28521, Chinquapin, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28521, Chinquapin, North Carolina is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.47 percent of the residents in 28521 has some form of health insurance. 45.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.95 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 28521 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 286 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28521. An estimate of 0 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 418 health care providers accessible to residents in 28521, Chinquapin, North Carolina.

Analyzing healthcare resources within a specific geographic area, such as ZIP code 28521 (which encompasses Chinquapin, North Carolina), necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on evaluating the availability and quality of breast cancer care, considering the presence of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The foundation of any breast cancer care system rests on accessible primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients, crucial for early detection through screening and providing referrals to specialists. Evaluating primary care availability in Chinquapin involves assessing the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and its immediate vicinity. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services or state medical boards would be essential to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a high number of patients per physician, could signal potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better accessibility.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices is vital. Are practices concentrated in specific areas of Chinquapin, potentially creating access disparities for residents in more rural locations? Analyzing the geographic distribution of practices, coupled with information on transportation infrastructure, provides a more nuanced understanding of access. Moreover, the types of primary care practices matter. Do they accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, to ensure equitable access for all residents? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules?

Identifying standout medical practices requires a deeper dive into their services and reputation. This involves reviewing patient reviews, assessing accreditation status (e.g., accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care), and examining the range of services offered. Practices that offer comprehensive primary care, including preventative screenings (mammograms), have established referral networks with specialists, and provide patient education materials, would be considered strong contenders. The presence of dedicated women’s health services, including on-site mammography, would be a significant advantage.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Chinquapin. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some forms of therapy remotely. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which primary care practices and specialists offer telehealth services. This includes identifying the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), the technology platforms used, and the availability of technical support for patients. Practices actively embracing telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to improving access and convenience.

The mental health component of breast cancer care is frequently overlooked, yet it is crucial. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating mental health resources involves assessing the availability of mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, psychiatrists) within Chinquapin and the surrounding areas. Are there mental health professionals who specialize in oncology or women's health? Do primary care practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers? The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, is also a critical factor.

To assess the 'Breast Cancer Score' for doctors in ZIP code 28521, we must synthesize the information gathered. The score would reflect several weighted factors: the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care, the geographic distribution of practices, the range of services offered by primary care and specialist practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For instance, a high physician-to-patient ratio could negatively impact the score, while the presence of on-site mammography and a strong telemedicine program would positively influence it. The availability of mental health support would be a critical factor.

The final score would provide a snapshot of the overall quality of breast cancer care in Chinquapin. It is important to remember that this score is not absolute. It is a relative assessment, based on available data. It should be used in conjunction with other sources of information, such as personal experiences and consultations with healthcare providers.

The process of gathering and analyzing this data is complex and time-consuming. It often involves accessing multiple databases, conducting surveys, and reviewing public records. This data-driven approach, however, is vital for understanding the healthcare landscape in a specific area. The goal is to empower residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. This type of analysis is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The adoption of new technologies, changes in healthcare policies, and shifts in population demographics all influence the availability and quality of care. Regularly updating this analysis is essential to ensure its accuracy and relevance. This also includes the assessment of specialist availability, such as oncologists and surgeons specializing in breast cancer.

In conclusion, evaluating the breast cancer care resources in Chinquapin, North Carolina, requires a comprehensive assessment of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and making informed decisions.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources in Chinquapin, including the locations of primary care practices, specialists, and mental health providers, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data gathered, highlighting areas with high and low access to care.