27967, Powellsville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27967, Powellsville, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.54 percent of the residents in 27967 has some form of health insurance. 78.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.86 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 27967 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27967. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 395 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 117 health care providers accessible to residents in 27967, Powellsville, North Carolina.

The task requires an analysis of breast cancer care in Powellsville, NC (ZIP code 27967), focusing on primary care availability and doctor quality, including specific metrics like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for breast cancer patients in this specific location.

Powellsville, a small town in Bertie County, faces unique healthcare challenges. Rural communities often experience disparities in access to specialized medical care, including breast cancer screening and treatment. This analysis will delve into the specifics of the healthcare ecosystem within ZIP code 27967, providing a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents.

Assessing the quality of breast cancer care begins with evaluating the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are the gatekeepers of healthcare, responsible for initial screenings, referrals to specialists, and ongoing patient management. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio (more patients per doctor) can indicate limited access and potentially longer wait times for appointments. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services can provide estimates of population size and physician counts within the ZIP code. This data, however, may need to be supplemented with information from local hospitals and clinics to gain a complete picture.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs is crucial. Are they concentrated in a single clinic, or are they spread throughout the community? This distribution impacts the convenience and accessibility of care for residents, especially those with limited transportation options. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services, should also be considered. Their availability can help alleviate the burden on PCPs and improve overall access to care.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based screening guidelines (like those from the American Cancer Society or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network), and the availability of support services. Practices that consistently meet or exceed these standards can be considered exemplary. This information might be gathered through online reviews, patient surveys, and direct communication with local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. It can enable patients to consult with specialists, receive follow-up care, and participate in educational programs without having to travel long distances. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption in Powellsville involves identifying which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technology platforms used.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for breast cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is critical. The analysis should identify local mental health providers, assess their capacity to serve patients with cancer, and determine whether they offer specialized services for this population. The integration of mental health services into primary care and oncology practices is also a positive indicator.

Specifics regarding standout practices may be difficult to ascertain without direct access to internal data. However, publicly available information can provide some insights. For instance, a practice with a well-maintained website that clearly outlines its breast cancer screening protocols, staff qualifications, and patient support services is a positive sign. Similarly, a practice that is actively involved in community outreach and education efforts regarding breast cancer awareness may be considered a standout.

The analysis of telemedicine adoption might reveal that some practices offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or medication management. Others might utilize remote monitoring technologies to track patient symptoms and provide timely interventions. The extent of telemedicine adoption will likely vary depending on the resources available to individual practices and the comfort level of both patients and providers with technology.

Mental health resources are likely to be limited in a rural area like Powellsville. The analysis should identify any local mental health clinics, therapists, or counselors who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients. The availability of support groups, either in-person or online, should also be noted. The presence of social workers within the healthcare system can also be a valuable resource for patients needing assistance with practical matters, such as transportation, insurance, or financial aid.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Powellsville is likely to be a challenge. Rural areas often struggle to attract and retain physicians, leading to a shortage of primary care providers. This shortage can result in longer wait times for appointments, limited access to specialists, and increased travel distances for healthcare services. The analysis should quantify the physician-to-patient ratio, if possible, and highlight any efforts being made to address the shortage, such as recruitment initiatives or the use of telemedicine to expand access to care.

The overall assessment of breast cancer care in Powellsville, NC, will be based on a holistic evaluation of these factors. While this analysis can provide a general overview, it's important to note that the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The availability of specific services and resources may change over time.

For a comprehensive, visually driven understanding of healthcare access in Powellsville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and community resource mapping, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offers interactive visualizations that can help you navigate the healthcare landscape with ease.