28602, Hickory, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28602, Hickory, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.63 percent of the residents in 28602 has some form of health insurance. 38.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.74 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 28602 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,058 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28602. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,740 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,567 health care providers accessible to residents in 28602, Hickory, North Carolina.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Hickory, NC (ZIP Code 28602)**

Evaluating the quality of breast cancer care in Hickory, North Carolina, specifically within the 28602 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers factors ranging from physician availability and practice characteristics to the integration of technology and mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of any strong breast cancer care system is the availability of qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). In Hickory, assessing primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as that from the US Department of Health & Human Services or the North Carolina Medical Board, can be used to calculate these ratios. Ideally, the analysis would compare the local ratio to state and national averages to gauge relative access. The geographical distribution of PCPs within 28602 is also crucial. Are they clustered in certain areas, potentially creating healthcare deserts for some residents?

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is vital. The analysis should investigate the presence of patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) or similar models that emphasize coordinated care and preventative screenings. PCMHs are often associated with improved outcomes in breast cancer detection. Furthermore, the analysis would assess the practices’ commitment to breast cancer screening guidelines, including mammography recommendations based on age and risk factors. Practices that actively promote screening and have robust follow-up protocols receive higher scores.

Specialist availability is another critical component. The analysis needs to identify the number of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons specializing in breast cancer care within or readily accessible to the 28602 ZIP code. The proximity of these specialists to primary care practices is also important. Close collaboration between PCPs and specialists facilitates seamless referrals and communication, which is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. The analysis would also consider the availability of specialized services like breast imaging centers equipped with advanced technologies such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis).

Standout practices within Hickory's healthcare ecosystem deserve recognition. Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care, innovative technologies, and strong community outreach should be highlighted. This could involve practices with dedicated breast cancer navigators, patient support groups, or partnerships with local organizations to raise awareness and provide education. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to breast cancer also demonstrate a commitment to advancing care.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis should evaluate the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate communication between patients and providers. Practices that offer virtual appointments and patient portals for easy access to medical records and communication receive higher scores.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet critical, aspect of breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can have a profound impact on a patient’s mental and emotional well-being. The analysis should assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, who specialize in supporting cancer patients. Are these resources readily accessible within the local healthcare system or through community organizations? Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through in-house providers or referrals, receive higher scores. The analysis should also consider the availability of support groups and educational resources for patients and their families.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Hickory, NC (28602) would be a composite score derived from the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its importance in delivering high-quality breast cancer care. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and specialist availability might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption. The final score would provide a relative ranking of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. Are there disparities in access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment based on income, insurance coverage, or race/ethnicity? The analysis should identify any barriers to care and recommend strategies to address them. This could include initiatives to increase access to affordable mammograms, provide financial assistance to patients, or address cultural and linguistic barriers.

Ultimately, the goal of this "Breast Cancer Score" analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare resources available to residents of the 28602 ZIP code. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve the quality of breast cancer care in Hickory. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, the analysis can inform strategies to enhance access, improve outcomes, and reduce disparities in care.

For a visual representation of these findings, including geographical mapping of physician locations, specialist availability, and access to mental health resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.