27864, Pinetops, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27864, Pinetops, North Carolina is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.34 percent of the residents in 27864 has some form of health insurance. 46.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.18 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 27864 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,189 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 112 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27864. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 870 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,121 health care providers accessible to residents in 27864, Pinetops, North Carolina.

Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Pinetops, NC (ZIP Code 27864)

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care within Pinetops, North Carolina (ZIP code 27864) requires a multifaceted approach. This involves assessing the availability and quality of primary care, the presence of specialists, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to derive a "Prostate Cancer Score" reflecting the community's overall preparedness to address this prevalent disease. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the strengths of specific practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial elements in comprehensive patient care.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer management begins with accessible and high-quality primary care. In Pinetops, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a higher concentration of doctors relative to the population, is generally favorable. Conversely, a high ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and receiving consistent care. Assessing this ratio requires data on the number of primary care physicians practicing within the zip code and the total population. Public health data, often available through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, can provide insights into these figures.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' commitment to preventative care, including regular prostate cancer screenings. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines recommend that men discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctors, and a proactive primary care practice will facilitate these conversations and offer appropriate testing. Furthermore, the ability of primary care physicians to coordinate care, referring patients to specialists when necessary, is essential for effective treatment.

Specialist care is also crucial. The presence of urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists within a reasonable distance of Pinetops significantly impacts the Prostate Cancer Score. Proximity to specialized cancer centers, even outside the immediate zip code, can be a positive factor. Access to these specialists allows for timely diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. The availability of advanced treatment options, such as minimally invasive surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, further enhances the score. Information on the specialists practicing in the area, their affiliations, and the types of treatments they offer is essential for a comprehensive assessment.

The adoption of telemedicine is a modern trend that can improve access to care, particularly in rural areas like Pinetops. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. The availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can positively influence the Prostate Cancer Score. Evaluating which practices offer telemedicine options and the extent to which they are utilized is a key component of this analysis.

Mental health support is often overlooked, but it's a critical aspect of cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for patients' well-being. The Prostate Cancer Score should reflect the presence of mental health services in the community and the accessibility of these resources to cancer patients.

Identifying standout practices within Pinetops is an important part of the analysis. This involves researching individual practices, assessing their patient reviews, and evaluating their commitment to quality care. Practices that demonstrate a strong focus on preventative care, offer comprehensive treatment options, and integrate telemedicine are likely to receive higher marks. Researching the practice’s approach to patient education, shared decision-making, and patient support programs can also help to identify those that excel.

The Prostate Cancer Score for Pinetops would be a composite metric, incorporating all the factors discussed. It would be a score that reflects the community’s overall preparedness to address prostate cancer, considering access to primary care, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. The score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

The final score should be a dynamic measure. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as new specialists arriving in the area, the expansion of telemedicine services, or the introduction of new treatment options. The score should also be transparent, with the methodology and data sources clearly documented. This transparency would allow for a more informed understanding of the score and its implications.

In conclusion, evaluating the prostate cancer care landscape in Pinetops, NC (ZIP code 27864) is a complex process. The "Prostate Cancer Score" is a valuable tool for assessing the community’s ability to address this disease. It provides a comprehensive view of care, from primary care access to mental health resources. This analysis requires data-driven research, considering physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health support.

To visualize the data and gain a spatial understanding of healthcare resources in Pinetops and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome allows you to visually explore the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, access to care, and other relevant factors.