28617, Crumpler, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28617, Crumpler, North Carolina is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.45 percent of the residents in 28617 has some form of health insurance. 56.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.24 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 28617 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 374 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28617. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 459 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 127 health care providers accessible to residents in 28617, Crumpler, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Crumpler, NC (ZIP Code 28617)

This analysis assesses the landscape of breast cancer care within the Crumpler, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28617) area, focusing on the availability and quality of care, particularly concerning primary care physicians (PCPs) and their role in early detection and referral. This assessment considers several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in a patient’s journey through breast cancer care.

Crumpler, a rural community in Ashe County, faces unique challenges concerning healthcare access. The geographic isolation and potential socioeconomic factors can influence the availability and accessibility of medical services. Therefore, this analysis emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem to determine the quality of breast cancer care.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in robust primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, playing a critical role in preventative care, including breast cancer screenings like mammograms and clinical breast exams. The physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 28617 is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening rates, and potentially, later-stage diagnoses. Research into the specific physician-to-patient ratio within the designated ZIP code is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or the US Department of Health & Human Services can provide this information. This data is the cornerstone of understanding the accessibility of primary care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices must be considered. Are practices actively promoting breast cancer screening guidelines? Do they have systems in place to remind patients of upcoming screenings? Do they offer patient education materials about breast cancer risk factors and early detection? A standout practice will demonstrate a commitment to proactive patient care, integrating breast cancer screening into their routine practices and fostering a culture of awareness. Identifying these standout practices involves reviewing patient testimonials, checking online ratings and reviews (while understanding their limitations), and potentially contacting local healthcare advocacy groups for insights.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool to bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption within the Crumpler area is crucial. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for care. The extent to which local PCPs and specialists offer telemedicine services directly impacts the quality of care. Investigating the telehealth capabilities of local practices, including the types of services offered and the technology used, is a key component of this analysis.

The emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Mental health resources are an essential component of comprehensive care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Crumpler area is a critical factor. Does the local healthcare system provide access to mental health services? Are there partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers? Are support groups available for breast cancer patients and survivors? The absence of adequate mental health support can negatively impact a patient's overall well-being and treatment outcomes.

Specialist care is also a critical component. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the availability of oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists in the surrounding area is crucial. The proximity of these specialists and the ease with which patients can be referred to them directly impacts the quality of care. The referral process should be seamless, allowing patients to access specialist services quickly and efficiently.

The quality of breast cancer care is not solely determined by the presence of healthcare providers. It is also influenced by the community's overall health literacy. Public health initiatives that promote breast cancer awareness, provide education about risk factors, and encourage early detection are essential. These initiatives can empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare and advocate for their needs.

To conduct a comprehensive analysis, one must gather data from multiple sources. This includes:

* **Public Health Data:** Utilizing data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Health & Human Services to determine physician-to-patient ratios.
* **Practice Websites and Phone Calls:** Reviewing websites and making phone calls to local practices to determine the services they offer, including telemedicine capabilities and screening protocols.
* **Online Reviews and Testimonials:** Analyzing online reviews and testimonials (while understanding their limitations) to gain insights into patient experiences.
* **Local Healthcare Advocacy Groups:** Contacting local healthcare advocacy groups to gather information about the quality of care and identify any gaps in services.
* **Hospital and Clinic Websites:** Reviewing the websites of local hospitals and clinics to determine the specialist services available in the area.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide a clear picture of the breast cancer care landscape within ZIP Code 28617. This includes identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The findings can be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals affected by breast cancer.

The analysis should conclude with a summary of the key findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The summary should provide actionable recommendations for improving breast cancer care, such as:

* **Increasing the number of PCPs:** Addressing the potential physician shortage by recruiting and retaining primary care physicians.
* **Promoting telemedicine adoption:** Encouraging local practices to adopt telemedicine technologies to improve access to care.
* **Expanding mental health services:** Increasing the availability of mental health professionals and support groups for breast cancer patients.
* **Enhancing patient education:** Implementing public health initiatives to educate the community about breast cancer risk factors and early detection.

This analysis provides a framework for assessing the quality of breast cancer care in Crumpler, NC. By examining the factors discussed above, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing this rural community.

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