28376, Raeford, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28376, Raeford, North Carolina is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.63 percent of the residents in 28376 has some form of health insurance. 33.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.82 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 28376 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13,216 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28376. 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 1,986 health care providers accessible to residents in 28376, Raeford, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Raeford, NC (ZIP Code 28376)

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape in Raeford, North Carolina (ZIP code 28376) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial components in a patient's journey through breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests upon robust primary care. Regular check-ups, screenings, and early detection are paramount. In Raeford, assessing primary care availability begins with examining the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric, however, only paints a partial picture. It's vital to consider the types of physicians available – are they family medicine doctors, internists, or a combination? A higher ratio, while seemingly positive, can be misleading if the physicians are overwhelmed or if there's a shortage of specialized support, such as those with specific expertise in women's health. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code is important. Are they concentrated in one area, potentially creating access challenges for residents in other parts of Raeford?

Identifying standout practices within the 28376 ZIP code is essential. These practices often demonstrate superior patient care, incorporating best practices in screening, diagnosis, and patient support. This could manifest in several ways: a strong emphasis on preventative care, utilization of advanced imaging technologies (like 3D mammography), streamlined referral processes to specialists, and a commitment to patient education. The presence of dedicated nurse navigators, who guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, is a significant indicator of a patient-centered practice. Researching patient reviews, assessing accreditations (such as those from the American College of Radiology), and examining the practice's commitment to continuing medical education are key steps in identifying these exemplary providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to access healthcare remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and even some aspects of mental health support, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients facing transportation challenges or residing in more rural areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves looking at the availability of virtual consultations, the use of remote monitoring technologies, and the practice's integration of telehealth platforms into its existing workflows. Practices that embrace telemedicine often demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and improving overall care accessibility.

Beyond medical care, the availability of mental health resources is integral to the well-being of breast cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Therefore, the presence of mental health professionals within the community, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is crucial. Investigating the availability of these resources involves determining the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer (individual therapy, group therapy, support groups), and their willingness to accept insurance, especially those commonly used by patients in the area. Additionally, partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers can facilitate seamless referrals and coordinated care.

The analysis should also consider the availability of support groups and patient advocacy organizations. These resources provide invaluable emotional support, information, and practical assistance to patients and their families. Assessing the presence and accessibility of these organizations, including their meeting schedules, locations, and the types of services they offer, provides a more complete picture of the support network available to breast cancer patients in Raeford.

Specific data points are crucial to inform this analysis. The number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 28376 ZIP code, along with their specialties, needs to be determined. The average wait times for appointments, both for routine check-ups and for specialized consultations, are essential indicators of access. The availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography, and the presence of dedicated breast cancer specialists (surgeons, oncologists) are important factors. Furthermore, the types of insurance plans accepted by the practices and the availability of financial assistance programs for patients are also relevant.

The evaluation of telemedicine adoption requires identifying practices that offer virtual consultations, the platforms they use, and the types of services available through telehealth. The assessment of mental health resources should include the number of mental health professionals in the area, their specialties, the types of therapy they offer, and their acceptance of insurance. Finally, the presence and accessibility of support groups and patient advocacy organizations need to be determined.

Ultimately, a comprehensive breast cancer score for Raeford (28376) will reflect a combination of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust primary care infrastructure, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, ample mental health resources, and strong patient support networks. Conversely, a lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding telemedicine options, or increasing access to mental health services. This score would provide a valuable snapshot of the breast cancer care landscape in Raeford, enabling residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and highlighting areas for community improvement.

To further refine your understanding of the healthcare landscape in Raeford and visualize the distribution of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a detailed visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, offering a powerful tool for understanding and improving access to breast cancer care in your community.