28337, Elizabethtown, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28337, Elizabethtown, North Carolina is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.82 percent of the residents in 28337 has some form of health insurance. 50.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.89 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 28337 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,770 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28337. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,012 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 289 health care providers accessible to residents in 28337, Elizabethtown, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Elizabethtown, NC (ZIP Code 28337)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Elizabethtown, North Carolina (ZIP code 28337) requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly when assessing the quality of care for a specific disease like prostate cancer. This analysis aims to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" by evaluating key factors, including physician availability, the quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview of the healthcare environment for men facing prostate cancer concerns in this community.

The foundation of any good prostate cancer care system rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are often the first point of contact, responsible for initial screenings, referrals to specialists, and ongoing management. In Elizabethtown, primary care availability is a critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the 28337 ZIP code is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide this information. The score will reflect the availability of PCPs.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to established prostate cancer screening guidelines. Do the PCPs routinely offer prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DREs) for men at risk? Do they discuss the benefits and risks of screening with their patients, ensuring informed decision-making? The score will incorporate the degree to which local primary care practices follow established guidelines. This can be assessed through publicly available data, patient reviews, and possibly through outreach to local practices.

Specialist availability is another critical component. Urologists, who specialize in the urinary tract and male reproductive system, are essential for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. The presence of board-certified urologists within or in close proximity to Elizabethtown is vital. The score will reflect the availability of urologists, the proximity of specialized treatment centers (e.g., radiation oncology, surgical oncology), and the range of treatment options available. The presence of a multidisciplinary team, including medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, is highly desirable.

Identifying standout practices in Elizabethtown is essential. These practices might be recognized for their patient-centered care, their commitment to early detection, or their integration of advanced technologies. This requires a deeper dive into patient reviews, assessing online ratings (e.g., Healthgrades, Vitals), and possibly consulting with local community health organizations. The score will be influenced by the presence of practices with a strong reputation for prostate cancer care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Elizabethtown. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing travel time and improving access to care. The score will consider the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services for prostate cancer consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational sessions. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations with urologists, oncologists, and other specialists.

Mental health resources are a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a man's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The score will assess the availability of mental health support services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The integration of mental health services within the local healthcare system is a positive indicator. This can include partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers.

The overall "Prostate Cancer Score" for Elizabethtown will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of all the factors discussed above. The weighting will depend on the relative importance of each factor. For example, the availability of specialists might be weighted more heavily than the availability of telemedicine, although both are important. The score will provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape for prostate cancer patients in the area.

The analysis also considers the specific challenges faced by patients in rural areas. Transportation can be a barrier to accessing care, so the proximity of specialists and treatment centers is particularly important. The availability of transportation assistance programs, such as those offered by local hospitals or community organizations, will be factored into the assessment. The analysis will also consider the demographics of the population, including age, race, and socioeconomic status, as these factors can influence prostate cancer risk and access to care.

The analysis will need to be updated regularly. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and healthcare providers emerging. Regular updates will ensure that the "Prostate Cancer Score" remains accurate and relevant. This is especially true in a community like Elizabethtown, where access to specialized care can be limited.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of prostate cancer care in Elizabethtown (28337) requires a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare system. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating key factors, including physician availability, primary care quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to empower men in Elizabethtown with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.

For a detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in Elizabethtown, including the location of physicians, specialists, and treatment centers, we recommend exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their mapping tools can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis, providing a powerful resource for navigating the healthcare system.