28450, Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28450, Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.37 percent of the residents in 28450 has some form of health insurance. 42.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.48 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 28450 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 363 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28450. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 570 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,188 health care providers accessible to residents in 28450, Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Lake Waccamaw, NC (ZIP Code 28450)

Analyzing the breast cancer landscape within ZIP Code 28450, encompassing the Lake Waccamaw area, requires a multifaceted approach. It necessitates examining not only the availability and quality of medical professionals but also the broader healthcare infrastructure, including access to mental health resources and the utilization of technology. This analysis will culminate in a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score," offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem concerning breast cancer detection, treatment, and support.

The foundation of any robust breast cancer care system lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). These physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients, conducting initial screenings, providing referrals, and guiding patients through the diagnostic process. In Lake Waccamaw, assessing PCP availability is crucial. This involves evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and ultimately, potentially delayed breast cancer detection. Publicly available data, such as that from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, can provide the raw numbers needed to calculate this ratio, offering a baseline understanding of access.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Are PCPs in the area actively promoting breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms? Do they have established protocols for referring patients to specialists if abnormalities are detected? Researching the practices of local PCPs, perhaps through online reviews, patient testimonials, and publicly available information about their services, can shed light on their commitment to preventative care. Furthermore, the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often provide primary care services, should also be considered. Their availability can supplement the work of PCPs, potentially mitigating the impact of a lower physician-to-patient ratio.

Specialist care is another critical component of breast cancer care. This includes oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons specializing in breast cancer treatment. The proximity of these specialists to Lake Waccamaw residents is a significant factor. While ZIP Code 28450 may not have these specialists directly within its boundaries, the accessibility of specialists in nearby towns and cities, such as Wilmington, is essential. Travel time, transportation options, and the availability of appointments all contribute to the overall accessibility of specialist care. A well-connected healthcare system, with efficient referral processes and clear communication between PCPs and specialists, is vital for providing timely and effective treatment.

Technological advancements have significantly impacted breast cancer care. Telemedicine, in particular, has the potential to improve access to care, especially for residents in rural areas like Lake Waccamaw. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, provide remote monitoring of patients, and deliver educational resources. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers is therefore crucial. Are PCPs and specialists utilizing telehealth platforms? Are patients aware of these options? The availability of reliable internet access in the area is also a critical factor, as it can limit the effectiveness of telemedicine.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked, yet vital, aspect of breast cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore critical. Are there mental health professionals in the Lake Waccamaw area? Are they experienced in working with cancer patients? Are support groups available for patients and their families? Connecting patients with appropriate mental health resources can significantly improve their quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of their illness.

Evaluating the overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Lake Waccamaw requires synthesizing all of these factors. The score would ideally reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the accessibility of specialist care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a more robust and accessible healthcare system, while a lower score would highlight areas that need improvement. This score should be considered a dynamic measure, subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves.

Identifying standout practices within the area is also important. This involves recognizing healthcare providers who are excelling in various aspects of breast cancer care. This could include PCPs with a strong focus on preventative care, specialists with a reputation for excellence, or practices that are actively embracing telemedicine. Highlighting these standout practices can serve as a model for others and provide patients with valuable information when choosing a healthcare provider.

Data collection for this analysis would involve a combination of sources. Publicly available data from government agencies, medical boards, and healthcare organizations would provide information on physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, and other demographic data. Online reviews, patient testimonials, and information from healthcare provider websites would provide insights into the quality of care and the services offered. Local community resources, such as the Chamber of Commerce and local hospitals, could also offer valuable information.

The challenges of conducting such an analysis in a rural area like Lake Waccamaw include the potential for limited data availability and the need to rely on less formal sources of information. However, by combining data from multiple sources and carefully analyzing the available information, it is possible to create a reasonably accurate and informative "Breast Cancer Score." This score can then be used to identify areas of strength and weakness within the local healthcare system, ultimately informing efforts to improve breast cancer care for the residents of Lake Waccamaw.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike. It would provide patients with information to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It would allow healthcare providers to identify areas where they can improve their services. And it would help policymakers allocate resources effectively to address the specific needs of the community.

For a comprehensive visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lake Waccamaw, including the location of healthcare providers, the distribution of resources, and potential areas of concern, explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps.