28337, Elizabethtown, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28337, Elizabethtown, North Carolina is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.82 percent of the residents in 28337 has some form of health insurance. 50.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.89 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 28337 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,770 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28337. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,012 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 289 health care providers accessible to residents in 28337, Elizabethtown, North Carolina.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Elizabethtown, NC (ZIP Code 28337)**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning breast cancer care, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on Elizabethtown, NC (ZIP Code 28337), evaluating the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all crucial elements in a comprehensive breast cancer care pathway.

Elizabethtown, a relatively small town in Bladen County, faces the challenges common to rural healthcare environments. Access to specialized medical care, including oncology and related services, is often geographically limited. Therefore, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) becomes critically important. PCPs act as the initial point of contact, providing preventative screenings, early detection, and referrals to specialists.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A lower ratio (more physicians per capita) generally indicates better access to care. However, simply counting physicians doesn't tell the whole story. Factors such as physician specialization (e.g., family medicine versus internal medicine), practice hours, and insurance acceptance significantly impact accessibility. Data from the US Department of Health & Human Services and local health departments provides this information, but the data is often delayed and can be difficult to interpret.

Standout practices within the 28337 ZIP code are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes offering regular breast cancer screenings (mammograms), providing patient education materials, and having established referral pathways to oncologists and surgeons. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs and support groups also earn higher marks. These practices should be identified through patient reviews, local health organization recommendations, and direct outreach to medical facilities.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, especially beneficial for those in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring, are considered more accessible. The availability of reliable internet access in the area is a key consideration, as is the practice’s integration of telehealth platforms into their existing workflow.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology-related issues, is vital. Resources like support groups, counseling services, and access to psychiatric care are essential components of a holistic care model. These resources should be readily available, affordable, and easily accessible within the community.

Evaluating the overall breast cancer score requires a weighted approach. The availability of PCPs and the physician-to-patient ratio receive significant weight, reflecting the importance of initial access to care. Standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources also contribute to the score, reflecting the quality and comprehensiveness of care. The weighting should be based on the relative importance of each factor, with a higher weight given to factors that have the greatest impact on patient outcomes.

Specifics for the 28337 ZIP code require detailed investigation. The number of PCPs, their specialties, and their insurance acceptance rates need to be determined. The presence of any oncology practices or affiliations with larger cancer centers should be identified. The adoption of telemedicine platforms and the availability of mental health services must be assessed. This information is gathered through a combination of public data, healthcare provider surveys, and patient reviews.

The analysis should identify specific practices that excel in breast cancer care. These practices might have a dedicated breast cancer navigator, offer extended hours, or participate in clinical trials. They might also have a strong patient satisfaction record. These practices should be highlighted as examples of best practices within the community.

The analysis should also identify any gaps in care. This might include a shortage of PCPs, limited access to mammography services, or a lack of mental health resources. Addressing these gaps requires community collaboration, including healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations.

The final breast cancer score is a composite measure, reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of breast cancer care within the 28337 ZIP code. The score can be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide efforts to enhance healthcare access for residents. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Elizabethtown involves more than just counting doctors. It involves assessing the types of practices (e.g., solo, group, hospital-affiliated), the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the availability of same-day or next-day appointments. The analysis must also consider the geographic distribution of practices within the town and the ease of access for residents in different areas.

The availability of specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, is crucial for breast cancer care. While these specialists might not be located directly within the 28337 ZIP code, their proximity to Elizabethtown and the ease of referral pathways are important considerations. The analysis should identify the closest oncology practices and assess the time it takes to access these specialists.

The analysis should also consider the role of community health centers and other safety-net providers. These providers often serve a large population of low-income and uninsured individuals. The availability of breast cancer screening and treatment services through these providers is an important factor in ensuring equitable access to care.

The overall goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care within the 28337 ZIP code. This assessment can be used to inform healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The analysis can also be used to guide efforts to improve access to care and to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to receive the best possible breast cancer care.

For a visual representation of healthcare access in Elizabethtown and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital affiliations, and resource availability, consider exploring interactive maps.

**Call to Action:**

**Visualize the data! Explore healthcare accessibility in Elizabethtown and beyond with interactive maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to understand the landscape of healthcare resources. Contact us to learn more.**