08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.34 percent of the residents in 08247 has some form of health insurance. 47.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.59 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 08247 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 84 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08247. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 483 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 554 health care providers accessible to residents in 08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Stone Harbor, NJ (ZIP Code 08247)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of breast cancer-related healthcare within Stone Harbor, New Jersey (ZIP code 08247). It considers several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer care. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals in this specific community.

The foundation of any robust breast cancer care system rests on the availability of primary care physicians. These physicians serve as the initial point of contact, providing preventative screenings, early detection, and referrals to specialists. In Stone Harbor, assessing primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio indicates the number of patients each physician is responsible for, and directly impacts access to care. A lower ratio generally suggests better access, allowing for more personalized attention and shorter wait times for appointments. Data on physician distribution, practice size, and patient demographics are essential for accurate calculations. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the New Jersey Department of Health, alongside information from healthcare directories, can be used to estimate this ratio.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is also critical. This includes the physicians' experience, their commitment to evidence-based practices, and their willingness to engage in shared decision-making with patients. Practices that actively promote preventative screenings, such as mammograms, and provide clear information about breast cancer risk factors and early warning signs are essential. Furthermore, the ability of primary care physicians to coordinate care with specialists, such as oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, is crucial for a seamless patient experience. Assessing this coordination requires investigating the referral patterns of local primary care practices and evaluating the communication protocols they have in place.

The presence of standout medical practices within the ZIP code or in close proximity is a significant factor. These practices often serve as centers of excellence, offering a higher level of expertise and resources. Identifying these practices involves researching the credentials of the physicians, their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers, and the technologies they utilize. Practices that offer advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and have access to specialized breast cancer treatment options, such as targeted therapies, are highly desirable. Furthermore, the patient experience within these practices should be evaluated, considering factors like patient satisfaction, wait times, and the availability of patient navigators or support staff.

Telemedicine has become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption in Stone Harbor can significantly impact access to care, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves identifying which practices offer these services and evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms they use. The ease of use of these platforms, the security of patient data, and the availability of technical support are all important considerations.

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges are common. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a crucial aspect of a comprehensive breast cancer care system. This includes access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and psychiatric services. Assessing mental health resource availability involves identifying local mental health providers, evaluating their experience in treating patients with cancer, and determining the types of support groups that are available. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, such as offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals, is highly desirable.

Evaluating the overall breast cancer care landscape in Stone Harbor requires considering the interplay of all these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the overall score. Data from various sources needs to be compiled, analyzed, and weighted appropriately to generate a comprehensive assessment. The final score should reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in this specific community.

The analysis should also consider the accessibility of care. This includes the physical accessibility of medical facilities, such as the availability of wheelchair access and convenient parking. It also includes the financial accessibility of care, such as the acceptance of various insurance plans and the availability of financial assistance programs. The cultural sensitivity of the healthcare providers is also important, ensuring that patients from diverse backgrounds feel comfortable and respected.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of patient education resources. This includes information about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, treatment options, and survivorship. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise, and up-to-date information are more likely to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. This could include pamphlets, websites, or educational sessions.

In conclusion, evaluating the breast cancer care landscape in Stone Harbor, NJ (ZIP code 08247) requires a multifaceted approach. By considering the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, a comprehensive assessment can be made. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in this community, and for identifying areas where improvements can be made.

For a visual representation of this data and to explore the healthcare landscape of Stone Harbor and surrounding areas with interactive maps, visit CartoChrome maps.