28707, Balsam, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28707, Balsam, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.03 percent of the residents in 28707 has some form of health insurance. 48.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.10 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 28707 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 77 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28707. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 162 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,217 health care providers accessible to residents in 28707, Balsam, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28707 and Balsam, NC

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer care within ZIP code 28707, encompassing the Balsam, NC area. We will examine factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, specifically in the context of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In the Balsam area, the ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) to the general population is a critical first consideration. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or requiring routine screenings. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying the detection of breast cancer. Furthermore, the availability of specialists, such as oncologists and radiologists, is paramount. The proximity of these specialists to the Balsam community is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. Analyzing the concentration of these specialists within a reasonable radius, factoring in travel time and accessibility, is vital.

Identifying standout medical practices within the 28707 ZIP code, or within a readily accessible distance, is key. These practices are characterized by several factors. First, they should demonstrate a commitment to early detection through robust screening programs, including mammography and potentially advanced imaging techniques like breast MRI for high-risk patients. Second, they should employ a multidisciplinary approach to care, integrating surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive treatment plans. Third, these practices should actively participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies and research advancements. Finally, patient satisfaction, measured through surveys and reviews, is a crucial indicator of quality. Practices with consistently high patient satisfaction scores often demonstrate a patient-centered approach to care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas like Balsam. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists who may not be locally available. This includes virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and access to educational resources. The availability of telemedicine platforms, the technical infrastructure to support them, and the willingness of both physicians and patients to utilize them are all factors to consider. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel for patients.

The emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. These resources can help patients cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges associated with the disease. Assessing the availability of these resources, including their proximity, cost, and accessibility, is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their treatment plans demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Specific examples of practices in and around the 28707 area that excel in these areas would be highly beneficial, but such information is often proprietary and difficult to obtain without direct access to healthcare data. However, a thorough investigation would involve researching the affiliations of local physicians, the types of services offered by local hospitals and clinics, and the availability of support groups and other resources. This investigation would also assess the presence of any partnerships between local practices and larger healthcare systems, which can often improve access to specialized care and resources.

The analysis would also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence access to care. This includes the prevalence of health insurance coverage, the affordability of healthcare services, and the availability of transportation. Patients without adequate insurance or access to transportation may face significant barriers to accessing timely and appropriate care. These factors must be considered when evaluating the overall quality of breast cancer care in the Balsam area.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the patient's experience. This includes the ease of scheduling appointments, the wait times for appointments, the clarity of communication from healthcare providers, and the overall level of support provided throughout the treatment journey. Gathering patient feedback through surveys and interviews is crucial for understanding the patient experience and identifying areas for improvement.

In conclusion, evaluating breast cancer care in the 28707 ZIP code, encompassing Balsam, NC, requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. This analysis must also consider socioeconomic factors and the patient experience. By carefully considering these factors, a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape can be achieved, allowing for targeted improvements and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

This detailed assessment highlights the complexity of evaluating healthcare access and quality. To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. They offer powerful visualization tools to help you analyze and understand the healthcare landscape in the Balsam area and beyond.