28166, Troutman, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28166, Troutman, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.43 percent of the residents in 28166 has some form of health insurance. 27.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.78 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 28166 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,438 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28166. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,596 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,752 health care providers accessible to residents in 28166, Troutman, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Troutman, NC (ZIP Code 28166)

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape within Troutman, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28166), focusing on factors relevant to prostate cancer care, specifically considering the availability of primary care physicians and related resources. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the local healthcare environment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This is not a definitive medical rating, but a comprehensive assessment based on publicly available data and general healthcare industry trends.

The foundation of good prostate cancer care rests on a strong primary care infrastructure. Early detection and proactive management are crucial, and the primary care physician (PCP) often serves as the initial point of contact. In Troutman, assessing the availability of PCPs is the first step. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is critical. The national average physician-to-patient ratio provides a benchmark. A higher ratio in Troutman suggests a potential strain on resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be used to calculate this ratio and determine its impact.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of the available primary care practices matter. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? These factors directly affect accessibility. Furthermore, the scope of services offered is important. Do practices provide on-site laboratory services for blood tests, including PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening? Do they have established referral pathways to urologists and other specialists? These aspects influence the efficiency and comprehensiveness of care.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and proactive screening. This can include practices that actively reach out to patients for preventative screenings, offer educational materials about prostate cancer, and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient history and manage follow-up appointments. Identifying these practices requires a review of online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites to understand their approach to patient care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to increase access to care, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. This is particularly relevant for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. The availability of telemedicine services within the primary care practices in Troutman can be assessed by reviewing practice websites and inquiring directly. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but play a crucial role in prostate cancer care. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health services within the community is therefore a significant consideration. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Are there mental health professionals integrated within primary care practices, or are there readily available referral pathways to mental health specialists in the area? Examining the local mental health infrastructure is essential.

Specialist availability is also a key component of the healthcare landscape. The presence of urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists within a reasonable distance is crucial for providing comprehensive prostate cancer care. This involves assessing the proximity of specialist practices, the availability of appointments, and the types of treatment options offered. The presence of advanced treatment technologies, such as robotic surgery or advanced radiation therapy, can also indicate a higher level of care.

The overall quality of care is also influenced by the presence of hospitals and specialized cancer centers in the surrounding area. These facilities often provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options, as well as access to clinical trials. Assessing the proximity of these facilities and their reputation for cancer care is an important part of the analysis.

The availability of patient education resources is another factor to consider. Does the community have access to educational materials about prostate cancer, including information about risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options? Are there support groups or patient advocacy organizations in the area? These resources can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

In summary, the assessment of prostate cancer care in Troutman, NC (28166) is complex and multifaceted. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of supporting infrastructure. The physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of primary care practices, and the availability of patient education resources all contribute to the overall quality of care. A thorough analysis requires gathering data from multiple sources, including public records, practice websites, and patient reviews.

The data gathered can be visualized and analyzed using mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Troutman, NC. This allows for a more intuitive understanding of the distribution of resources and the accessibility of care.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Troutman, NC (28166), and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Use these maps to visualize the locations of primary care practices, specialists, hospitals, and other relevant resources. This will provide a more informed perspective on the availability of prostate cancer care in the area.