28660, Olin, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28660, Olin, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.05 percent of the residents in 28660 has some form of health insurance. 39.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.68 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 28660 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 474 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28660. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 524 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,988 health care providers accessible to residents in 28660, Olin, North Carolina.

This analysis assesses breast cancer care accessibility and quality within ZIP code 28660, focusing on physicians and primary care resources available in Olin, North Carolina. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, with a specific focus on factors influencing breast cancer patient outcomes.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Olin, and the surrounding area of ZIP code 28660, is a critical starting point. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing current data from state and national healthcare databases. However, a general assessment can be made. Rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially leading to a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to urban centers. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialists, and potentially delayed diagnoses. The impact on breast cancer care is significant, as timely access to primary care physicians (PCPs) for screenings and referrals is crucial.

Primary care availability in Olin is a core component of this analysis. The presence and accessibility of PCPs directly impact breast cancer screening rates. A robust primary care system with readily available appointments and a commitment to preventative care is essential. This includes access to mammography services, either within the primary care practice or through efficient referral pathways. The availability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can provide a significant portion of primary care services, is also an important factor. Assessing the number of primary care practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans provides a clearer picture of accessibility.

Standout practices within the 28660 ZIP code would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes practices that actively promote breast cancer screening, provide patient education, and have established referral networks to specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons. Practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate efficient communication and care coordination are also noteworthy. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, offering support services and addressing the emotional needs of patients, deserve recognition. Identifying these standout practices requires a review of patient testimonials, practice websites, and potentially direct contact with the practices themselves.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations with specialists, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups remotely. The availability of telemedicine services for breast cancer patients in 28660, including consultations with oncologists, radiologists, and mental health professionals, is a crucial element of care. Assessing the types of telemedicine services offered, the platforms used, and the reimbursement policies of insurance providers is essential. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to improve access to care and enhance patient convenience.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of breast cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community is paramount. Assessing the number of mental health providers, their areas of expertise, and their willingness to work with breast cancer patients is vital. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, can provide invaluable emotional support and a sense of community. Practices that integrate mental health services into their breast cancer care programs demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

The overall ‘Breast Cancer Score’ for doctors in ZIP code 28660 and primary care availability in Olin is a complex calculation. It would require assigning weights to each of the factors discussed above, such as physician-to-patient ratios, primary care accessibility, standout practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The weighting should reflect the relative importance of each factor in influencing breast cancer patient outcomes. For example, access to screening and timely referrals might be weighted more heavily than the availability of online support groups. The final score would then be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in the area.

The analysis would benefit from data visualization. Mapping the location of primary care practices, specialist offices, and mental health providers within the 28660 ZIP code can visually represent the distribution of resources and identify potential areas of need. Mapping wait times for appointments, screening rates, and patient outcomes can provide further insights. This type of visualization can be particularly valuable for identifying disparities in care and informing strategies for improvement.

The challenges in rural healthcare are well-documented. Addressing the physician shortage, improving access to specialists, and expanding telemedicine capabilities are ongoing priorities. Enhancing patient education, promoting early detection, and providing comprehensive support services are also crucial. Collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to improving breast cancer care in Olin and the surrounding area.

Ultimately, this analysis provides a snapshot of the current state of breast cancer care in the 28660 ZIP code. It highlights areas of strength and weakness, providing a foundation for future improvements. The goal is to empower patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to work together to ensure that all individuals have access to high-quality, comprehensive breast cancer care.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in 28660 and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, primary care practices, and specialist availability, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data discussed in this analysis, helping to identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement.