28804, Asheville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28804, Asheville, North Carolina is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.72 percent of the residents in 28804 has some form of health insurance. 34.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.58 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 28804 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,341 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28804. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,756 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,857 health care providers accessible to residents in 28804, Asheville, North Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Asheville, NC (ZIP Code 28804) and Primary Care Availability

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for the 28804 ZIP code in Asheville, North Carolina, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services, crucial for early detection and management of breast cancer. This score considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital components of a holistic approach to patient care. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the resources available to women in this area, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform healthcare decisions.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental step. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and local healthcare systems must be analyzed to determine the actual physician-to-patient ratio within the 28804 ZIP code. This data should be further broken down by specialty, specifically focusing on primary care physicians (PCPs), as they are often the first point of contact for patients and play a vital role in breast cancer screening referrals.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" requires examining several key performance indicators. These include patient satisfaction scores (gathered through surveys and online reviews), the adoption of evidence-based breast cancer screening guidelines (e.g., mammography recommendations from the American Cancer Society), the presence of certified nurse navigators to guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, and the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate seamless information sharing. Practices demonstrating excellence in these areas would receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically isolated locations. Evaluating the availability of telehealth services for primary care visits, including breast cancer screening consultations, is essential. This includes assessing the types of telemedicine platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, phone calls), the availability of virtual appointments, and the ease of use for patients. Practices actively embracing telemedicine will contribute positively to the overall score.

The link between mental health and cancer is well-established. The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. This includes assessing whether practices offer on-site mental health professionals, have established referral pathways to mental health specialists, or provide resources for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices integrating mental health services into their care models will be recognized for their commitment to holistic patient well-being.

The analysis should also consider the availability of support groups, educational materials, and community resources specifically tailored to breast cancer patients. This includes partnerships with local organizations like the Cancer Society or specific breast cancer support groups. Practices actively participating in community outreach and providing educational resources contribute significantly to patient empowerment and overall health outcomes.

Specific practices within the 28804 ZIP code will be individually assessed. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, excellent patient satisfaction scores, a robust telemedicine program, and on-site mental health services would receive a significantly higher score than a practice with limited resources and a less patient-centric approach. The analysis should highlight these differences, providing a comparative overview of the available options.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" for the 28804 ZIP code will be a composite score, weighted based on the relative importance of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratio, quality of practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability will each contribute to the overall score. The scoring system should be transparent and easily understandable, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

It is important to note that this analysis is a snapshot in time and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The data used must be current and regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, practice improvements, and the adoption of new technologies. The scoring system should also be flexible enough to adapt to future advancements in breast cancer care.

The analysis will also consider the potential impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access and outcomes. This includes analyzing the demographics of the 28804 ZIP code, identifying any disparities in access to care, and assessing the efforts of local healthcare providers to address these disparities. This is crucial to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their background, have equal access to quality breast cancer care.

This "Breast Cancer Score" analysis will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of primary care availability in the 28804 ZIP code. It will empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately contribute to better breast cancer outcomes.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and community support services within the 28804 ZIP code, consider using CartoChrome maps. This interactive platform allows for a detailed, visual representation of the data, making it easier to understand the spatial relationships between healthcare resources and the population they serve.