27572, Rougemont, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27572, Rougemont, North Carolina is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.10 percent of the residents in 27572 has some form of health insurance. 34.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.82 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 27572 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,259 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27572. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,305 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,092 health care providers accessible to residents in 27572, Rougemont, North Carolina.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Rougemont, NC (ZIP Code 27572)**

The assessment of prostate cancer care within Rougemont, North Carolina (ZIP code 27572), necessitates a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the availability of physicians but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including primary care access, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'Prostate Cancer Score' ranking, taking into account these critical factors. The information is based on publicly available data and general industry knowledge, and should not be considered a definitive medical recommendation.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care lies in the availability of skilled physicians, particularly urologists, who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. However, simply counting the number of urologists within the ZIP code is insufficient. A more nuanced analysis considers the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio reflects the number of residents served by each urologist. A higher ratio may indicate a potential for longer wait times for appointments and a heavier workload for existing physicians, potentially impacting the quality of care. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio requires access to real-time patient population data, which is often proprietary.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care is significantly influenced by the practices themselves. Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to utilizing the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities. This includes advanced imaging techniques like MRI and PET scans, as well as minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as robotic-assisted prostatectomy. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in clinical trials and offer access to cutting-edge research are often considered to be at the forefront of prostate cancer care. Evaluating these factors requires detailed research into the specific services and technologies offered by each practice.

Primary care availability is another crucial element of the 'Prostate Cancer Score'. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a vital role in early detection and screening for prostate cancer. They often perform the initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and can refer patients to specialists for further evaluation. A robust primary care infrastructure, with a sufficient number of PCPs and accessible appointment scheduling, is essential for ensuring timely diagnosis and intervention. In Rougemont, assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs practicing within the area, the average wait times for appointments, and the ease of access to these physicians.

The integration of telemedicine has the potential to significantly enhance prostate cancer care, particularly in rural areas like Rougemont. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' should consider the extent to which local practices have adopted telemedicine platforms and the services they offer through these platforms.

Mental health support is often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but it is an essential component of holistic treatment. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' should assess the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the community. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals are likely to provide a more comprehensive level of care.

Another crucial factor is the affordability of care. Prostate cancer treatment can be expensive, and financial constraints can significantly impact a patient's ability to access necessary services. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' should consider the cost of care, including the availability of insurance coverage, the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices, and the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who need it.

The geographical distribution of healthcare resources is also important. Even if there are sufficient physicians and services within the general area, their accessibility can be limited by factors such as transportation challenges or geographical barriers. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' should consider the ease of access to healthcare facilities from various locations within Rougemont, including transportation options and the availability of convenient parking.

Furthermore, the level of patient education and support offered by local practices is a key determinant of the 'Prostate Cancer Score'. Practices that provide patients with comprehensive information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects are better equipped to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. This includes access to educational materials, support groups, and patient navigators who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

The overall 'Prostate Cancer Score' for Rougemont, NC (ZIP code 27572) would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The specific weighting of each factor would depend on its perceived importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be given a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, depending on the local context. The final score would provide a relative ranking, comparing Rougemont to other areas in terms of prostate cancer care.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of prostate cancer care in Rougemont requires a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond simply counting the number of physicians. It necessitates considering the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of local practices, the availability of primary care, the integration of telemedicine, the provision of mental health support, the affordability of care, the geographical distribution of resources, and the level of patient education and support. This multifaceted approach provides a more accurate and meaningful assessment of the healthcare landscape.

For a detailed visual representation of the healthcare resources in Rougemont, including physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare services and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.