27009, Belews Creek, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27009, Belews Creek, North Carolina is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.74 percent of the residents in 27009 has some form of health insurance. 39.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.64 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 27009 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,063 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27009. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 602 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,746 health care providers accessible to residents in 27009, Belews Creek, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Belews Creek, NC (ZIP Code 27009)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 27009, encompassing Belews Creek, North Carolina, requires a nuanced understanding of several interwoven factors. This analysis aims to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" perspective, evaluating the availability and quality of care relevant to prostate health, focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive view of the resources available to men in this community, particularly those concerned about their prostate health.

The foundation of good prostate cancer care, as with most healthcare, begins with accessible and high-quality primary care. In Belews Creek, primary care availability is a critical component of our analysis. The geographic constraints of a rural area like Belews Creek can present challenges. Sparse population density often translates to a limited number of primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita. This directly impacts the physician-to-patient ratio, a key indicator of access. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per doctor, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 27009 requires data analysis beyond the scope of this document, but it is a crucial starting point for assessing the overall health of the community.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the expertise of the physicians, the breadth of services offered, and the overall patient experience. Practices that emphasize preventative care, including regular prostate screenings (PSA tests and digital rectal exams), are crucial. Equally important is the ability of PCPs to effectively communicate with patients, explain complex medical information in understandable terms, and foster a trusting relationship. This trust is essential for encouraging men to seek timely medical attention and adhere to treatment plans.

Standout practices within the 27009 area, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive patient care. This would include practices that actively promote prostate cancer awareness, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and maintain a strong focus on patient education. Identifying these practices would require a deeper dive into individual physician profiles, patient reviews, and practice accreditations. The presence of board-certified urologists within a reasonable driving distance is also a crucial factor in evaluating the overall quality of care. While primary care physicians often handle initial screenings and referrals, access to specialized urological expertise is essential for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment of prostate cancer.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of modern healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care by reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for appointments. This is particularly relevant for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care to patients in Belews Creek. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is, of course, a prerequisite for effective telemedicine implementation.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community or easily accessible through referral networks is a crucial component of a holistic approach to care. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either directly or through referrals, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the overall well-being of their patients.

Furthermore, the availability of support groups and patient education resources can significantly improve the patient experience. Support groups provide a valuable forum for patients to share their experiences, connect with others facing similar challenges, and receive emotional support. Patient education resources, such as brochures, websites, and educational programs, can empower patients to take an active role in their care by providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions. The presence of these resources, and their accessibility, significantly enhances the quality of care.

Evaluating the "Prostate Cancer Score" for 27009 involves synthesizing all these factors. It’s a multifaceted assessment, not just a single number. It requires considering the density of PCPs, the quality of their care, the availability of specialized urological services, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the presence of support groups and patient education materials. A high score would indicate a community with excellent access to high-quality primary care, readily available urological expertise, a strong focus on preventative care, a robust telemedicine infrastructure, and comprehensive support services. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as a shortage of PCPs, limited access to specialists, and a lack of support services.

In conclusion, assessing the prostate cancer care landscape in Belews Creek, NC, requires a comprehensive and ongoing evaluation. While this analysis provides a general overview, a more detailed assessment would necessitate gathering specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice profiles, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to ensure that men in Belews Creek have access to the best possible care for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate cancer.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Belews Creek, including the location of healthcare providers and other relevant data points, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. Their platform can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.