28669, Roaring River, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28669, Roaring River, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.65 percent of the residents in 28669 has some form of health insurance. 35.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.49 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 28669 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 496 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28669. 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 1,072 health care providers accessible to residents in 28669, Roaring River, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Roaring River, NC (ZIP Code 28669)

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within Roaring River, North Carolina (ZIP code 28669) necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability and quality of care, focusing on primary care physician access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and overall physician-to-patient ratios. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, recognizing that this is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors.

The cornerstone of effective breast cancer care begins with accessible primary care. In Roaring River, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) significantly impacts early detection and timely referrals. A low physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code suggests potential challenges. Ideally, a higher ratio, indicating a greater number of PCPs per capita, would facilitate easier access to appointments for routine screenings, such as mammograms. Any shortages in primary care resources could lead to delayed diagnoses, impacting patient outcomes.

Evaluating the specific practices within the area is crucial. While a comprehensive list of all practices is beyond the scope of this analysis, identifying standout practices is essential. These practices may distinguish themselves through their commitment to breast cancer awareness and early detection. This could be reflected in their proactive screening programs, patient education initiatives, and strong referral networks to specialists. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to patient care, including reminders for screenings and comprehensive patient education, would receive higher marks in this assessment.

Telemedicine adoption represents another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a significant advantage, particularly in rural areas like Roaring River, by reducing geographical barriers to care. The ability to conduct virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, discuss test results, and provide mental health support can improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. The "Breast Cancer Score" would consider the availability of telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of digital tools for patient education. Practices actively embracing telemedicine will be viewed favorably.

Mental health resources are an integral part of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within the community is paramount. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. The "Breast Cancer Score" would assess the availability of these resources, including the number of mental health professionals practicing within the area, the presence of support groups, and the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan.

Physician-to-patient ratios, as mentioned earlier, are a key indicator of accessibility. A higher ratio, signifying a greater number of physicians relative to the population, generally indicates better access to care. However, the quality of care is not solely dependent on the physician-to-patient ratio. Other factors, such as the experience and expertise of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment, and the efficiency of the referral process, also play a crucial role. This analysis will attempt to account for these factors, even if indirectly, by evaluating practice reputations and telemedicine adoption.

The referral process is another area for evaluation. How efficiently do PCPs refer patients for mammograms and to specialists when necessary? A streamlined referral process, with clear communication between PCPs, radiologists, and oncologists, is vital for ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. The "Breast Cancer Score" will indirectly assess the efficiency of this process by evaluating the reputation of practices and the availability of specialist services within a reasonable distance.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Roaring River (ZIP code 28669) will reflect a combination of these factors. It is important to note that this score is not an absolute measure but rather a relative assessment based on available data and publicly accessible information. The score would be higher for communities with a high physician-to-patient ratio, proactive practices, robust telemedicine capabilities, readily available mental health resources, and efficient referral processes.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. Data availability, particularly on specific practice performance and mental health resource utilization, can be limited. The score would be based on publicly available information and may not fully capture the nuances of individual practices or the experiences of individual patients.

Despite these limitations, the "Breast Cancer Score" provides a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the breast cancer care landscape in Roaring River. It can inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about areas that need improvement. This information can be used to advocate for increased access to care, promote the adoption of innovative technologies, and support the development of comprehensive breast cancer care programs.

The analysis highlights the need for continuous monitoring and improvement. Healthcare is a dynamic field, and the "Breast Cancer Score" should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the availability of services, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the community.

This analysis serves as a starting point for a deeper investigation into the breast cancer care landscape in Roaring River. It underscores the importance of access to primary care, the benefits of telemedicine, the need for mental health support, and the significance of efficient referral processes. The "Breast Cancer Score" is a valuable tool for assessing the overall quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and the location of support services, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data visualization.

**Discover the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze healthcare data for Roaring River and beyond. Explore the spatial relationships between resources and population, identify areas with limited access, and make informed decisions about healthcare planning and resource allocation. Visit CartoChrome today to unlock the insights hidden within your data.**