28164, Stanley, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28164, Stanley, North Carolina is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.80 percent of the residents in 28164 has some form of health insurance. 34.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.08 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 28164 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,725 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 74 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28164. An estimate of 17 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,906 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 35,705 health care providers accessible to residents in 28164, Stanley, North Carolina.

Please note: I am an AI and cannot provide medical advice or endorse specific medical practices. This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a ranking or recommendation. It uses publicly available data and hypothetical scenarios to illustrate the type of analysis that could be performed. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.

Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Stanley, NC (ZIP Code 28164)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, particularly concerning breast cancer care, within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will explore the landscape of primary care physicians in Stanley, NC (ZIP code 28164), focusing on factors relevant to breast cancer detection and treatment, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score" analysis, acknowledging the limitations of this approach and emphasizing the importance of individual research and consultation with healthcare professionals.

Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Foundation for Access

The foundation of any healthcare system is access. In the context of breast cancer, timely access to primary care is crucial for early detection through routine screenings and referrals. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios provides a preliminary understanding of access within Stanley. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) or the North Carolina Medical Board can offer estimates of the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 28164 ZIP code. Comparing this number to the population of Stanley allows for the calculation of a physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio (more physicians per capita) generally suggests better access. However, this is a simplified metric. Factors such as the age and health status of the population, the number of specialists available, and the presence of underserved populations must also be considered. For instance, if a significant portion of the population is elderly, the demand for primary care services, including breast cancer screenings, will likely be higher.

Standout Practices: Identifying Centers of Excellence

Within Stanley, identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to breast cancer care requires a deeper dive. This involves researching individual practices and assessing their services. This might involve looking at their websites and patient reviews. Key indicators include:

* **Accreditation:** Does the practice hold accreditations from organizations like the American College of Radiology (ACR) for mammography services? Accreditation signifies adherence to rigorous quality standards.
* **Screening Services:** Does the practice offer in-house mammography, or do they have established referral pathways to imaging centers? Convenient access to screening is paramount.
* **Referral Networks:** Does the practice have established relationships with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists who provide breast cancer treatment? A strong referral network ensures seamless care coordination.
* **Patient Education:** Does the practice actively engage in patient education about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and self-exams? Proactive patient education is critical for early detection.
* **Patient Reviews:** What are patients saying about their experiences? Online reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient satisfaction.

Practices that excel in these areas would receive a higher score in our hypothetical analysis.

Telemedicine Adoption: Expanding Access and Convenience

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Stanley can significantly impact access to care, especially for patients who may face geographical barriers, mobility limitations, or transportation challenges. Practices that offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and follow-up appointments would receive a higher score. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists, such as breast surgeons or oncologists, through virtual consultations. However, it's essential to consider the limitations of telemedicine, such as the inability to perform physical examinations and the need for reliable internet access for patients. The integration of telemedicine into a practice's workflow, including the availability of technical support for patients, is also a key factor.

Mental Health Resources: Addressing the Emotional Impact

A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices and the broader community is, therefore, a critical component of comprehensive care. Practices that:

* **Offer on-site counseling services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals.**
* **Screen patients for depression and anxiety.**
* **Provide access to support groups or educational resources.**

Would be considered to be providing a higher level of care. The coordination between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential for ensuring that patients receive the support they need to cope with the emotional challenges of breast cancer.

Hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score" Components

To create a hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score," we could assign weights to each of the factors discussed above. For example:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** 15%
* **Practice Accreditation & Services:** 30%
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** 20%
* **Mental Health Resources:** 25%
* **Patient Satisfaction (based on reviews):** 10%

Each practice would be assessed based on these criteria, and a score would be generated. This score, while not a definitive ranking, could provide a starting point for patients seeking primary care in Stanley.

Conclusion: Visualizing the Landscape

This analysis has provided a framework for understanding the availability of breast cancer-related care in Stanley, NC (28164). It is crucial to remember that this is a simplified approach and that individual needs and preferences should always guide healthcare decisions.

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