27861, Parmele, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27861, Parmele, North Carolina is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.23 percent of the residents in 27861 has some form of health insurance. 54.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.15 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 27861 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 24 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 110 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27861. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 28 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,397 health care providers accessible to residents in 27861, Parmele, North Carolina.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27861 & Parmele Primary Care**

The task involves a multi-faceted analysis, focusing on the quality of prostate cancer care and the availability of primary care resources within ZIP Code 27861 (Tarboro, North Carolina) and the nearby community of Parmele. This analysis will consider factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician availability, adoption of modern technologies, and access to mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

Assessing prostate cancer care requires a deep dive into the resources available within the designated area. A key metric is the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically the number of urologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita. A higher ratio generally indicates greater access to care, allowing for more timely screenings, diagnoses, and treatment. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be used to determine these ratios for ZIP Code 27861. This data will be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of these critical specialists.

The analysis will also evaluate the presence of specialized prostate cancer care centers or standout practices within the area. These centers often offer a comprehensive range of services, including advanced diagnostic imaging (MRI, PET scans), minimally invasive surgical techniques (robotic prostatectomy), and radiation therapy options. The existence of such facilities directly impacts the quality of care available to patients. Research will be conducted to identify any practices in the area with a strong reputation for prostate cancer treatment, based on patient reviews, physician referrals, and accreditations from organizations like the American College of Surgeons.

Modern technology plays a vital role in prostate cancer management. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices is a significant factor in the analysis. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It allows for virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The analysis will investigate the extent to which local physicians are utilizing telemedicine platforms, including the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients.

Furthermore, the availability of mental health resources is crucial for prostate cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to counseling, support groups, and psychiatric services is essential for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health providers and support services within ZIP Code 27861 and the surrounding areas, including any partnerships between local healthcare providers and mental health organizations.

Primary care availability in Parmele is a critical component of this assessment. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients and play a vital role in screening for prostate cancer, providing referrals to specialists, and coordinating overall care. The analysis will investigate the number of PCPs serving the Parmele community, the average wait times for appointments, and the types of services offered. This data will be compared to benchmarks for rural communities to determine if access to primary care is adequate.

The quality of care is also influenced by the availability of patient education resources. Prostate cancer patients need access to accurate and understandable information about their condition, treatment options, and potential side effects. The analysis will evaluate the availability of educational materials, such as brochures, websites, and support groups, offered by local healthcare providers and community organizations. The clarity and comprehensiveness of these resources will be assessed to determine their effectiveness in empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

Another important factor is the affordability of care. The analysis will consider the acceptance of various insurance plans by local healthcare providers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. The availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may struggle to afford their care will also be assessed. Transparency in pricing and billing practices will be examined to determine the ease with which patients can understand the cost of their treatment.

The analysis will also consider the integration of care across different healthcare providers. Effective communication and collaboration between urologists, PCPs, oncologists, and other specialists are essential for providing coordinated and comprehensive care. The analysis will investigate the use of electronic health records (EHRs) by local practices and the extent to which these records are shared across different providers. This will provide insight into the efficiency and effectiveness of care coordination efforts.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" will be a composite score, reflecting the various factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in determining the quality of care. The weighted scores will be combined to generate an overall score for ZIP Code 27861 and the surrounding areas. This score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas where improvements are needed.

The final score will reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and affordability of prostate cancer care in the region. It will also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The analysis will be a dynamic process, with ongoing updates to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To visualize the findings of this comprehensive analysis and to gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to visualize and analyze spatial data, allowing you to explore the availability of healthcare providers, the location of specialized treatment centers, and other relevant factors in ZIP Code 27861 and the surrounding areas.