28698, Zionville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28698, Zionville, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.07 percent of the residents in 28698 has some form of health insurance. 37.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.06 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 28698 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 463 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28698. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 581 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 332 health care providers accessible to residents in 28698, Zionville, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Zionville, NC (ZIP Code 28698)

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within Zionville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28698) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of physicians but also the overall healthcare infrastructure, including primary care access, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health support. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, acknowledging that a definitive numerical score is impossible without proprietary data. Instead, we will evaluate key factors to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem regarding breast cancer care.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access:**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in early detection and consistent follow-up, often initiated through primary care physicians (PCPs). In Zionville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Researching the specific PCP-to-population ratio within 28698 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state health departments can offer insights.

Furthermore, the accessibility of primary care is paramount. Factors like insurance acceptance (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), appointment availability (same-day, next-day), and geographic proximity (travel time to the nearest clinic) significantly impact patient access. If Zionville has limited primary care options, residents may face significant challenges in obtaining timely breast cancer screenings and referrals. This can be particularly problematic for those with limited transportation or mobility.

**Standout Practices and Specialist Availability:**

Identifying standout practices within Zionville and the surrounding areas is crucial. This involves evaluating the quality of care provided by both primary care physicians and specialists. Key considerations include:

* **Accreditation:** Are practices accredited by reputable organizations like the American College of Radiology (ACR) for mammography services? Accreditation signifies adherence to high standards of quality and safety.
* **Technology:** Do practices utilize advanced imaging technologies such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and ultrasound? These technologies can improve the detection of breast cancer, especially in women with dense breast tissue.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online patient reviews can offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and overall satisfaction with care.
* **Specialist Availability:** The presence of oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists specializing in breast cancer is critical. Access to these specialists within a reasonable distance is a significant factor in the overall quality of care. Are there established referral pathways between PCPs and specialists?

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to address access challenges, particularly in rural areas like Zionville. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices can significantly improve breast cancer care. Telemedicine can facilitate:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Patients can consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel.
* **Follow-up Appointments:** Routine follow-up appointments can be conducted virtually, saving time and improving convenience.
* **Education and Support:** Telemedicine platforms can provide access to educational materials, support groups, and counseling services.

Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption within Zionville requires investigating which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered, and the technology platforms used. Factors like internet access in the area and patient comfort with technology also play a role in the effectiveness of telemedicine.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore an essential component of comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes:

* **Counseling and Therapy:** Are there mental health professionals available in Zionville or nearby who specialize in supporting cancer patients?
* **Support Groups:** Are there local support groups where patients can connect with others facing similar challenges?
* **Psychiatric Services:** Access to psychiatric care may be necessary for managing anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.

The availability and accessibility of these resources are critical for ensuring that patients receive the holistic care they need.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment (Qualitative):**

Based on the factors discussed, a hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score" for Zionville (28698) would be determined by the interplay of these elements.

* **High Score:** If Zionville has a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, readily accessible primary care, standout practices with advanced technology, robust telemedicine adoption, and ample mental health resources, the score would be high. This would indicate a well-supported healthcare ecosystem for breast cancer care.
* **Moderate Score:** If Zionville has some strengths but also some weaknesses, such as a moderate physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, or fewer mental health resources, the score would be moderate.
* **Low Score:** If Zionville faces significant challenges, such as a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited primary care access, a lack of advanced technology, minimal telemedicine adoption, and a scarcity of mental health resources, the score would be low. This would indicate a need for improvement in various areas to enhance breast cancer care.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

This analysis highlights the complexities of assessing breast cancer care in a specific geographic area. Understanding the nuances of physician availability, primary care access, technological advancements, and mental health support is crucial for evaluating the quality of care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Zionville and the surrounding areas, including the geographic distribution of physicians, specialist locations, and healthcare facilities, consider using **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help visualize the data discussed in this analysis, enabling a more informed understanding of the healthcare resources available to residents of 28698.