28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.88 percent of the residents in 28351 has some form of health insurance. 49.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.51 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 28351 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,120 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28351. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 768 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,471 health care providers accessible to residents in 28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina.

The analysis of prostate cancer care within ZIP code 28351, Laurel Hill, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. This assessment considers not only the direct availability of urological specialists, but also the broader healthcare landscape, including primary care access, telemedicine capabilities, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive prostate cancer care plan. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and its capacity to serve individuals facing this significant health challenge.

One of the most immediate concerns is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact number of urologists practicing exclusively within the 28351 ZIP code is the initial step. This information, however, must be contextualized. Rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining specialists. Therefore, the analysis must consider the proximity of specialists in neighboring ZIP codes and towns. Furthermore, the ratio needs to be compared to both state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of urological care. A low ratio, indicating fewer specialists per capita, could necessitate longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Primary care availability is inextricably linked to prostate cancer care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in early detection through routine screenings, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams. The analysis must evaluate the number of PCPs practicing in Laurel Hill and the surrounding areas, as well as their patient load. A high patient-to-PCP ratio could limit the time PCPs have available for preventative care, potentially impacting early detection rates. Furthermore, the study should investigate the PCP's familiarity with prostate cancer screening guidelines and their willingness to refer patients to urologists when necessary.

Identifying standout practices within the region is crucial. This involves assessing the quality of care provided by individual practices. Factors to consider include the experience and qualifications of the urologists, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI and ultrasound, and the range of treatment options offered, including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, support groups, and personalized care plans should be highlighted. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience, offering a qualitative perspective on the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. The analysis should investigate the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. Telemedicine can reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for appointments, saving time and money. The adoption of telemedicine technologies also allows for increased access to specialists located outside of the immediate area. The study should examine the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of prostate cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health services within the community, including therapists, counselors, and support groups. It is important to determine whether local practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. The study should also investigate the availability of support groups specifically for men with prostate cancer and their families.

A comprehensive prostate cancer care plan must consider the socioeconomic factors that influence access to care. These include insurance coverage, transportation access, and health literacy. The analysis should assess the percentage of the population with health insurance and the types of insurance accepted by local practices. It should also investigate the availability of transportation assistance programs for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments. Furthermore, the study should evaluate the health literacy levels within the community and the availability of patient education materials in accessible formats.

The analysis must also consider the presence of community outreach programs. These programs can play a vital role in raising awareness about prostate cancer, promoting early detection, and providing support to patients and their families. The study should identify any local organizations that are involved in prostate cancer awareness and education, and assess the effectiveness of their programs.

The overall assessment of prostate cancer care in 28351 will be a holistic view. It will combine quantitative data, such as physician-to-patient ratios and telemedicine adoption rates, with qualitative data, such as patient reviews and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive approach will provide a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and its capacity to serve individuals facing this health challenge. It is not just about the number of doctors, but the quality of care, the accessibility of services, and the support systems available to patients.

This assessment is designed to inform and empower individuals seeking prostate cancer care in Laurel Hill. Understanding the local healthcare ecosystem is the first step toward making informed decisions about one's health.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28351 and surrounding areas, including detailed maps of physician locations, primary care availability, and healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping tools offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to gain a comprehensive perspective on the resources available to you.