28338, Ellerbe, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28338, Ellerbe, North Carolina is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.04 percent of the residents in 28338 has some form of health insurance. 35.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.90 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 28338 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 922 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28338. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 718 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,316 health care providers accessible to residents in 28338, Ellerbe, North Carolina.

This analysis evaluates the breast cancer care landscape for residents of Ellerbe, North Carolina, specifically focusing on primary care physician availability and the quality of care offered by physicians practicing within ZIP code 28338. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to individuals facing breast cancer concerns, from initial screening to ongoing support.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Ellerbe, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in this regard. A critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and ultimately, a less favorable prognosis for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Publicly available data, such as that from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, can provide insights into the number of primary care physicians practicing in or serving Ellerbe and the surrounding areas. This data, coupled with population estimates, allows for the calculation of a physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating better access, would be a positive indicator.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the proactive approach to breast cancer screening. Primary care physicians should adhere to established guidelines, such as those from the American Cancer Society or the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, recommending mammograms and clinical breast exams based on age and risk factors. The analysis would assess the extent to which local primary care practices actively promote and facilitate these screenings. This could involve reviewing practice websites, patient testimonials (with appropriate privacy considerations), and potentially, conducting targeted inquiries to understand the screening protocols in place.

Standout practices would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes not just screening, but also patient education, risk assessment, and referral networks. Practices that offer educational materials on breast cancer awareness, provide personalized risk assessments based on family history and lifestyle factors, and have established relationships with local specialists (e.g., radiologists, oncologists, surgeons) would be highly regarded. The presence of certified nurse navigators, who guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, would be a significant advantage.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in evaluating care. In rural areas like Ellerbe, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and support services that might otherwise be unavailable. The analysis would examine the extent to which primary care practices in the area offer telemedicine options for consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support. The availability of virtual consultations for discussing breast cancer concerns, receiving test results, and accessing educational resources could significantly improve the patient experience.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to breast cancer care. A diagnosis, treatment, and recovery can be emotionally taxing. The analysis would assess the availability of mental health services within the Ellerbe community and the extent to which primary care practices integrate these services into their care models. This includes identifying local therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer-related emotional distress. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or actively refer patients to appropriate resources, would be considered more comprehensive in their approach.

The analysis would also consider the insurance landscape in Ellerbe. Access to care is heavily influenced by insurance coverage. The acceptance of various insurance plans by local primary care practices, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, would be evaluated. Practices that are accessible to a wide range of patients, regardless of their insurance status, would be considered more equitable and patient-centered.

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the overall patient experience. This would involve gathering information on wait times for appointments, the ease of scheduling, the clarity of communication from healthcare providers, and the overall level of patient satisfaction. This information could be gleaned from online reviews, patient surveys (with appropriate privacy protections), and other publicly available sources.

The findings of this analysis would be synthesized into a "Breast Cancer Score" for physicians practicing in ZIP code 28338, and a rating for primary care availability in Ellerbe. The score would be based on a weighted system, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratio, screening protocols, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, insurance acceptance, and patient experience. The analysis would provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local breast cancer care landscape, empowering residents of Ellerbe to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

This detailed analysis, while providing a valuable overview, is limited by the availability of publicly accessible data. A more comprehensive assessment would require access to more detailed information from healthcare providers, which may be subject to privacy regulations. However, even with these limitations, this analysis aims to provide a useful starting point for residents of Ellerbe seeking to understand the breast cancer care resources available to them.

To visualize and explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, including primary care physicians, specialists, and support services, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping capabilities, allowing you to overlay various data layers, such as physician locations, population demographics, and healthcare facility locations, to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.