27897, Woodland, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27897, Woodland, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.78 percent of the residents in 27897 has some form of health insurance. 49.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.60 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 27897 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 383 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27897. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 322 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 557 health care providers accessible to residents in 27897, Woodland, North Carolina.

Prostate Cancer Score: Woodland, NC (ZIP Code 27897) - An Analysis

Analyzing the prostate cancer landscape within Woodland, North Carolina (ZIP code 27897) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider not only the availability and quality of medical professionals but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including access to primary care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, acknowledging the limitations of a purely quantitative approach and emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of the local context.

The foundation of prostate cancer care rests on the strength of primary care. Woodland, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. While precise figures fluctuate, national averages suggest a benchmark. Woodland's score in this area will be impacted by the presence of primary care physicians (PCPs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) within the ZIP code and the surrounding area. Access to these professionals is the initial gatekeeper to screenings and referrals, making it the first component of our score.

The availability of primary care, however, goes beyond sheer numbers. The quality of care, including the time a patient has with their doctor and the doctor's familiarity with prostate cancer screening guidelines, also matters. This encompasses the ability to order and interpret prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, perform digital rectal exams (DREs), and make timely referrals to urologists when necessary. The score will reflect the perceived quality of care offered by the available PCPs, considering factors like patient reviews, practice accreditation, and the presence of chronic disease management programs.

Specialist access is crucial. The next level of our analysis focuses on the availability of urologists within a reasonable driving distance. The presence of a urologist within the ZIP code would significantly improve the score. If not, we must assess the proximity of urologists in neighboring towns and cities, considering travel time and ease of access. The score will be adjusted based on the number of urologists available, their specialization (e.g., robotic surgery), and their affiliations with hospitals or cancer centers.

Standout practices, if any, will be highlighted. These could be practices that demonstrate a commitment to prostate cancer screening and treatment. This might include practices that proactively reach out to patients for screening, offer patient education programs, or have a strong track record of successful outcomes. Identifying these practices will be a critical part of our assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. The score will reflect the availability of telemedicine services for prostate cancer-related consultations, including the availability of online appointment scheduling, remote monitoring, and virtual follow-up appointments. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will receive a higher score in this category.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of prostate cancer care. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The score will consider the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the community or accessible via referral. This includes assessing the availability of support groups, individual counseling, and psychiatric services. The score will reflect the accessibility and integration of mental health services into the overall care plan.

The Prostate Cancer Score for Woodland, NC (ZIP code 27897) is not a single number. It is a composite of these factors, weighted to reflect their relative importance. The final score will be a qualitative assessment, acknowledging the inherent limitations of data availability and the need for ongoing monitoring and improvement.

This score is not static. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The availability of physicians, the adoption of new technologies, and the integration of mental health services can change rapidly. Regular reassessment is essential.

The score will be based on data collected from public sources, healthcare provider directories, and patient reviews. The analysis will consider the geographic location of healthcare providers, the services they offer, and their patient satisfaction ratings.

The score will be used to identify areas for improvement in prostate cancer care in Woodland. This might include advocating for increased access to primary care, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and supporting the integration of mental health services.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. Data availability may be limited, and the accuracy of patient reviews can vary. The score is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to discuss their individual risk factors and treatment options.

In conclusion, understanding the prostate cancer care landscape in Woodland requires a comprehensive view. The score will reflect the availability and quality of medical professionals, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services. This analysis aims to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Woodland and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital access, and other relevant data, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you explore the availability of healthcare resources and make informed decisions about your care.