28665, Purlear, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28665, Purlear, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.98 percent of the residents in 28665 has some form of health insurance. 45.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.56 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 28665 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 497 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28665. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 538 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,034 health care providers accessible to residents in 28665, Purlear, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Purlear, NC (ZIP Code 28665)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer care within the 28665 ZIP code, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility and the overall healthcare landscape in Purlear, North Carolina. The goal is to assess the community's preparedness for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" based on key indicators. This score will be an estimation, reflecting the complex interplay of factors influencing patient access to care.

The foundation of effective breast cancer management rests on a strong primary care infrastructure. In Purlear, primary care availability is a critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and potentially, later-stage breast cancer diagnoses. Data regarding the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Purlear requires specific local research. However, based on general rural healthcare trends, it is likely that Purlear faces challenges in PCP availability compared to more urban areas. This scarcity can significantly impact the Breast Cancer Score.

Early detection is paramount. PCPs play a vital role in recommending and coordinating mammograms and other screening procedures. The frequency with which PCPs in the area adhere to current breast cancer screening guidelines is a key indicator. Are they consistently advising women aged 40 and older to undergo annual mammograms? Are they utilizing risk assessment tools to identify women who may benefit from earlier or more frequent screenings? The degree to which these practices are implemented directly influences the community's Breast Cancer Score.

Beyond screening, the availability of specialized care is crucial. The presence of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons within a reasonable distance is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. Purlear's location may necessitate travel to larger cities like Wilkesboro or Boone for specialized services. The distance and transportation options available to patients impact their ability to access the necessary care. This geographical factor is incorporated into the Breast Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a potential solution to overcome geographical barriers. The utilization of telehealth services by local healthcare providers can improve access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some forms of therapy. The extent of telemedicine integration within Purlear's healthcare system will be evaluated. Increased telemedicine usage can positively influence the Breast Cancer Score by expanding access to specialists and reducing the need for extensive travel.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology or have experience supporting cancer patients, is crucial. Assessing the presence of these resources and their accessibility within the community is a critical factor in the Breast Cancer Score. This includes evaluating the availability of support groups, counseling services, and mental health professionals accepting local insurance plans.

Standout practices within the 28665 ZIP code, if any, should be identified. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, proactive screening, and comprehensive support services will be highlighted. These practices could serve as models for other providers in the area, improving the overall quality of care. Identifying these practices involves researching local healthcare providers and analyzing their practices, patient reviews, and the services they offer.

The Breast Cancer Score will also consider the local healthcare infrastructure. The presence of hospitals, imaging centers, and specialized cancer centers within a reasonable radius is crucial. The quality of these facilities, including their accreditation and the availability of advanced technologies, will influence the score. Furthermore, the accessibility of these facilities, including transportation options and insurance acceptance, will be evaluated.

The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, is not a single number but a composite assessment. It considers PCP availability, screening practices, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, standout practices, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. The score will be presented as a qualitative assessment, such as "Poor," "Fair," "Good," or "Excellent," along with a detailed explanation of the factors contributing to that assessment. The score will be based on available data, research, and local knowledge.

The assessment of PCP availability will involve analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio, the number of PCPs accepting new patients, and the average wait times for appointments. Screening practices will be evaluated based on adherence to national guidelines, the availability of mammography services, and the use of risk assessment tools. Access to specialists will be determined by the proximity of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, as well as the availability of transportation options. Telemedicine adoption will be assessed based on the availability of telehealth services by local providers. Mental health resources will be evaluated based on the availability of therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. Standout practices will be identified through research and analysis of local healthcare providers.

The final Breast Cancer Score for Purlear, NC, will reflect the community's ability to support early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. This analysis will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, allowing for informed decisions and targeted improvements. The score is a snapshot in time, and it is subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves.

This comprehensive analysis provides a framework for understanding breast cancer care in Purlear. However, a more precise assessment requires detailed local research. This includes gathering data on physician availability, screening practices, and the availability of specialized services. Furthermore, patient feedback and community input are essential for a complete understanding of the healthcare experience in the 28665 ZIP code.

Would you like to visualize this data and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of Purlear and surrounding areas? Explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. Discover how geographic data can illuminate healthcare access, resource distribution, and potential disparities.