28719, Cherokee, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28719, Cherokee, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 61.45 percent of the residents in 28719 has some form of health insurance. 38.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.43 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 28719 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,761 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28719. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,090 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 511 health care providers accessible to residents in 28719, Cherokee, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28719 & Cherokee County Primary Care

This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP code 28719, encompassing the town of Cherokee, North Carolina, and assesses the availability of primary care resources within Cherokee County. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, focusing on factors crucial for breast cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, identifies standout practices, examines telemedicine adoption, and evaluates the presence of mental health resources, all contributing to a “Breast Cancer Score” assessment.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests upon a robust primary care infrastructure. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients. They play a critical role in screening, education, and referral to specialists. In Cherokee County, assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of PCPs relative to the population. A higher physician-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access to care, allowing for more frequent check-ups, proactive screening, and timely intervention. The availability of PCPs is a crucial determinant of the overall Breast Cancer Score.

Within ZIP code 28719, the specific number of PCPs directly serving the community is a key data point. The proximity of these physicians to the population is equally important. Are practices centrally located, easily accessible by public transportation or private vehicles? Are there geographical barriers, such as mountainous terrain, that might impede access to care? The distribution of practices, including their location relative to the population, is a significant factor in the score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. This involves evaluating the practices themselves. Are they equipped with the latest technology for screening, such as digital mammography? Do they offer comprehensive patient education materials about breast cancer risk factors, self-exams, and screening guidelines? Do they have established referral pathways to specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, for prompt diagnosis and treatment? The presence of these factors contributes to a higher Breast Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine offers a valuable tool, especially in rural areas like Cherokee County, where geographical distances can be a barrier to care. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, review imaging results remotely, and provide follow-up care via telemedicine can significantly improve access to specialists and reduce the burden on patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for breast cancer-related consultations and follow-up appointments, will receive a higher score.

The availability of mental health resources is an often-overlooked but vital component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery can be emotionally challenging. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This integration of mental health support significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score.

Identifying "standout practices" within the ZIP code and county is essential. This requires evaluating practices based on a combination of factors: physician-to-patient ratios, technological capabilities, telemedicine adoption, patient reviews, and the availability of mental health resources. Practices that excel in these areas, offering a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to breast cancer care, will be recognized as leaders. The practices' commitment to these factors is critical to a high Breast Cancer Score.

The Breast Cancer Score is not simply a numerical ranking; it is a holistic assessment of the healthcare ecosystem. It considers the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the patient experience. The score reflects the community's ability to provide timely detection, effective treatment, and compassionate support to individuals affected by breast cancer. The score is a dynamic measure, constantly evolving as healthcare practices adapt and innovate.

The specific data points used to calculate the Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 28719 and Cherokee County include the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents, the number of practices offering digital mammography, the number of practices utilizing telemedicine for breast cancer-related appointments, and the number of practices with integrated mental health services or established referral pathways. Patient satisfaction surveys and reviews are also considered.

The Breast Cancer Score is not designed to be a static assessment. It is intended to be a tool for continuous improvement. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, healthcare providers and community stakeholders can work together to enhance the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. This could involve investing in new technologies, expanding telemedicine capabilities, or increasing access to mental health services.

The assessment of the Breast Cancer Score also considers the broader context of healthcare access in Cherokee County. This includes factors such as insurance coverage rates, the availability of transportation, and the socio-economic status of the population. These factors can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care, and are therefore considered in the overall assessment.

The analysis of the Breast Cancer Score is an ongoing process. As new data becomes available and healthcare practices evolve, the score will be updated to reflect the latest developments. This ensures that the score remains a relevant and reliable measure of the quality of breast cancer care in Cherokee County.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It also aims to provide healthcare providers with valuable insights into their performance, helping them to identify areas for improvement and enhance the care they provide.

To fully visualize and understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in Cherokee County, including the location of primary care practices, specialist offices, and hospitals, we recommend exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's mapping technology allows for a detailed, data-driven exploration of the healthcare landscape, providing a visual representation of the factors discussed in this analysis. Click here to explore the CartoChrome maps and gain a deeper understanding of breast cancer care resources in your community.