28627, Glade Valley, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28627, Glade Valley, North Carolina is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.54 percent of the residents in 28627 has some form of health insurance. 50.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.88 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 28627 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 153 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28627. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 316 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 879 health care providers accessible to residents in 28627, Glade Valley, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Glade Valley, NC (ZIP Code 28627)

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within Glade Valley, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28627), requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and the crucial support systems available to patients. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem. The score, though not a single number, is reflected in the discussion of each component.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access:**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection and consistent follow-up are critical, making access to primary care physicians (PCPs) a vital component of our assessment. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Glade Valley is challenging without access to real-time, granular data. However, using publicly available resources and demographic information, we can estimate the PCP availability. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, could be a significant red flag. This scarcity would likely translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses.

Glade Valley's rural setting may pose challenges to primary care access. Geographic limitations, including distance to practices and transportation options, can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely care. The availability of transportation services, such as ride-sharing programs or community-based transportation, becomes an essential factor in mitigating these challenges. Without readily available, accurate data on the precise number of PCPs and the patient population, this area receives a preliminary score that is moderate.

**Standout Practices and Specialist Availability:**

Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists, particularly oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, is paramount. While Glade Valley itself may not host a comprehensive cancer center, the proximity to larger medical facilities in surrounding areas is crucial. Our analysis must assess the ease of access to these specialists. This involves evaluating travel times, referral networks, and the reputation of the specialists and facilities.

We can look for practices with specific breast cancer care programs, such as those offering comprehensive screening services, diagnostic imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI), and coordinated care pathways. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or offer access to innovative treatments would receive higher marks. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and breast care nurses, is a strong indicator of a well-rounded care model. The lack of specific, named practices and their offerings in public domain information makes a definitive score difficult, but the need for access to specialists outside of the immediate area lowers the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Technological Integration:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption rate within Glade Valley’s medical practices is a critical element of our analysis. Practices that utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring can significantly improve patient convenience and reduce travel burdens.

We must assess the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), the platforms used, and the ease of access for patients. Practices that integrate telemedicine into their care pathways and provide technical support to patients will receive higher scores. Additionally, the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and the ability to share patient information seamlessly between different providers are essential for coordinated care. The lack of publicly available information on telemedicine adoption rates leads to a moderate score.

**Mental Health Resources and Support Systems:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources and support systems is, therefore, a critical component of our assessment. This includes access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and other resources that can help patients cope with the emotional challenges of their illness.

We must evaluate the availability of mental health professionals in the area, the integration of mental health services into the overall care model, and the availability of support groups and patient education programs. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients and offer access to comprehensive support services will receive higher scores. The presence of patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, is also a positive indicator. The difficulty in finding specific mental health resources in the public domain leads to a low score.

**Overall Breast Cancer Score and Considerations:**

Without specific data on the number of physicians, practice offerings, and telemedicine adoption rates within Glade Valley (ZIP Code 28627), assigning a definitive "Breast Cancer Score" is challenging. However, based on the available information, we can draw some preliminary conclusions.

The primary care access, while potentially limited by the rural setting, is a foundational aspect of care. The availability of specialists, though likely requiring travel to larger facilities, is crucial. Telemedicine adoption, if present, could help bridge the geographical gap. The availability of mental health resources, a critical component of overall well-being, needs further investigation.

To improve the "Breast Cancer Score" for Glade Valley, the following actions are recommended:

* **Increase PCP Availability:** Recruit and retain more primary care physicians in the area.
* **Improve Specialist Access:** Facilitate partnerships with specialists in surrounding areas to streamline referrals and coordinate care.
* **Promote Telemedicine Adoption:** Encourage local practices to adopt telemedicine technologies and provide technical support to patients.
* **Enhance Mental Health Support:** Increase the availability of mental health professionals and support groups.
* **Improve Public Data Availability:** Increase the amount of public information on local practices.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

This analysis provides a preliminary overview of the breast cancer care landscape in Glade Valley (ZIP Code 28627). For a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the local healthcare environment, including physician locations, practice offerings, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow you to visualize geographic data, analyze healthcare access, and make informed decisions about your health and the health of your community. Visit CartoChrome maps today to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Glade Valley.