27810, Belhaven, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27810, Belhaven, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.61 percent of the residents in 27810 has some form of health insurance. 50.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.17 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 27810 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 744 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27810. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 971 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 32 health care providers accessible to residents in 27810, Belhaven, North Carolina.

Prostate cancer care accessibility within ZIP Code 27810 and the broader context of primary care availability in Belhaven, North Carolina, presents a multifaceted picture. Analyzing the landscape requires examining physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all critical factors influencing the quality and accessibility of care for those at risk or diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Belhaven, specifically within the 27810 ZIP code, is a crucial starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians relative to the population, can create significant barriers to accessing timely and comprehensive care. This is particularly relevant for prostate cancer, which often requires regular screenings, specialist consultations, and potentially complex treatments. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, coupled with information from the American Medical Association, would be essential to determine the precise ratio. Such data would illuminate the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), urologists, and oncologists – all integral to the prostate cancer care pathway. Scrutinizing these numbers allows for an understanding of potential wait times for appointments and the overall strain on the healthcare system within the community.

Standout practices within the area are critical for raising the standard of care. Identifying these practices requires evaluating several factors. The presence of board-certified urologists and oncologists is paramount. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and advanced imaging techniques, is also crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging. Furthermore, the adoption of evidence-based treatment protocols, including minimally invasive surgical options, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, signifies a commitment to providing state-of-the-art care. Patient reviews, if available, can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall experience of navigating the healthcare system. Researching the affiliations of local practices with larger healthcare systems or hospitals can also provide clues about access to specialized resources and expertise.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Belhaven. Telemedicine offers a means to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The extent to which practices in the 27810 ZIP code and surrounding areas have embraced telemedicine is a key indicator of their commitment to patient-centered care. This includes the availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, urologists, and oncologists, as well as remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The integration of telemedicine can significantly reduce the need for travel, saving patients time and money, and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans.

The integration of mental health resources into prostate cancer care is often overlooked, yet it is essential. A prostate cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in cancer care is crucial. These professionals can provide support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of the disease. The integration of mental health services into the care pathway can improve patients’ quality of life and potentially improve treatment outcomes. Investigating the availability of these resources within the local healthcare system is a critical component of a comprehensive assessment.

Primary care availability in Belhaven, outside the specific ZIP code, is a broader concern. A robust primary care system is essential for early detection of prostate cancer through routine screenings and referrals to specialists. The availability of PCPs, their willingness to perform prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, and their knowledge of prostate cancer risk factors are all vital. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Analyzing the number of PCPs in the area, their patient load, and their commitment to preventative care is crucial for understanding the overall health of the community.

In summary, the prostate cancer care landscape in ZIP Code 27810 and Belhaven is complex. Access to care is influenced by physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A comprehensive assessment requires gathering data from multiple sources, including healthcare providers, public health agencies, and patient reviews. The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are key factors influencing the quality and accessibility of care.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Belhaven and surrounding areas, including physician locations, clinic locations, and potential gaps in care, explore the power of visualization. Utilize CartoChrome maps to see the data in a clear, interactive format. CartoChrome maps can reveal patterns and trends that are not easily apparent from raw data, providing valuable insights into the accessibility of prostate cancer care and the overall health of the community.