28792, Hendersonville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28792, Hendersonville, North Carolina is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.13 percent of the residents in 28792 has some form of health insurance. 44.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.78 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 28792 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,290 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28792. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,220 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,231 health care providers accessible to residents in 28792, Hendersonville, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Hendersonville, NC (ZIP Code 28792)

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care within Hendersonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28792) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability and quality of care, considering factors like physician density, practice performance, integration of technology, and the provision of mental health support, all crucial elements in a patient's journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care is the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). They serve as the initial point of contact, guiding patients through screenings, providing referrals to specialists, and coordinating overall healthcare. The physician-to-patient ratio in Hendersonville is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced individual attention. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access and potentially more personalized care. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with local healthcare provider directories, are essential to accurately determine this ratio within the 28792 ZIP code. This data should then be compared to national and state averages to benchmark the local availability of primary care.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of PCPs across the area is important. Are there underserved areas within the ZIP code where access is limited? Factors such as transportation challenges, particularly for elderly or low-income patients, must be considered. The physical proximity of primary care practices to residential areas, and the availability of public transportation options to reach those practices, play a significant role in patient access.

Once primary care access is assessed, the next layer involves specialized care. This includes access to oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other specialists crucial for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The same methodology used for PCPs – analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, geographical distribution, and wait times – applies here. Furthermore, it's important to evaluate the availability of specialized facilities, such as dedicated breast imaging centers, chemotherapy infusion centers, and radiation therapy facilities. The presence of these facilities within the 28792 ZIP code, or within a reasonable commuting distance, is critical for minimizing patient travel burden and ensuring timely access to necessary treatments.

Within the specialist network, identifying standout practices is crucial. This involves analyzing factors beyond simple physician numbers. Reviews from patients, data on patient outcomes (where available and ethically permissible), and accreditations from reputable organizations (such as the American College of Surgeons) can help identify practices with a proven track record of quality care. For example, practices with a multidisciplinary approach, where oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists collaborate closely, often provide more comprehensive and coordinated care. Similarly, practices that actively participate in clinical trials may offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments.

The integration of technology is transforming healthcare, and its impact on breast cancer care is significant. Telemedicine, for instance, can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, should be evaluated. This assessment includes examining the availability of secure video conferencing platforms, the ease of scheduling virtual appointments, and the overall patient experience with telemedicine services. Practices that have embraced technology to streamline communication, provide educational resources, and facilitate remote monitoring are likely to score higher in this analysis.

Mental health support is a vital, yet often overlooked, component of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can have profound psychological impacts, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The availability of mental health resources within the 28792 ZIP code, specifically those tailored to cancer patients, is a key factor in this analysis. This includes access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and psychiatric services. Assessing the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, such as referrals from oncologists or the availability of on-site mental health professionals, is also essential. Practices that prioritize mental health support demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" will be a composite of these factors. Each element – primary care access, specialist availability, practice performance, technology adoption, and mental health resources – will be assigned a weighted score based on its importance to patient outcomes and overall quality of care. The weighting system should be transparent and based on evidence-based guidelines and best practices in breast cancer care. The overall score will provide a snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem within the 28792 ZIP code, highlighting areas where improvements are needed.

This analysis is not just about numbers; it's about understanding the patient experience. It’s about identifying the resources available to women facing a breast cancer diagnosis and ensuring they have access to the best possible care, close to home. It is about recognizing the efforts of healthcare providers and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

To visualize the geographical distribution of these healthcare resources, and to better understand the accessibility of care within Hendersonville, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, facility locations, and other relevant data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the healthcare landscape.