28511, Atlantic, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28511, Atlantic, North Carolina is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.14 percent of the residents in 28511 has some form of health insurance. 52.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.24 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 28511 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 113 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28511. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 204 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 59 health care providers accessible to residents in 28511, Atlantic, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Atlantic, NC (ZIP Code 28511)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of breast cancer care within the Atlantic, North Carolina (ZIP code 28511) area, focusing on primary care availability and its influence on early detection and treatment pathways. We will assess the quality of care available, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem's capacity to address breast cancer concerns.

The foundation of effective breast cancer management lies in accessible and competent primary care. In Atlantic, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial determinant of patient outcomes. A favorable physician-to-patient ratio allows for more frequent screenings, earlier diagnoses, and more personalized care. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed screenings, increased wait times for appointments, and potentially, the progression of breast cancer before detection. Assessing this ratio is the initial step in determining the overall health of the area's breast cancer care.

Evaluating the presence of "standout practices" requires an examination of several key indicators. These include the availability of advanced diagnostic technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and the presence of dedicated breast health centers. Furthermore, the accreditation status of these practices, such as those recognized by the American College of Radiology (ACR), is a significant marker of quality. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offering resources on self-exams and risk factors, are also considered favorably. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, involving radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, and nurses, further enhances the quality of care by providing a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool for expanding access to healthcare, especially in rural areas like Atlantic. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices can significantly improve access to specialists, offer convenient follow-up appointments, and provide remote consultations for patients who may have difficulty traveling. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients, is a key component of this analysis. Practices that proactively embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and a willingness to overcome geographical barriers.

The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a vital aspect of comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being. Assessing the availability of these resources, the ease of access, and the level of integration with primary care and oncology services is critical.

The specific evaluation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28511 requires more granular data. While a general overview can be provided, a precise assessment demands a deep dive into the local healthcare providers. This includes:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Determining the exact ratio of PCPs to the population within the ZIP code. This requires data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board.
* **Practice Accreditation:** Identifying practices within the area and verifying their accreditation status with organizations like the ACR.
* **Technological Capabilities:** Assessing the availability of advanced diagnostic technologies, such as tomosynthesis, at local practices.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Determining which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services provided, and the accessibility of these services to patients.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Identifying the availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, and assessing their integration with breast cancer care.

Without this specific data, providing a precise "Breast Cancer Score" is impossible. However, the framework outlined above provides a roadmap for a comprehensive evaluation.

The healthcare ecosystem in Atlantic, NC, is likely influenced by its rural setting. This may present challenges in terms of access to specialists and advanced technologies. However, the community's commitment to healthcare can significantly impact the quality of care available. Strong primary care networks, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all crucial for ensuring that residents have access to the best possible breast cancer care.

Further research would be needed to uncover standout practices. It is essential to identify those practices that go above and beyond in providing patient-centered care. This might involve actively promoting breast cancer awareness, participating in community outreach programs, or offering patient navigation services to help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

The analysis of telemedicine adoption is particularly important in this context. Rural areas often face challenges in accessing healthcare due to geographical limitations. Telemedicine can help bridge this gap by providing remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists who might not be readily available locally. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to be better equipped to serve their patients.

The availability of mental health resources is another crucial factor. A breast cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals and support groups can help patients cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of breast cancer care in Atlantic, NC, requires a multi-faceted approach. This involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the availability of mental health resources. A comprehensive analysis would provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and help identify areas for improvement.

To visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape in Atlantic, NC, and across North Carolina, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps allow you to explore healthcare data geographically, identifying areas with limited access to care and visualizing the distribution of healthcare resources.