27577, Smithfield, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27577, Smithfield, North Carolina is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.17 percent of the residents in 27577 has some form of health insurance. 38.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.85 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 27577 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,399 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27577. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,498 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,280 health care providers accessible to residents in 27577, Smithfield, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Smithfield, NC (ZIP Code 27577)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of prostate cancer care within Smithfield, North Carolina (ZIP code 27577), focusing on physician availability, primary care access, and related resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare environment for men seeking diagnosis, treatment, and support for prostate cancer. This assessment considers several key factors that influence the quality and accessibility of care.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer management rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs serve as the initial point of contact, crucial for early detection through screening and referral to specialists. Smithfield’s primary care availability is a critical element of the prostate cancer score. A high concentration of PCPs, coupled with readily available appointment slots, indicates a positive environment for proactive health management. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs, long wait times, or limited insurance acceptance can negatively impact early detection and timely intervention. The physician-to-patient ratio within the 27577 ZIP code is a key metric. This ratio reveals the number of patients each PCP is responsible for, providing insight into the potential for overburdened practices and reduced individual attention.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves assessing the practices’ commitment to preventative care, including routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams (DREs) as recommended by current guidelines. Practices that actively engage in patient education about prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening options are considered more patient-centered and contribute positively to the overall score. The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with specialist networks is also a factor, enabling seamless information sharing and coordination of care.

Specialist availability is another crucial aspect of the prostate cancer score. The presence of urologists within or near the 27577 ZIP code is vital. Urologists are the specialists responsible for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. The number of urologists, their subspecialty expertise (e.g., robotic surgery, radiation oncology), and their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers significantly impact the quality and range of treatment options available to patients. The proximity of these specialists to Smithfield residents is also considered. Long travel distances can create barriers to care, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments or follow-up appointments.

The adoption of telemedicine by both primary care practices and specialist providers is a significant factor in the prostate cancer score. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including increased accessibility, reduced travel time, and improved convenience for patients. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are viewed favorably. Telemedicine can be particularly valuable for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support to patients undergoing treatment. The availability of telemedicine also helps mitigate the impact of geographical barriers and transportation limitations.

The mental health of prostate cancer patients is often overlooked, but it is a critical component of overall well-being. Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can have significant emotional and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and body image issues. The availability of mental health resources within the Smithfield area directly influences the prostate cancer score. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups specializing in cancer care. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns and offer referrals to appropriate resources are considered to provide comprehensive care. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, can provide invaluable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

Standout practices in the 27577 ZIP code, if any, would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive prostate cancer care. These practices would likely exhibit several characteristics: a high physician-to-patient ratio, readily available appointments, proactive screening and patient education, strong telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. They would also likely have a well-coordinated care team, including nurses, medical assistants, and patient navigators, to support patients throughout their journey. Such practices would serve as models for best practices in prostate cancer care.

The integration of technology, beyond telemedicine, plays a crucial role. Practices utilizing patient portals for communication, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records are considered more patient-friendly. EHRs with interoperability are crucial for seamless information sharing between providers. Practices that embrace technology to improve patient engagement and streamline care processes are viewed favorably.

The overall prostate cancer score for Smithfield (27577) is a composite measure reflecting the interplay of these factors. It is not a static number, but rather a dynamic assessment that can change over time. The availability of PCPs and specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by local practices all contribute to the score. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for prostate cancer care, while a lower score suggests potential areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Smithfield, including the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and related resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a valuable tool for understanding the distribution of healthcare providers and making informed decisions about your healthcare options.