28455, Nakina, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28455, Nakina, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.58 percent of the residents in 28455 has some form of health insurance. 40.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.64 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 28455 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 745 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28455. An estimate of 2 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 1,707 health care providers accessible to residents in 28455, Nakina, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28455 & Nakina Primary Care

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of breast cancer-related care within ZIP Code 28455 and the primary care landscape in Nakina, North Carolina, focusing on factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, ultimately painting a picture of the healthcare environment for individuals navigating breast cancer concerns.

ZIP Code 28455, encompassing the town of Shallotte and surrounding areas, requires a nuanced approach. While the presence of a regional hospital is a positive indicator, the true measure lies in the accessibility of specialized care. The physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons specializing in breast health, is a critical determinant of the score. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of specialists, can lead to delayed diagnoses, prolonged wait times for appointments, and increased patient stress. This is a significant challenge in many rural areas.

The presence of dedicated breast cancer centers or clinics within or immediately accessible to 28455 significantly boosts the score. These centers often offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and support staff under one roof. This integrated model streamlines the patient journey, facilitating communication and coordination of care, which is crucial for effective treatment. The availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and MRI, is also a key factor.

The primary care landscape in Nakina, a smaller community, plays a vital role in early detection. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients, and their awareness of breast cancer risk factors and screening guidelines is paramount. The availability of PCPs in Nakina, and the physician-to-patient ratio, are critical. A shortage of PCPs can lead to reduced access to preventative screenings and delayed referrals to specialists.

Standout practices within or near 28455 would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes practices that actively promote breast cancer awareness, offer convenient screening options, and have established referral pathways to specialized care. Practices that embrace patient-centered care, providing clear communication, emotional support, and personalized treatment plans, would also score highly. The ability of practices to effectively manage the complexities of breast cancer treatment, including surgical options, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, is also a key factor.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can improve access to specialists, particularly for patients in rural areas. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even some initial consultations would receive a higher score. This can reduce travel burdens, improve patient convenience, and potentially lead to earlier intervention.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of breast cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. The availability of mental health support, such as counseling, support groups, and access to psychiatrists or therapists, is a crucial element of the overall patient experience. Practices that actively integrate mental health services into their care models, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers, would contribute positively to the score. The ability to address the emotional and psychological needs of patients is critical for their overall well-being.

The Breast Cancer Score for 28455 and Nakina will be influenced by the presence of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare environment, with readily accessible specialists, advanced technologies, integrated care models, telemedicine options, and comprehensive mental health support. A lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as a shortage of specialists, limited access to advanced technologies, a lack of telemedicine integration, and inadequate mental health resources.

The analysis of primary care availability in Nakina requires a slightly different lens. The focus here is on the ability of PCPs to provide preventative care, including breast cancer screenings, and to effectively manage the care of patients. The score will be influenced by the availability of PCPs, their knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and screening guidelines, and their ability to refer patients to specialists when necessary. The integration of telemedicine in primary care settings can also enhance the score, particularly for follow-up appointments and patient education.

In conclusion, assessing the Breast Cancer Score for 28455 and Nakina requires a multifaceted approach. It necessitates examining the physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialized care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the provision of mental health resources. This comprehensive analysis provides a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and ultimately, informing the community about the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care.

For a visual representation of this data and a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28455 and Nakina, including the locations of healthcare providers, demographics, and access to care, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome.