28465, Oak Island, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28465, Oak Island, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.34 percent of the residents in 28465 has some form of health insurance. 42.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.54 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 28465 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 766 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28465. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,798 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,091 health care providers accessible to residents in 28465, Oak Island, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Oak Island, NC (ZIP Code 28465)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of breast cancer-related healthcare within the 28465 ZIP code, focusing on primary care physicians and their capacity to serve the community of Oak Island, North Carolina. The evaluation considers several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources for patients. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for individuals seeking breast cancer care.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests upon a robust primary care infrastructure. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact, responsible for initial screenings, referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of patient health. In Oak Island, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Assessing this ratio requires careful consideration of the total population of the 28465 ZIP code and the number of actively practicing PCPs within the area. This data, readily available through sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical licensing boards, allows for a baseline understanding of accessibility.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by local PCPs is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices themselves. Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer screening and early detection. This includes offering mammograms, providing patient education on self-exams, and proactively referring patients with concerning symptoms to specialists. Identifying these practices involves reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing online reviews, and, if possible, consulting with local healthcare advocacy groups. Practices that consistently prioritize preventative care and demonstrate a patient-centered approach will receive higher scores in this analysis.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for enhancing healthcare access, particularly in geographically isolated areas like Oak Island. The adoption of telemedicine by local PCPs can significantly improve the delivery of breast cancer-related care. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients. This can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, which is particularly beneficial for patients who may have mobility issues, transportation challenges, or live a considerable distance from their physician's office. Practices that embrace telemedicine technology and offer virtual appointments will be considered more favorably in this assessment.

The emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Mental health resources are therefore crucial for supporting patients throughout their journey. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a vital component of comprehensive breast cancer care. This analysis will assess the availability of these resources within the Oak Island community. This involves identifying local mental health providers, evaluating their experience in treating patients with cancer, and determining whether they accept the same insurance plans as the local PCPs. Practices that actively collaborate with mental health professionals or provide in-house mental health services will be viewed more positively.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialized breast cancer care within a reasonable distance of Oak Island. While PCPs are the initial point of contact, patients often require referrals to oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists. The proximity of these specialists, the quality of their services, and the ease of access to their facilities are all relevant factors. This includes evaluating the availability of diagnostic imaging centers equipped with advanced technology, such as 3D mammography and breast MRI. The presence of comprehensive cancer centers that offer a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, will also be factored into the scoring.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine the insurance landscape within the 28465 ZIP code. The acceptance of various insurance plans by local PCPs and specialists is a critical determinant of access to care. Patients with limited insurance coverage or those who are uninsured may face significant financial barriers to accessing necessary medical services. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer financial assistance programs will be viewed more favorably.

The overall score will be a composite of these factors, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in providing breast cancer-related care. It is important to emphasize that this analysis is not intended to be a definitive ranking of individual physicians. Instead, it aims to provide a general overview of the healthcare landscape and highlight areas where improvements may be needed. The score will be a relative measure, comparing the healthcare resources available in Oak Island to those in other similar communities.

The final 'Breast Cancer Score' will be a qualitative assessment, utilizing a rating system to indicate the overall level of care available. This system will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the accessibility of specialized care. The score will be accompanied by a detailed narrative that explains the rationale behind the rating and identifies specific areas of strength and weakness.

The goal is to empower residents of Oak Island with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This analysis is not merely a numerical score; it is a comprehensive evaluation of the community's capacity to support individuals facing the challenges of breast cancer. It is a starting point for dialogue, a catalyst for improvement, and a resource for those seeking the best possible care.

To visualize this data and explore the healthcare landscape of Oak Island and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you identify local healthcare providers, assess access to care, and understand the geographic distribution of resources. Explore the power of spatial data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in your community.