28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.16 percent of the residents in 28428 has some form of health insurance. 30.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.05 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 28428 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 968 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 14 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28428. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,411 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 19,460 health care providers accessible to residents in 28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Carolina Beach (ZIP Code 28428)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within the Carolina Beach, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28428) area. The focus is on evaluating the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs), the availability of specialized breast cancer care, and supportive resources, culminating in a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the overall strength of the healthcare ecosystem for patients. This analysis considers factors critical to early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in robust primary care. In Carolina Beach, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. While precise figures fluctuate, the analysis considers publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau to estimate this ratio. A lower ratio (more physicians per capita) generally suggests better access. This analysis will examine the density of PCPs within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, factoring in their acceptance of new patients and their reported experience with breast cancer screening and referral protocols. The presence of PCPs actively involved in preventive care, including regular mammogram recommendations and patient education, is highly valued.

Primary care practices with established referral pathways to specialized breast cancer centers receive higher scores. These pathways should be clearly defined, efficient, and prioritize patient needs. The analysis will scrutinize the proximity of these referral centers, considering travel time and transportation options for patients. Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate seamless information sharing between PCPs and specialists is a significant factor in the scoring. Practices employing EHRs with robust communication features are considered more patient-centered.

The availability of specialized breast cancer care is paramount. This involves assessing the presence of oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast cancer, radiologists experienced in mammography and other imaging techniques, and support staff such as oncology nurses and patient navigators. The analysis will evaluate the number of these specialists practicing within the area or readily accessible within a reasonable travel distance. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, where specialists collaborate on patient care plans, is a positive indicator.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate exceptional commitment to breast cancer care. These practices may be recognized for their proactive screening programs, patient education initiatives, and commitment to staying current with the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment. The analysis will identify practices that offer comprehensive services, including genetic counseling, access to clinical trials, and support groups. Practices with strong patient satisfaction ratings and positive online reviews will also be highlighted.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element of modern healthcare delivery, particularly for patients who may face mobility challenges or reside in areas with limited access to specialists. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which PCPs and specialists in the Carolina Beach area offer telemedicine consultations for breast cancer-related care. This includes virtual follow-up appointments, remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and access to online educational resources. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated it seamlessly into their care delivery models will receive higher scores.

Mental health resources play a vital role in supporting patients throughout their breast cancer journey. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in working with cancer patients. This includes evaluating the accessibility of these resources, including insurance coverage and wait times for appointments. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health providers will be viewed favorably. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, is also a critical consideration.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is a composite metric that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in the Carolina Beach area. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the performance of standout practices. The score is not a definitive ranking but rather a comprehensive assessment designed to inform patients and healthcare providers.

The analysis will consider the specific challenges faced by patients in Carolina Beach, such as potential transportation limitations, the demographics of the population, and any unique healthcare needs. It will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care, such as insurance coverage and income levels. The goal is to provide a nuanced and accurate assessment of the breast cancer care landscape.

The analysis will also consider the impact of local hospitals and healthcare systems on breast cancer care. This includes evaluating the quality of their imaging services, the availability of advanced treatment options, and their commitment to patient-centered care. Hospitals with accreditation from organizations like the American College of Surgeons are viewed positively.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" will be presented as a qualitative assessment, using a rating scale such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor." This rating will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the factors that contributed to the score, including specific examples of strengths and weaknesses in the Carolina Beach healthcare ecosystem.

The analysis will be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the arrival of new physicians, the adoption of new technologies, and the expansion of healthcare services. This ongoing monitoring will ensure that the "Breast Cancer Score" remains a relevant and valuable resource for patients and healthcare providers in the Carolina Beach area.

In conclusion, understanding the healthcare landscape in Carolina Beach, especially regarding breast cancer care, is crucial for patients. By considering physician availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources and physician locations discussed in this analysis, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. These maps provide a dynamic and detailed view of the healthcare landscape in Carolina Beach, empowering you with the information you need to navigate your healthcare journey.