28635, Hays, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28635, Hays, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.00 percent of the residents in 28635 has some form of health insurance. 49.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.80 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 28635 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 803 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28635. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 753 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,237 health care providers accessible to residents in 28635, Hays, North Carolina.

Breast cancer screening and treatment access within a defined geographic area like ZIP code 28635, encompassing Hays, North Carolina, is a complex issue. Evaluating the quality of care available requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the presence of medical professionals but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the breast cancer care landscape within this specific area, focusing on key indicators to assess the overall 'Breast Cancer Score'.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental metric. Analyzing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly oncologists and radiologists, relative to the population of Hays is crucial. A low ratio of physicians to patients can lead to delayed diagnoses, longer wait times for appointments, and reduced access to specialized care. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can provide the raw numbers. However, simply counting physicians isn't enough. The age and experience of the physicians, their areas of specialization, and their willingness to accept new patients all impact access.

Standout practices within ZIP code 28635 require further investigation. Identifying medical groups or individual practitioners known for their commitment to breast cancer care, such as those actively participating in clinical trials, utilizing advanced screening technologies like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and offering comprehensive support services, is vital. Researching online patient reviews, assessing accreditations from organizations like the American College of Radiology, and evaluating the availability of multidisciplinary care teams (including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and nurses) are critical steps. Practices that proactively engage in patient education and offer resources for navigating the complexities of breast cancer treatment also deserve recognition.

Telemedicine adoption is another key element. The use of telehealth services, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Hays. Assessing the availability of telemedicine consultations with oncologists, radiologists, and mental health professionals is essential. Determining which practices offer virtual appointments, the ease of scheduling these appointments, and the technological infrastructure in place to support telehealth services are important factors to consider.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for breast cancer patients. The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals specializing in oncology, support groups, and counseling services within the Hays area is critical. Assessing whether these resources are readily accessible, affordable, and integrated into the overall care plan is essential. Practices that actively screen for mental health needs and provide referrals to appropriate resources demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Primary care availability is a foundational aspect of breast cancer care. PCPs play a crucial role in early detection through breast cancer screenings and referrals to specialists. The accessibility of primary care physicians in Hays, including factors like appointment wait times, insurance acceptance, and the availability of evening or weekend hours, directly impacts the timeliness of breast cancer diagnoses. Analyzing the number of PCPs accepting new patients and their willingness to prioritize preventive care, including breast cancer screenings, is essential.

Analyzing the data collected from these various sources will help create a 'Breast Cancer Score' for the area. This score will be a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care within ZIP code 28635. The score should be based on a weighted average of the key indicators discussed above, with each indicator assigned a weight based on its relative importance.

The final score should be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing for easy comparison with other areas. The score should also be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used to calculate the score, including the data sources, the weighting system, and any limitations of the analysis. This transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring the credibility of the score.

It's important to acknowledge the limitations of this type of analysis. Data availability can vary, and some information may be difficult to obtain. Furthermore, the 'Breast Cancer Score' is only a snapshot in time and can change as healthcare resources evolve. The analysis should be updated regularly to reflect these changes.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the breast cancer care landscape in Hays. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, this analysis can inform efforts to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and ultimately, improve outcomes for breast cancer patients in the area.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hays and visualize the distribution of medical resources, including physicians, hospitals, and support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help you explore the data discussed in this analysis and gain valuable insights into the accessibility of breast cancer care within ZIP code 28635.