28575, Salter Path, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28575, Salter Path, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.01 percent of the residents in 28575 has some form of health insurance. 17.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.55 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 28575 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 40 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28575. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 33 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,119 health care providers accessible to residents in 28575, Salter Path, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28575 & Salter Path Primary Care

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP code 28575, encompassing Morehead City, North Carolina, and evaluating primary care availability in the adjacent community of Salter Path, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'Breast Cancer Score' assessment, considering factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician access, practice quality, technological integration, and supportive services. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to individuals navigating the complexities of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The core of any effective breast cancer care system is the availability of qualified physicians. ZIP code 28575, while not a major metropolitan hub, benefits from its proximity to larger medical centers in the broader region. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. Assessing this requires analyzing the number of oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast procedures, radiologists, and primary care physicians per capita within the specified area. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the North Carolina Medical Board can be utilized to determine the number of active licensed physicians. Population data from the U.S. Census Bureau is then used to calculate the ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per patient, generally suggests better access to care. This ratio, however, is only one piece of the puzzle.

The quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors like accreditation by reputable organizations such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) for breast centers. These accreditations signify adherence to stringent standards for quality, patient safety, and comprehensive care. Patient reviews, available on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, also provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including satisfaction with communication, wait times, and overall care quality. Furthermore, examining the availability of multidisciplinary care, where oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists collaborate, is critical. This integrated approach ensures a coordinated and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural or geographically dispersed areas. Assessing the extent to which practices in ZIP code 28575 offer telemedicine consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring capabilities is crucial. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate timely communication between patients and their healthcare providers. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and technological innovation. This is particularly important in a coastal area like 28575, which may experience transportation challenges or be affected by seasonal population fluctuations.

Beyond medical treatment, the availability of mental health resources plays a vital role in supporting breast cancer patients. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, is essential. This includes evaluating whether practices offer on-site counseling services or have established referral networks with mental health providers. Support groups, both in-person and online, are another valuable resource, providing patients with a sense of community and shared experience. The presence of these resources contributes significantly to a patient's overall well-being and ability to cope with the emotional toll of the disease.

Primary care availability in Salter Path, a smaller community adjacent to Morehead City, directly impacts the accessibility of preventative care and early detection efforts. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients, and they play a crucial role in breast cancer screening, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams. Assessing the number of primary care physicians serving Salter Path, along with their capacity to accept new patients, is essential. The proximity of these physicians to residents of Salter Path, including ease of access to their offices, is another important factor. Furthermore, evaluating the primary care physicians' familiarity with breast cancer risk factors and their commitment to promoting early detection through screening programs is critical.

The 'Breast Cancer Score' for ZIP code 28575 and Salter Path, therefore, is not a single number but a composite assessment based on several factors. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the accessibility of primary care services in the surrounding areas. Each of these factors contributes to the overall score, and a comprehensive analysis requires a detailed examination of each component.

This analysis would be incomplete without acknowledging the potential impact of socioeconomic factors. Access to healthcare can be influenced by factors such as insurance coverage, transportation limitations, and financial constraints. Examining the prevalence of these factors within the target population is essential to understand their potential impact on breast cancer care. Efforts to address these disparities, such as providing financial assistance for screenings or transportation, are crucial for ensuring equitable access to care for all individuals.

The final 'Breast Cancer Score' would be a reflection of the overall strength of the breast cancer care ecosystem in the region. A high score would indicate a robust system with ample physician access, high-quality practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, comprehensive mental health support, and readily available primary care services. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician availability, enhancing telemedicine capabilities, or expanding access to mental health resources.

This assessment underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of breast cancer care resources. Regular updates and analyses are essential to track progress, identify emerging challenges, and ensure that the community has access to the best possible care. The dynamic nature of healthcare, including advances in treatment, technological innovations, and evolving patient needs, requires continuous assessment and adaptation.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28575 and the surrounding area, including physician locations, practice locations, and resource availability, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable spatial insights, helping to visualize the distribution of resources and identify potential gaps in care.