28352, Laurinburg, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28352, Laurinburg, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.03 percent of the residents in 28352 has some form of health insurance. 46.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.37 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 28352 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,165 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28352. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,950 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,649 health care providers accessible to residents in 28352, Laurinburg, North Carolina.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Laurinburg, NC (ZIP Code 28352)**

Laurinburg, North Carolina, a town nestled in Scotland County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly concerning breast cancer care. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the overall support system for breast cancer patients within the 28352 ZIP code, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure. We will also examine the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, crucial components of comprehensive cancer care.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact, guiding patients through screenings, referrals, and ongoing support. In Laurinburg, assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and publicly available sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 28352 ZIP code. This figure, compared to the population of Laurinburg, provides a crucial metric for evaluating access. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could suggest potential challenges in securing timely appointments, especially for preventative screenings and follow-up care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they concentrated in a single clinic or hospital system, or are they dispersed throughout the community? Geographic distribution impacts access, particularly for patients with limited transportation options or those residing in more rural areas surrounding Laurinburg. Furthermore, understanding the payer mix of local practices (i.e., the types of insurance accepted, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance) is essential. Practices that accept a broad range of insurance plans are more likely to serve a diverse patient population, including those at higher risk for breast cancer due to socioeconomic factors.

Identifying standout practices within the 28352 ZIP code requires a deeper dive. This involves examining factors like patient satisfaction ratings, the availability of same-day or next-day appointments, and the integration of preventative care protocols. Practices that actively promote breast cancer screening guidelines, such as mammograms, and provide patient education materials are likely to be more proactive in early detection, a critical factor in improving outcomes. Information on the quality of care can often be found through online patient reviews, though it is important to acknowledge that these sources may not always be representative of the entire patient population.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical aspect of modern healthcare delivery. Telemedicine can significantly enhance access to care, particularly for patients facing mobility challenges or those living in remote areas. It can facilitate virtual consultations with PCPs, specialists, and even mental health professionals. Within the Laurinburg area, assessing the availability of telemedicine services offered by local practices is important. This includes understanding the types of services offered (e.g., virtual check-ups, medication management, remote monitoring) and the technology infrastructure in place to support these services (e.g., secure video conferencing platforms, patient portals).

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. Access to mental health support, including counseling, therapy, and support groups, can significantly improve patients' quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of their illness. In Laurinburg, it is essential to assess the availability of mental health services within the local healthcare system. This includes identifying the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) practicing in the area, as well as the availability of specialized mental health services for cancer patients.

Furthermore, understanding the integration of mental health services within primary care practices is crucial. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. Collaboration between PCPs, oncologists, and mental health professionals is essential to ensure that patients receive coordinated and holistic support.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Laurinburg, NC (28352) is a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust primary care infrastructure with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a wide distribution of PCPs, and practices that actively promote preventative care. It would also reflect the widespread adoption of telemedicine and the availability of comprehensive mental health resources. A low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing timely care, limited telemedicine options, and a lack of mental health support.

The specific data points needed to accurately calculate a score include: the number of PCPs per capita; the geographic distribution of PCPs; the percentage of practices offering telemedicine; the availability of on-site mental health services; the number of mental health professionals per capita; and the patient satisfaction ratings for local practices.

This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the breast cancer care landscape in Laurinburg. To gain a more comprehensive and visual representation of the healthcare resources available, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the distribution of physicians, primary care availability, and other critical healthcare resources in Laurinburg, NC (28352), and to gain a deeper understanding of the data presented in this analysis, we invite you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize complex healthcare data, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and the health of your community.