island and surrounding areas, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points, explore the power of **CartoChrome maps**. These interactive maps provide a dynamic and informative way to visualize and analyze healthcare access and availability.
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