28693, Warrensville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28693, Warrensville, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.86 percent of the residents in 28693 has some form of health insurance. 40.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.76 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 28693 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 360 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28693. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 416 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 343 health care providers accessible to residents in 28693, Warrensville, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Warrensville, NC (ZIP Code 28693)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality for breast cancer care in Warrensville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28693) requires a multifaceted approach. We will examine physician availability, focusing on primary care as a critical entry point, and then delve into specific factors relevant to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and support. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within this rural community.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible primary care. In Warrensville, assessing primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can create significant barriers to timely appointments, preventative screenings, and ongoing management. Data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with information from the American Medical Association, can provide estimates of the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This data, when compared to the population of Warrensville, will reveal the physician-to-patient ratio. A concerningly high ratio suggests potential delays in accessing care, which can negatively impact breast cancer outcomes.

Beyond physician numbers, the distribution of primary care practices is crucial. Are practices centrally located, easily accessible via public transportation or private vehicles? Are there practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, to ensure access for all residents? Investigating the geographic distribution and insurance acceptance policies of primary care practices is vital to understanding the true accessibility of care.

Standout practices in Warrensville, if any, will be those that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including routine mammograms and clinical breast exams. These practices might have dedicated staff members focused on patient education and outreach, proactively reminding patients of screening appointments. They may also utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient risk factors and ensure timely follow-up. Identifying these practices requires reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing practice websites for information on services offered, and potentially conducting interviews with local healthcare professionals.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, particularly in rural areas like Warrensville. Practices that offer virtual consultations for initial assessments, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support can significantly improve access to care. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining the availability of virtual appointment options, the types of services offered remotely, and the ease with which patients can access and utilize these services. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow deserve recognition for their commitment to patient-centered care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for breast cancer patients. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community is crucial. Assessing this involves identifying the number of mental health providers, their specialties, and their acceptance of insurance. Additionally, examining the availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, is important. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and offer or refer patients to these resources demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Warrensville will be influenced by the availability of specialists. While primary care is the gateway, access to oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons is essential for diagnosis and treatment. The proximity to specialized cancer centers and the ease with which patients can be referred to these centers are crucial factors. This analysis will examine the distance to the nearest cancer centers, the referral processes used by local primary care practices, and the availability of transportation assistance for patients.

The quality of care also depends on the availability of advanced diagnostic tools. The presence of high-quality mammography equipment, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), is critical for early detection. Assessing this involves determining the type of mammography equipment available at local imaging centers and the frequency with which these centers are accredited by organizations like the American College of Radiology.

Patient education and support services play a vital role in the overall breast cancer experience. Practices that offer educational materials, support groups, and resources for financial assistance can significantly improve patient outcomes. This analysis will investigate the availability of these services within the community, including the presence of patient navigators who can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Warrensville, NC (ZIP Code 28693) will be a composite of these factors: physician-to-patient ratio, geographic distribution of practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist availability, advanced diagnostic tools, and patient support services. The score will reflect the community's strengths and weaknesses in providing comprehensive breast cancer care. Areas with lower scores may warrant targeted interventions, such as recruiting more primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and increasing access to mental health resources.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Warrensville and surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, the availability of services, and the demographic characteristics of the population, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data analyzed, enabling a deeper understanding of the healthcare access and quality within the community.