28358, Lumberton, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.84 percent of the residents in 28358 has some form of health insurance. 49.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.84 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 28358 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,125 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28358. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,002 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,359 health care providers accessible to residents in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina.

Breast cancer care access and quality are paramount, especially in areas with potential disparities. This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care in Lumberton, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28358), focusing on primary care availability and the resources available to patients. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem, ultimately empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

The foundation of breast cancer care, as with most illnesses, begins with primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Lumberton significantly impacts early detection and overall patient outcomes. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a greater availability of PCPs, is generally associated with better access to preventative screenings, including mammograms. Conversely, a low ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial diagnoses and treatments. Assessing this ratio involves examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the population size. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau are critical in this assessment.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is equally important. Practices that prioritize preventative care, including routine breast cancer screenings, are crucial. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to national guidelines for mammography and other screening protocols. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing information on risk factors, self-exams, and the importance of early detection, are also highly valued. Reviews from patients, accessible through online platforms, can offer insights into the patient experience, including the ease of scheduling appointments, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant factor in healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Lumberton can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves identifying practices that offer virtual appointments and evaluating the range of services they provide through this platform. This includes whether they offer virtual screenings, consultations with specialists, and remote monitoring of patient health.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but crucial component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Access to mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for patients navigating their journey. Evaluating the availability of these resources involves identifying local mental health providers, assessing their experience in oncology, and evaluating the availability of support groups specifically for breast cancer patients. Collaboration between primary care practices and mental health providers is also important, ensuring that patients receive integrated and comprehensive care.

Identifying standout practices in Lumberton requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, patient education, and comprehensive support are likely to stand out. This includes practices that actively promote early detection through routine screenings, offer telemedicine options for convenient access, and provide referrals to mental health professionals. Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, helping to identify practices that consistently deliver high-quality care.

The analysis extends beyond the immediate ZIP code to consider the broader healthcare landscape in Lumberton. This includes evaluating the availability of specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, who are essential for breast cancer treatment. Assessing the proximity of these specialists and the ease of access to their services is crucial. This involves examining the location of cancer centers and hospitals that offer comprehensive breast cancer care, including diagnostic imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The presence of support services, such as patient navigators and financial assistance programs, can also significantly impact the patient experience.

Another aspect of the analysis involves considering the socioeconomic factors that may influence access to care. Lumberton, like many rural areas, may face challenges related to income, insurance coverage, and transportation. Evaluating the prevalence of these factors within the community is essential for understanding the barriers that patients may face in accessing care. This includes assessing the percentage of uninsured residents, the availability of public transportation, and the presence of community health centers that provide affordable care.

The analysis also considers the impact of health disparities on breast cancer outcomes. Certain populations, such as African American women, may face higher rates of breast cancer and poorer outcomes. Evaluating the healthcare system's ability to address these disparities is crucial. This involves examining the diversity of healthcare providers, the availability of culturally sensitive care, and the implementation of programs that target underserved populations.

Data from various sources, including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the American Cancer Society, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is essential for a comprehensive analysis. This data provides insights into cancer incidence rates, mortality rates, and screening rates within the community. Analyzing this data allows for a better understanding of the specific challenges that Lumberton faces and the areas where improvements are needed.

The findings of this analysis should be viewed as a starting point for further investigation and action. It is crucial for patients to actively engage in their care, asking questions, seeking second opinions, and advocating for their needs. The healthcare system in Lumberton, like any other, is constantly evolving. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are necessary to ensure that patients have access to the best possible care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lumberton and visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that allow you to explore the location of healthcare providers, analyze physician-to-patient ratios, and visualize other relevant data. Use CartoChrome to empower yourself with information and make informed decisions about your healthcare journey.