28348, Hope Mills, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28348, Hope Mills, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.99 percent of the residents in 28348 has some form of health insurance. 36.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.44 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 28348 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11,835 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28348. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,857 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,564 health care providers accessible to residents in 28348, Hope Mills, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Hope Mills, NC (ZIP Code 28348)

Analyzing the prostate cancer care landscape within Hope Mills, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28348) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized urology practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment. This score, though not a definitive numerical value, reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care for individuals facing prostate cancer or those seeking preventative screenings.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care rests heavily on the availability of robust primary care services. Hope Mills, a growing community, presents a mixed picture. While the presence of several family medicine and internal medicine practices offers a basic level of access, the overall physician-to-patient ratio needs closer examination. The population growth in Hope Mills has likely outpaced the expansion of primary care physician availability. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and initial diagnoses. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these practices within the ZIP code is critical. Are they evenly dispersed, or are there underserved areas that require residents to travel further for care?

The presence of dedicated urology practices within or immediately adjacent to the 28348 ZIP code is a significant factor. These specialists are crucial for diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. The quality of these practices can vary significantly. Factors to consider include the experience and expertise of the urologists, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI and PET scans, and the range of treatment options offered (e.g., surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy). Practices with a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration with oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, generally offer a more comprehensive and patient-centered experience.

Telemedicine adoption is another key indicator of healthcare accessibility. The ability to conduct initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some pre-operative and post-operative care via telehealth platforms can significantly improve access for patients, particularly those with mobility issues or those living in more remote areas of the ZIP code. Practices that have embraced telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and technological innovation. The ease of use of these platforms, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telehealth services with existing electronic health records are also important considerations.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but they are absolutely vital. A prostate cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatment can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, who specialize in oncology or men's health, is crucial. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either in-house or through referrals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, can also provide valuable emotional support and a sense of community for patients and their families.

Evaluating the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Hope Mills, NC (28348) requires a nuanced assessment. The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Primary Care Availability:** The physician-to-patient ratio and geographic distribution of primary care practices.
* **Urology Practice Quality:** The experience, expertise, and technological capabilities of urology practices.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** The availability and accessibility of telehealth services.
* **Mental Health Integration:** The availability of mental health professionals and support resources.

Based on the available information, the score would likely be moderate. While Hope Mills offers a baseline level of care, improvements are needed in several areas. The physician-to-patient ratio needs to be carefully monitored, and efforts should be made to increase the availability of primary care physicians. The quality and accessibility of urology practices are critical, and patients should research their options thoroughly. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine and integrate mental health services will likely receive a higher score.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hope Mills, NC (28348), and to identify potential areas for improvement, consider exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can help visualize physician locations, healthcare facility distribution, and other relevant data, providing valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers.