28395, Wade, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28395, Wade, North Carolina is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.29 percent of the residents in 28395 has some form of health insurance. 27.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.05 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 28395 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 459 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28395. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 371 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 727 health care providers accessible to residents in 28395, Wade, North Carolina.

This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP Code 28395, encompassing the town of Wade, North Carolina, focusing on primary care physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to guide informed decisions for patients and providers alike. A comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" is not a simple numerical ranking, but rather a multifaceted assessment based on several key factors.

The foundation of quality breast cancer care begins with accessible primary care. In Wade, assessing primary care availability requires examining physician-to-patient ratios. This data provides a crucial snapshot of the local healthcare infrastructure. A low ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to better access to care, shorter wait times for appointments, and a greater opportunity for preventative screenings and early detection, critical components of successful breast cancer management. Data on physician-to-patient ratios, ideally obtained from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board or the US Census Bureau, is essential for this evaluation.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographical distribution of primary care practices within Wade is also important. Are practices concentrated in one area, or are they dispersed throughout the community, ensuring access for all residents, including those with mobility challenges or limited transportation options? Proximity to pharmacies, diagnostic imaging centers, and specialist referrals is also a factor in the overall assessment.

Standout practices in the area deserve special attention. Identifying practices that demonstrate exceptional commitment to breast cancer screening and early detection protocols is crucial. This includes analyzing the frequency of mammogram referrals, the use of advanced imaging technologies like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and the implementation of patient navigation programs. These programs can assist patients through the often-complex process of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, improving outcomes.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical element of the Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, particularly for patients in rural areas like Wade, where access to specialists may be limited. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations with oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists, reducing the need for travel and improving access to timely expert advice. The availability of virtual follow-up appointments, remote monitoring of patients' conditions, and online educational resources are all indicators of a practice's commitment to telemedicine.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of breast cancer care, often overlooked. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The Breast Cancer Score must evaluate the availability of mental health support services within primary care practices and the broader community. This includes assessing access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and psychiatric services. Practices that proactively screen patients for depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, and offer referrals to appropriate resources, are highly valued.

The availability of these resources is critical. Does the practice have a dedicated mental health professional on staff, or does it have established referral pathways to local mental health providers? Are support groups available, and if so, are they offered in person, online, or both? The ability to address the emotional and psychological needs of patients is as important as the medical treatment itself.

The quality of communication between physicians and patients is also a key factor. Practices that prioritize clear, empathetic communication, and provide patients with comprehensive information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects, are more likely to foster trust and improve patient satisfaction. The use of patient portals, which allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their providers, and schedule appointments online, is another indicator of a patient-centered approach.

The Breast Cancer Score also considers the practice's commitment to patient education. Does the practice offer educational materials about breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment? Are patients provided with resources to help them understand their diagnosis and make informed decisions about their care? Practices that empower patients with knowledge are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

Finally, the Breast Cancer Score must consider the practice's participation in clinical trials. Clinical trials offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in breast cancer research. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials are demonstrating a commitment to improving the standard of care. This includes the availability of information about clinical trials, and the ability to enroll eligible patients in these trials.

In conclusion, evaluating breast cancer care in Wade, NC (ZIP Code 28395) requires a comprehensive assessment of primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and other factors. The Breast Cancer Score is not a simple ranking, but a multifaceted evaluation that considers the quality, accessibility, and patient-centeredness of care. The goal is to provide valuable insights for patients seeking the best possible care, and for healthcare providers striving to improve their services.

To visualize the geographical distribution of primary care practices, pharmacies, diagnostic centers, and other relevant data points within ZIP Code 28395, we invite you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome's maps offer a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in Wade, allowing you to identify areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.