28429, Castle Hayne, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28429, Castle Hayne, North Carolina is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.95 percent of the residents in 28429 has some form of health insurance. 37.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.83 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 28429 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,513 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 13 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28429. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,649 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,693 health care providers accessible to residents in 28429, Castle Hayne, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Castle Hayne, NC (ZIP Code 28429)

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care within Castle Hayne, North Carolina (ZIP code 28429) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis assesses the availability of primary care physicians, the potential for early detection, and the overall support system for individuals navigating this challenging disease. We will also examine the adoption of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources, crucial components of comprehensive cancer care. This analysis, while not a definitive ranking, aims to provide a general overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure concerning breast cancer.

The cornerstone of any effective breast cancer strategy is early detection, and primary care physicians play a vital role in this process. In Castle Hayne, the availability of primary care is a critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, impacting access to preventative screenings like mammograms and clinical breast exams. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for ZIP code 28429 requires accessing specific data from healthcare databases, such as the American Medical Association (AMA) Physician Masterfile or the North Carolina Medical Board. This data is essential to establish a baseline understanding of the local healthcare capacity.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices within Castle Hayne matters. Are the practices clustered in one area, potentially creating geographic disparities in access? Or are they strategically located to serve the entire community? Examining the location of these practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans provides further insight into the accessibility of care. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, and accept a wide range of insurance plans are generally more accessible to a broader patient population.

The quality of care provided by primary care physicians is also crucial. This involves assessing their experience in breast cancer screening and their adherence to established guidelines, such as those from the American Cancer Society (ACS) or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). While a formal ranking of individual physicians is beyond the scope of this analysis, researching the qualifications and experience of local physicians is vital. This includes reviewing their credentials, board certifications, and any specialized training in breast health. Patient reviews and testimonials, though subjective, can offer valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Castle Hayne. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in this area can significantly impact breast cancer care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations for initial assessments, follow-up appointments, and discussions about test results. It can also connect patients with specialists who might not be readily available locally. The extent to which practices in ZIP code 28429 have embraced telemedicine, and the types of services they offer virtually, is a key factor in assessing their overall breast cancer score.

Beyond primary care, access to specialized services is critical. This includes the availability of radiologists for mammograms, oncologists for cancer treatment, and surgeons for biopsies and other procedures. The proximity of these specialists to Castle Hayne is a significant factor. Patients who need to travel long distances for specialized care may face additional burdens, including transportation costs and time away from work or family. Assessing the availability of these specialists, their wait times, and their affiliations with local hospitals or cancer centers is essential.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but crucial component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can take a significant toll on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a key indicator of the comprehensiveness of care. Does Castle Hayne have local mental health professionals who specialize in cancer-related issues? Are there support groups available for patients and their families? The presence of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by breast cancer.

Standout practices in Castle Hayne, if any, would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes practices that prioritize early detection, offer convenient appointment scheduling, embrace telemedicine, and provide access to mental health resources. They might also participate in community outreach programs, such as free mammogram screenings or educational workshops. Identifying these standout practices requires thorough research, including interviews with local healthcare providers, patient surveys, and a review of publicly available data.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Castle Hayne, NC (ZIP code 28429) is a complex assessment. It is based on several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the geographic distribution of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of specialized services, and the presence of mental health resources. This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure. Further research, including data analysis and community engagement, is needed to develop a more comprehensive and accurate assessment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Castle Hayne, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and other relevant resources, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis, providing a clearer understanding of the accessibility and availability of breast cancer care in your community.