27525, Franklinton, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27525, Franklinton, North Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.47 percent of the residents in 27525 has some form of health insurance. 37.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.56 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 27525 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,309 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27525. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,046 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,107 health care providers accessible to residents in 27525, Franklinton, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Franklinton, NC (ZIP Code 27525)

This analysis delves into the landscape of prostate cancer care within ZIP code 27525, encompassing Franklinton, North Carolina, with a focus on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem as it relates to prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Franklinton, a relatively small town, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. One of the primary considerations is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, we can anticipate, given the town’s size and proximity to larger urban centers like Raleigh, that the ratio might be less favorable compared to more densely populated areas with robust healthcare infrastructure.

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact for healthcare, including screening and referrals for prostate cancer. The presence of a sufficient number of PCPs, coupled with their willingness to conduct prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams (DREs), is critical for early detection. Franklinton’s primary care availability needs to be assessed by identifying the number of active PCPs within the ZIP code and evaluating the capacity of their practices to accommodate new patients. A shortage of PCPs could necessitate residents seeking care outside of Franklinton, potentially creating logistical barriers to timely healthcare.

Identifying "standout practices" is essential. These are healthcare providers or groups that demonstrate excellence in prostate cancer care. This can be evaluated by examining factors such as the experience and qualifications of the urologists, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools like MRI and ultrasound, the range of treatment options offered (including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy), and patient satisfaction scores. Researching online reviews, consulting with local healthcare organizations, and potentially contacting local support groups can help identify these practices. The presence of a dedicated urology practice within Franklinton would be a significant advantage, but even if urological care is primarily accessed outside the immediate area, the quality of referrals and coordination of care by local PCPs is vital.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. The availability of telehealth appointments for urology consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support can significantly benefit patients in Franklinton. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local healthcare providers, including their use of secure video conferencing platforms and patient portals, is a key component of this analysis.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to comprehensive cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can have a profound emotional impact on patients and their families. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology or men’s health, is crucial. Assessing the presence of these resources within Franklinton, or the ease of access to them in nearby communities, is essential. This includes evaluating whether local healthcare providers offer mental health services directly or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. Support groups, both in-person and online, can also provide invaluable emotional support and a sense of community.

The overall prostate cancer score for Franklinton, NC (ZIP Code 27525) would be determined by weighting these factors. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare ecosystem with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, readily available primary care, standout practices offering comprehensive care, widespread telemedicine adoption, and accessible mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would reflect challenges in any of these areas, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and inadequate emotional support for patients.

Further investigation requires a multi-pronged approach. Contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, and researching online resources such as patient reviews and support group information are all necessary steps. The goal is to paint a complete picture of the healthcare landscape for prostate cancer patients in Franklinton.

The findings of this analysis would be invaluable for residents of Franklinton, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would provide a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas where improvements are needed. This information can be used to advocate for better access to care, promote the adoption of telemedicine, and ensure that patients have access to the resources they need to manage their health effectively.

Ultimately, the success of prostate cancer care in Franklinton depends on a collaborative effort. This includes the commitment of healthcare providers to provide high-quality care, the willingness of patients to seek early screening and treatment, and the support of the community in promoting awareness and providing resources. By understanding the current state of the healthcare landscape, we can work together to improve outcomes for prostate cancer patients in Franklinton and the surrounding areas.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient outcomes, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you identify areas with high concentrations of healthcare providers, map patient demographics, and visualize the impact of various factors on prostate cancer care.