27886, Tarboro, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27886, Tarboro, North Carolina is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.03 percent of the residents in 27886 has some form of health insurance. 50.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.42 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 27886 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,084 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27886. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,258 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 427 health care providers accessible to residents in 27886, Tarboro, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Tarboro, NC (ZIP Code 27886)

Analyzing the prostate cancer care landscape within Tarboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 27886) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care, a critical component of early detection and ongoing management, and then evaluates the specific resources available for prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. This assessment will provide a Prostate Cancer Score, reflecting the overall preparedness of the local healthcare system to address this significant health concern.

The foundation of prostate cancer care rests on robust primary care. Regular checkups, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, are essential for early detection. In Tarboro, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial factor. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator. A high ratio (fewer patients per doctor) generally suggests better access and potentially more personalized care. Determining the precise ratio in 27886 requires data analysis, but publicly available resources like the North Carolina Medical Board can offer some insights into the number of licensed PCPs practicing in the area.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they clustered in one area, or are they spread throughout the town, ensuring accessibility for all residents, including those in more rural areas? The presence of community health centers or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) is a positive sign, as these facilities often serve underserved populations and provide comprehensive primary care services, including preventative screenings.

Standout practices within Tarboro should be identified. These practices might be recognized for their patient-centered approach, their commitment to preventative care, or their utilization of innovative technologies. Identifying these practices involves reviewing online patient reviews, consulting with local healthcare organizations, and potentially surveying patients directly. Practices with strong reputations often demonstrate a commitment to early detection and comprehensive patient education about prostate cancer risks and screening guidelines.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from their doctors or have mobility limitations. Assessing telemedicine capabilities involves examining the websites of local medical practices and hospitals to determine if they offer virtual appointment scheduling and remote monitoring options.

Once primary care access is assessed, the focus shifts to specialized care. The presence of urologists in or near Tarboro is paramount. Urologists are the specialists who diagnose and treat prostate cancer. The number of urologists, their board certifications, and their experience levels are all critical factors. Proximity to larger medical centers, such as those in Greenville or Rocky Mount, is also important, as these centers often offer more advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including radiation therapy and surgical oncology.

The availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as MRI and ultrasound, is another key consideration. Timely access to these imaging modalities is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer. The presence of a dedicated cancer center or oncology unit within a local hospital is a significant advantage, as these facilities typically offer a multidisciplinary approach to care, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff.

Patient support services are a vital aspect of comprehensive prostate cancer care. These services include support groups, counseling, and access to educational resources. Mental health support is especially important. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, can significantly improve a patient's quality of life. Assessing the availability of these resources involves researching local support groups, reviewing the services offered by hospitals and cancer centers, and exploring online resources provided by organizations like the American Cancer Society or the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

The overall Prostate Cancer Score will be a composite assessment, weighing the factors discussed above. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of urologists and cancer specialists, the availability of diagnostic imaging, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of patient support services, including mental health resources. A higher score indicates a more robust healthcare system, better equipped to detect, treat, and support patients with prostate cancer.

The analysis will not provide a specific numerical score due to the limitations of this format. However, the framework and the considerations outlined provide a robust method for assessing the quality of prostate cancer care in Tarboro, NC.

The findings of this analysis can be further visualized and explored using advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed geographical representation of healthcare resources in the area, allowing for a more granular understanding of access and distribution.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a comprehensive visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Tarboro, including the location of primary care physicians, urologists, diagnostic centers, and support services, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Use CartoChrome to map the resources available in ZIP Code 27886 and gain a deeper understanding of the prostate cancer care environment in Tarboro.