28605, Blowing Rock, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28605, Blowing Rock, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.15 percent of the residents in 28605 has some form of health insurance. 28.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.12 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 28605 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 383 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28605. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 858 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,843 health care providers accessible to residents in 28605, Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Blowing Rock, NC (ZIP Code 28605)**

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within Blowing Rock, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28605), focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for individuals concerned about breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The cornerstone of any effective breast cancer care system is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Blowing Rock, assessing primary care availability is crucial. The physician-to-patient ratio in the area is a vital metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced individual attention. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access to care. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and local healthcare providers must be analyzed to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 28605 ZIP code. This data will reveal the ease with which residents can secure appointments for routine checkups, including breast cancer screenings.

Beyond sheer numbers, the types of primary care practices available are important. Are there solo practices, larger group practices, or affiliations with larger healthcare systems? Group practices often offer a wider range of services and potentially a more coordinated approach to care. Affiliations with hospitals or cancer centers can also facilitate referrals to specialists and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options. The analysis should consider the presence of family medicine, internal medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) practices, all of which play a role in breast cancer screening and early detection.

Identifying standout practices within the area requires a deeper dive. This involves evaluating factors like patient satisfaction scores, as measured by surveys and online reviews. Practices with consistently high ratings often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. Further, it is important to assess the practices’ approach to preventative care, including their proactive outreach for mammograms and other breast cancer screenings. The presence of dedicated nurse navigators or care coordinators, who guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, is another key indicator of quality.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant factor in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Blowing Rock. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices is critical. This allows for virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients. The analysis should investigate which practices offer telemedicine services and the types of services available. Does telemedicine extend to breast cancer screening education, initial consultations for suspicious findings, or post-treatment follow-up? The availability of telemedicine can significantly reduce travel time and improve access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet essential, component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The analysis should examine the availability of mental health services within the 28605 ZIP code. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, accepting new patients? Do primary care practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers? Furthermore, the availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, for breast cancer patients and survivors is important. Access to these resources can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of the disease and improve their overall quality of life.

The availability of specialized care is also a crucial aspect. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the proximity and accessibility of specialists, such as oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, are important considerations. The analysis should identify the nearest cancer centers and hospitals offering comprehensive breast cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The ease of referral from primary care physicians to these specialists is also a key factor.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the demographics of the Blowing Rock population, including age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. These factors can influence healthcare access and outcomes. Are there specific programs or initiatives in place to address health disparities and ensure equitable access to care for all residents?

To conduct a comprehensive analysis, data collection from various sources is necessary. This includes contacting local primary care practices, reviewing publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and analyzing online reviews and patient satisfaction surveys. This data should be combined to create a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" for the 28605 ZIP code, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in the area.

This analysis, while providing a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, is a dynamic process. The healthcare system is constantly evolving, and new practices, technologies, and resources are continually emerging. Regular updates and re-evaluations are necessary to maintain an accurate and relevant assessment of breast cancer care in Blowing Rock.

For a visual representation of these healthcare resources and their geographic distribution, including physician locations, specialist centers, and mental health facilities, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's maps provide an intuitive way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Blowing Rock and surrounding areas. Visit CartoChrome today to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Blowing Rock and surrounding areas.