28371, Parkton, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28371, Parkton, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.34 percent of the residents in 28371 has some form of health insurance. 39.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.94 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 28371 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,286 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28371. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 670 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,362 health care providers accessible to residents in 28371, Parkton, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Parkton, NC (ZIP Code 28371)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of breast cancer-related care within ZIP code 28371 (Parkton, NC), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) resources and their impact on early detection and treatment access. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and assess the presence of mental health resources, all critical components in a comprehensive breast cancer care model.

Parkton, a rural community, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The availability of specialists, advanced diagnostic equipment, and support services can be limited compared to urban areas. This analysis seeks to provide a realistic appraisal of the current landscape and identify potential areas for improvement.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care often begins with a strong primary care network. PCPs are crucial for preventative screenings, early detection, and referrals to specialists. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Parkton is therefore paramount. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and publicly available sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will be used to determine the number of active PCPs within the ZIP code and the estimated population they serve. A higher ratio of patients per physician can indicate potential access challenges, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed screenings.

The analysis will also consider the types of PCPs available. Are there enough family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and, importantly, gynecologists within the service area? Gynecologists often play a significant role in breast health, performing clinical breast exams and providing referrals for mammograms and other diagnostic procedures. The presence and availability of these specialists are crucial for timely and effective care.

**Standout Practices and Service Offerings:**

Identifying practices that excel in breast cancer-related care is a key objective. This involves evaluating factors such as the availability of on-site mammography services, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and coordination of care, and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices that actively promote breast cancer awareness, provide patient education materials, and offer support groups will be given higher consideration.

The analysis will explore the specific services offered by each practice. Are they equipped to perform routine breast exams? Do they have established protocols for referring patients for mammograms and other imaging studies based on established guidelines? Do they offer assistance with navigating the complexities of insurance coverage and financial assistance programs for breast cancer treatment? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care, including early detection, diagnosis, and referral management, will be recognized as standout performers.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge the geographic barriers to healthcare access in rural communities like Parkton. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which local practices have adopted telemedicine technologies. Are they offering virtual consultations for initial assessments, follow-up appointments, or patient education? Telemedicine can be particularly valuable for providing access to specialists who may not be readily available in the area, such as oncologists or breast surgeons.

The effectiveness of telemedicine adoption will be assessed based on factors such as the availability of secure platforms for virtual consultations, the integration of telemedicine into existing workflows, and the level of patient satisfaction with virtual care options. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine to enhance access to breast cancer-related care will be viewed favorably.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the community. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in supporting patients with cancer? Are these resources readily accessible, and are they integrated into the overall care plan?

The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups, educational programs, and other resources that can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of breast cancer. Practices that prioritize the mental health needs of their patients, either through in-house services or referrals to external resources, will be highly regarded.

**Overall Breast Cancer Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the evaluation of these factors, a composite "Breast Cancer Score" will be assigned to the healthcare landscape in Parkton (28371). This score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer-related care in the area.

The analysis will culminate in specific recommendations for improvement. These may include suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs in the area, promoting the adoption of telemedicine technologies, expanding access to mental health resources, and encouraging practices to implement patient-centered care models.

This analysis aims to provide a clear picture of the current state of breast cancer care in Parkton and identify areas where improvements can be made to ensure that all residents have access to the timely and effective care they need.

**Explore the Data with CartoChrome Maps:**

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in Parkton and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their mapping tools can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.