28762, Old Fort, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28762, Old Fort, North Carolina is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.91 percent of the residents in 28762 has some form of health insurance. 45.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.82 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 28762 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28762. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,712 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,664 health care providers accessible to residents in 28762, Old Fort, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Old Fort, NC (ZIP Code 28762)

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care within Old Fort, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28762) requires a multi-faceted approach. This assessment, focusing on physician availability, practice quality, and resource accessibility, will provide a "Breast Cancer Score" perspective, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem. The primary goal is to understand the ease with which residents can access quality breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and supportive care.

The foundation of any breast cancer care system rests on primary care physicians (PCPs). Their role is pivotal in early detection through regular screenings, patient education, and timely referrals to specialists. Evaluating primary care availability in Old Fort, and specifically within the context of breast cancer, necessitates examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs relative to the population, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Researching the current PCP-to-patient ratio in 28762 is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from local hospitals and clinics, is essential. This data will reveal whether the current PCP supply adequately meets the community's healthcare needs.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care significantly impacts breast cancer outcomes. Assessing the practices within Old Fort involves considering several factors. Do these practices adhere to the latest breast cancer screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the American Cancer Society or the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force? Do they offer mammography services on-site, or do they have established referral pathways to local imaging centers? Evaluating the practices' use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also important. EHRs facilitate efficient communication between providers, enabling seamless referrals and access to patient history, which is critical for early detection and treatment.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the assessment. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has the potential to enhance access to care, especially in rural areas like Old Fort. Examining whether local practices offer telehealth consultations for breast cancer screening discussions, follow-up appointments, or mental health support is important. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who face geographical barriers or mobility challenges. It can also improve access to specialists who might not be readily available locally.

The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. The Breast Cancer Score must consider the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Old Fort area. Are there local support groups specifically for breast cancer patients? Do practices routinely screen for depression and anxiety? The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is essential for supporting patients throughout their journey.

Identifying standout practices within the Old Fort area is a key part of the analysis. This involves looking beyond the basic metrics and assessing the practices' commitment to patient-centered care. Do these practices actively participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about breast cancer? Do they offer educational materials and resources to their patients? Do they have a strong patient satisfaction record? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these elements often provide a higher level of care.

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized breast cancer care, such as oncology and surgical services. While Old Fort may not have these services directly within the ZIP code, the proximity and accessibility of these specialists in nearby areas are important. Are there established referral networks to cancer centers or hospitals with specialized breast cancer programs? The ease with which patients can access these specialists directly impacts their care.

Further, the analysis will investigate the availability of financial assistance programs. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and financial barriers can prevent patients from accessing the care they need. Are there local resources or programs that provide financial assistance for screenings, treatment, or medications? Understanding the availability of these resources is essential for ensuring equitable access to care.

Finally, the "Breast Cancer Score" will be a synthesis of all these factors. It is not a single numerical score, but rather a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem in relation to breast cancer care. The score will highlight areas where the community excels and areas where improvements are needed. This information can then be used to inform healthcare planning, resource allocation, and community initiatives aimed at improving breast cancer outcomes.

The "Breast Cancer Score" assessment will also consider the demographic characteristics of the population within ZIP Code 28762. Factors like age, race, and socioeconomic status can influence breast cancer risk and access to care. Understanding these demographics is essential for tailoring healthcare services to meet the specific needs of the community.

The assessment will also consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer care in Old Fort. The pandemic has disrupted healthcare services globally, leading to delays in screenings, diagnoses, and treatment. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which these disruptions have affected the community and the measures that have been taken to mitigate their impact.

The overall goal is to provide a clear and concise picture of the state of breast cancer care in Old Fort. This information can be used by healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents to make informed decisions and advocate for improvements. By focusing on physician availability, practice quality, resource accessibility, and community support, the "Breast Cancer Score" assessment can serve as a valuable tool for improving breast cancer outcomes in the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Old Fort, including physician locations, practice demographics, and access to resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the community's healthcare needs.