27937, Gates, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27937, Gates, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.37 percent of the residents in 27937 has some form of health insurance. 35.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.42 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 27937 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 766 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27937. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 671 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 475 health care providers accessible to residents in 27937, Gates, North Carolina.

The analysis below assesses prostate cancer care within ZIP Code 27937, focusing on physician availability, practice strengths, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The evaluation also considers the broader context of primary care access within Gates County, North Carolina. This comprehensive assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for men in this area.

Gates County, encompassing ZIP Code 27937, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The county is rural, and like many rural areas, faces potential shortages in specialized medical care. Prostate cancer, being a significant health concern for men, necessitates careful evaluation of available resources.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of healthcare access. In areas with low physician density, patients may face longer wait times for appointments, limited choices in providers, and increased travel distances to receive care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio specifically for urologists (the specialists who primarily treat prostate cancer) in ZIP Code 27937 requires detailed data analysis. Such data would include the number of practicing urologists within the zip code and the estimated population of men over 40, the demographic most at risk for prostate cancer. This information is essential for understanding the accessibility of specialized care. If no urologists are practicing in the zip code, this necessitates examining the availability of urological services in neighboring areas, such as Elizabeth City, which may serve as a referral hub.

Primary care availability in Gates County significantly impacts prostate cancer care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or seeking preventative screenings. A robust primary care system facilitates early detection, which is critical for successful prostate cancer treatment. The availability of PCPs, their willingness to conduct prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings, and their ability to refer patients to specialists are vital factors. A shortage of PCPs or limited access to primary care services can delay diagnosis and treatment, potentially leading to poorer outcomes. The county's overall healthcare infrastructure, including hospital facilities and diagnostic services, is also relevant.

Standout practices within the area may demonstrate excellence in prostate cancer care. Identifying these practices requires examining factors such as the experience and expertise of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies (e.g., MRI, robotic surgery), and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or offer comprehensive support services, such as patient education and support groups, are also noteworthy. Investigating the specific practices serving ZIP Code 27937 and assessing their capabilities is a crucial step in evaluating the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is an increasingly important aspect of healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists by enabling remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially overcome geographical barriers and provide timely care to patients in ZIP Code 27937. The availability of reliable internet access in the area is a key factor influencing the feasibility of telemedicine. Examining the extent to which local practices have integrated telemedicine into their prostate cancer care protocols is essential.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of comprehensive cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can have a significant emotional impact on patients and their families. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is crucial for supporting patients' well-being. Assessing the availability of these resources within Gates County and their accessibility to prostate cancer patients is a key part of a holistic assessment. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The quality of prostate cancer care in ZIP Code 27937 is a multifaceted issue. It hinges on the availability of specialists, the strength of the primary care system, the adoption of advanced technologies like telemedicine, and the provision of comprehensive support services, including mental health resources. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the level of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the overall quality of care.

A comprehensive analysis would involve gathering data on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This would require contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing public health data, and analyzing patient satisfaction surveys. The information gathered should be analyzed to create a detailed profile of the healthcare landscape for prostate cancer patients in ZIP Code 27937 and Gates County.

Further investigation into the specific practices serving the area is necessary to identify those that excel in prostate cancer care. Examining the experience and expertise of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, and patient satisfaction scores would provide valuable insights.

The integration of telemedicine into prostate cancer care protocols should be assessed. The availability of reliable internet access in the area is a key factor influencing the feasibility of telemedicine. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially overcome geographical barriers and provide timely care to patients.

The availability of mental health services is also a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can have a significant emotional impact on patients and their families. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

For a detailed, visually-driven understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27937 and surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data, helping to visualize healthcare access and identify potential areas of need.