08732, Island Heights, New Jersey Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 08732, Island Heights, New Jersey is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.10 percent of the residents in 08732 has some form of health insurance. 35.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.53 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 08732 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 262 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08732. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 463 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,314 health care providers accessible to residents in 08732, Island Heights, New Jersey.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Island Heights (08732)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within the Island Heights (08732) ZIP code, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians and their capacity to facilitate early detection and treatment. The evaluation considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a holistic approach to breast cancer care.

Island Heights, a small borough in Ocean County, New Jersey, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its relatively small population and proximity to larger towns like Toms River and Bayville influence the availability of medical services. The analysis aims to understand the current landscape and identify areas for improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. Within the 08732 ZIP code, the ratio of primary care physicians to the population is a critical factor. A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care, including preventive screenings like mammograms and regular check-ups. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the immediate ZIP code may be limited due to the small population size and the tendency for residents to seek care in neighboring areas. However, the analysis will consider the availability of primary care physicians in the surrounding communities, which residents of Island Heights are likely to utilize. Publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will be consulted to estimate this ratio and assess its impact on breast cancer care.

The presence of standout medical practices significantly influences the quality of care. These practices are characterized by a commitment to early detection, advanced treatment options, and patient-centered care. Identifying practices within or near the 08732 ZIP code that offer comprehensive breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment, is vital. Factors considered include the availability of board-certified oncologists, radiologists specializing in breast imaging, and surgical oncologists. The analysis will evaluate the practices’ commitment to utilizing the latest technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and minimally invasive biopsy techniques. Furthermore, the availability of support services, such as patient navigators and support groups, will be assessed.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, provide remote consultations, and facilitate follow-up care, all of which are crucial for breast cancer patients. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care physicians and specialists in the area offer telemedicine services. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing healthcare systems. The adoption of telemedicine can improve patient outcomes by reducing travel time and increasing access to timely care.

Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the 08732 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This includes assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups specializing in cancer care. The integration of mental health services into the overall treatment plan is crucial for addressing the psychological challenges associated with breast cancer, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The analysis will consider the availability of resources for financial assistance, such as grants and patient assistance programs, which can help patients manage the costs of treatment. Access to these resources can significantly reduce financial stress and improve patient outcomes. The availability of educational materials and support groups for patients and their families will also be evaluated.

The overall score will reflect a composite of these factors, providing a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care within the 08732 ZIP code. The score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, with each factor contributing to the overall assessment. The weighting of each factor will be determined based on its importance in providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

The analysis will also identify any gaps in care, such as a shortage of specialists, limited access to advanced technologies, or a lack of mental health resources. These gaps will be highlighted to inform efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the area. The analysis will provide recommendations for improving breast cancer care, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and expanding access to mental health services.

The primary care availability in Island Heights is crucial, as these physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients. Their ability to provide preventive care, such as breast cancer screenings, and to refer patients to specialists is essential. The analysis will assess the capacity of primary care physicians to provide these services and their willingness to participate in early detection programs.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on breast cancer care. Factors such as income, education, and access to transportation can significantly affect a patient's ability to access care. The analysis will assess the impact of these factors on breast cancer care in the 08732 ZIP code and identify any disparities in access to care.

In conclusion, the ‘Breast Cancer Score’ analysis for Island Heights (08732) aims to provide a clear picture of the current state of breast cancer care, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This information is vital for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents seeking to improve access to high-quality, comprehensive breast cancer care. The analysis will serve as a valuable resource for understanding the challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery within this community.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Island Heights and the surrounding areas, and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to use CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to easily identify healthcare resources, understand physician locations, and assess access to care. Explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome and gain a deeper understanding of your community's healthcare resources.