28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.88 percent of the residents in 28351 has some form of health insurance. 49.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.51 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 28351 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,120 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28351. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 768 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,471 health care providers accessible to residents in 28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Laurel Hill, NC (ZIP Code 28351)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within the Laurel Hill, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28351) area. We evaluate key factors impacting patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice characteristics, the integration of telehealth, and the presence of mental health support, culminating in a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Laurel Hill, the primary care landscape is a critical determinant of early detection and ongoing management. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening opportunities, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Researching the specific ratio for 28351 requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau. This data will illuminate the level of access patients have to initial consultations and routine check-ups, essential for identifying potential breast cancer concerns.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and scope of services offered by local primary care practices are vital. Do practices offer comprehensive women's health services, including routine breast exams and referrals for mammograms? Are they connected to larger healthcare networks that provide access to specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons? Investigating the specific services offered by each practice is crucial. This includes examining their accreditation, patient reviews, and their participation in quality improvement programs.

The presence of standout practices can significantly influence the overall score. A practice that excels in patient communication, emphasizes preventative care, and demonstrates a commitment to early detection would positively impact the overall rating. Identifying these standout practices requires a deeper dive into local healthcare data, including patient satisfaction surveys, and reviews from reputable sources.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Laurel Hill. Evaluating the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms, and the types of services offered virtually, will contribute to a more accurate score. This includes assessing the availability of remote monitoring tools and the integration of telehealth into the broader care continuum.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked, yet they are a critical component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can profoundly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is essential for addressing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The analysis must identify the availability of these resources within the community, including the presence of mental health specialists within primary care practices, and the proximity of mental health clinics.

Furthermore, the integration of these resources into the overall care plan is essential. Do primary care practices routinely screen for mental health concerns? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health providers? The seamless integration of mental health support into the breast cancer care pathway is a key indicator of a patient-centered approach.

The availability of support groups and community resources is also important. These groups provide a valuable platform for patients to connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and receive emotional support. Evaluating the presence and accessibility of these resources, including their frequency, location, and the types of support offered, contributes to a more holistic assessment of the care environment.

The analysis must also consider the availability of specialized breast cancer care, such as access to oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the proximity and accessibility of these specialists are crucial for patients requiring advanced treatment. The availability of these specialists, and the efficiency of referral pathways from primary care practices, will influence the overall score.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of transportation options. Patients in rural areas may face significant challenges accessing healthcare services due to limited transportation options. The availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and other forms of transportation assistance can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care.

The analysis also needs to consider the affordability of care. The cost of healthcare, including insurance premiums, co-pays, and out-of-pocket expenses, can be a significant barrier to accessing care. Researching the average cost of care in the area, and the availability of financial assistance programs, will provide a more complete picture of the healthcare landscape.

The overall Breast Cancer Score for Laurel Hill, NC (28351) will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted contributions of each of these factors. The weighting of each factor will depend on its relative importance in influencing patient outcomes. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and access to specialists might be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups.

The final score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, providing a readily understandable assessment of the breast cancer care environment in Laurel Hill. This score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve access to care and patient outcomes.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Laurel Hill, NC, and to visualize the location of doctors, practices, and resources, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize this complex data, providing a comprehensive and interactive view of the healthcare ecosystem.