28527, Ernul, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28527, Ernul, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.84 percent of the residents in 28527 has some form of health insurance. 46.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.44 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 28527 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 180 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 8 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28527. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 382 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,909 health care providers accessible to residents in 28527, Ernul, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28527 & Primary Care in Ernul

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28527, encompassing Ernul, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly when assessing breast cancer care. This analysis will focus on physician availability, practice attributes, technological integration, and mental health support, culminating in a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the resources available to patients and highlight areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of any healthcare system is its primary care infrastructure. In Ernul, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the early detection and management of breast cancer. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, are often initiated and coordinated by primary care providers. A robust primary care network, therefore, serves as the first line of defense. Conversely, a shortage of primary care physicians can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within Ernul is critical. This involves determining the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the area and comparing it to the population size. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can signal a potential access barrier. This ratio should be compared to regional and national averages to determine if Ernul faces a deficit in primary care resources. Further investigation should focus on the distribution of these physicians, considering factors like insurance acceptance, and patient load.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and attributes of primary care practices are equally important. The "Breast Cancer Score" must evaluate the practices' commitment to preventative care, including breast cancer screening. This includes assessing the availability of on-site mammography services, the frequency with which physicians recommend screenings, and the efficiency of the referral process to specialists. Practices that proactively educate patients about breast cancer risk factors and promote early detection strategies will score higher. Moreover, the practices' adherence to established breast cancer screening guidelines from organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network should be a key metric. This includes assessing the practice's use of evidence-based practices and their ability to provide comprehensive care.

Technological advancements are transforming healthcare delivery, and their adoption within Ernul's medical community is a crucial factor in the "Breast Cancer Score." Telemedicine, in particular, offers significant benefits, especially in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited. Practices that utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education will receive a higher score. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations with oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists involved in breast cancer care. The ease of access to these resources is crucial. Furthermore, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals can significantly improve communication, care coordination, and patient engagement. Practices with robust EHR systems that allow patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their providers electronically will be considered more patient-centered and efficient.

The emotional and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis is profound. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the "Breast Cancer Score." Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through on-site therapists or referrals to qualified mental health professionals, will receive a higher score. This includes assessing the availability of counseling services, support groups, and other resources that address the emotional and psychological needs of patients. The ability to provide these services can greatly improve the patient's overall well-being and their ability to cope with the challenges of treatment and recovery. Moreover, assessing the practice’s awareness of and willingness to refer patients to local support groups and mental health professionals is important.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 28527 requires a closer look at specific attributes. Practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to patient education, preventative care, and technological innovation will be highly regarded. Furthermore, practices that have a proven track record of positive patient outcomes, as evidenced by patient satisfaction surveys and other metrics, will be considered exemplary. The "Breast Cancer Score" should also consider the practice's commitment to community outreach and education. Practices that actively participate in community events, provide educational materials, and partner with local organizations to raise awareness about breast cancer will be recognized for their dedication to improving public health.

The "Breast Cancer Score" analysis would also involve assessing the availability of specialized breast cancer care within the region. This includes evaluating the presence of oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists. The proximity of these specialists to Ernul is a critical factor. The availability of specialized breast cancer centers, with comprehensive services such as diagnostic imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, will significantly improve the score. The efficiency of the referral process between primary care physicians and specialists is also important. Practices that have established referral pathways and strong relationships with specialists will be better equipped to provide timely and coordinated care.

Evaluating the data and compiling the "Breast Cancer Score" requires a systematic approach. Each factor, from physician-to-patient ratios to the availability of mental health resources, should be assigned a weighted value based on its importance. The scores for each factor should then be aggregated to produce an overall "Breast Cancer Score" for the area. This score can be used to compare the healthcare landscape in Ernul to other regions and identify areas for improvement. The analysis should also include a detailed discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system within ZIP code 28527.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" for Ernul should not only provide a numerical ranking but also offer actionable insights for patients, providers, and policymakers. This includes identifying areas where resources are lacking and suggesting strategies for improvement. For example, if the analysis reveals a shortage of primary care physicians, recommendations could include initiatives to attract and retain healthcare professionals in the area. If telemedicine adoption is limited, recommendations could include providing training and support to practices that are interested in implementing these technologies. The goal is to create a healthcare environment that is patient-centered, efficient, and accessible to all.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Ernul and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in the region.