28781, Topton, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28781, Topton, North Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.14 percent of the residents in 28781 has some form of health insurance. 59.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.67 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 28781 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 72 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28781. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 414 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 903 health care providers accessible to residents in 28781, Topton, North Carolina.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Topton, NC (ZIP Code 28781)**

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within Topton, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28781) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," evaluates the availability and quality of resources for patients, focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This score provides a snapshot of the local healthcare ecosystem's capacity to address the needs of individuals facing or at risk of breast cancer.

The foundation of any robust breast cancer care system is accessible primary care. In Topton, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced access to preventative screenings, all of which negatively impact breast cancer outcomes. Researching the current ratio within 28781, and comparing it to state and national averages, is essential. This data, ideally, would be obtained from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. Census Bureau, providing a clear understanding of the primary care capacity.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices matters. Are practices geographically dispersed, ensuring that residents across Topton can access care without excessive travel? Are there any underserved areas? Examining the locations of existing practices and the demographics they serve is vital. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve vulnerable populations, is another key factor. These centers can be crucial in ensuring equitable access to care.

Specialized breast cancer care, of course, is paramount. While Topton may not have its own dedicated oncology centers, the proximity to such facilities in nearby towns or cities is crucial. Assessing the travel time to these centers, and the availability of transportation options, is critical. The presence of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, and radiologists within a reasonable distance is a significant positive factor. Moreover, the existence of multidisciplinary care teams, where specialists collaborate to develop comprehensive treatment plans, is highly desirable.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component of the Breast Cancer Score. The ability to conduct virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even some initial consultations can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. Evaluating the extent to which local primary care practices and specialist providers offer telemedicine services is essential. This includes assessing the types of services offered virtually, the ease of use of the platforms, and the availability of technical support for patients.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked, but critically important, aspect of breast cancer care. A diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is crucial for patients coping with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Investigating the availability of mental health services within Topton, or nearby, is a priority. This includes determining whether these services are integrated into primary care practices or oncology centers, and whether there are support groups or other resources available to patients.

Standout practices in the Topton area, if any, deserve recognition. This could involve practices that demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative approaches to treatment, or a commitment to community outreach. Identifying these practices and highlighting their best practices can provide valuable insights and inspire other providers to improve their services. This involves reviewing patient reviews, researching accreditations, and assessing the practice’s participation in quality improvement initiatives.

The Breast Cancer Score for Topton, NC (28781) is not simply a numerical grade. It is a holistic assessment of the healthcare ecosystem's capacity to support breast cancer patients. It considers the availability of primary care, the proximity to specialized services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health support. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The ultimate goal is to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for better care. The information gathered can be used to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members about the needs of breast cancer patients in Topton. By understanding the current state of care, it is possible to work towards creating a more supportive and effective healthcare system for all.

The analysis, ultimately, is a dynamic process. Healthcare landscapes evolve. Regular updates and revisions are necessary to reflect changes in the availability of services, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of patients. This ongoing assessment ensures that the Breast Cancer Score remains a relevant and useful tool for improving breast cancer care in Topton.

To further visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape of Topton, NC (28781), consider using interactive mapping tools like CartoChrome maps. These maps can display the locations of primary care practices, specialist providers, and other resources, providing a visual representation of the healthcare ecosystem.