28356, Linden, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28356, Linden, North Carolina is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.82 percent of the residents in 28356 has some form of health insurance. 34.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.48 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 28356 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,180 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28356. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 832 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,539 health care providers accessible to residents in 28356, Linden, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Linden, NC (ZIP Code 28356)

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care within Linden, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28356) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers factors beyond simple physician counts, delving into accessibility, quality of care, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, considering the specific needs of the community.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment begins with physician availability. While a comprehensive, real-time, and verified physician directory is difficult to obtain publicly, we can make some assumptions based on publicly available data and demographic information. Linden, a relatively small town, likely has a limited number of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly practicing within the ZIP code. The surrounding areas, including Fayetteville and other nearby towns, would become critical resources for residents. A low physician-to-patient ratio within 28356 necessitates careful consideration of travel times and transportation options for accessing care. The availability of specialists, particularly urologists, is a key factor in prostate cancer care. Given the size of Linden, it's highly probable that patients require referrals to specialists outside the immediate area. This adds complexity to the care process.

Primary care availability, the gateway to initial screening and ongoing management, is crucial. The presence of established primary care practices within Linden is a positive indicator. These practices serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or seeking preventative screenings. The quality of these practices, however, varies. Factors such as patient reviews, staff experience, and the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., in-house blood testing) influence the overall score. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is also critical. EHRs facilitate seamless communication between primary care physicians and specialists, improving the coordination of care, especially important for prostate cancer treatment.

Standout practices, if any, would be those that excel in several areas. A practice demonstrating a proactive approach to prostate cancer screening, including patient education and regular PSA testing, would be highly valued. Practices that offer comprehensive care, including access to specialists and support services, would also score well. The ability to build strong patient-physician relationships is particularly important in cancer care. Practices that prioritize patient communication and provide emotional support would be viewed favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the modern healthcare landscape. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for those with mobility issues or limited transportation options. Telemedicine can also reduce the need for frequent travel to specialists located outside the immediate area. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering secure video conferencing and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth options in Linden, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations, is a critical factor.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but they are an integral part of cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The availability of mental health services, including counseling and support groups, is crucial for providing comprehensive care. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide referrals to mental health professionals would be viewed positively. The presence of local support groups or resources for prostate cancer patients and their families is also a critical factor.

The overall "Prostate Cancer Score" for Linden (ZIP Code 28356) is likely to be moderate. The limited number of physicians, the potential need for travel to specialists, and the reliance on external resources for comprehensive care suggest a need for improvement. However, the presence of primary care practices and the potential for telemedicine adoption offer opportunities to enhance access and quality of care. The community’s awareness of prostate cancer screening and the availability of support services also play a role in the score.

Specific recommendations for improvement include:

* **Enhancing physician recruitment:** Attracting more PCPs and specialists to the area.
* **Promoting telemedicine adoption:** Encouraging practices to offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Expanding mental health resources:** Increasing access to counseling and support groups for patients and families.
* **Improving patient education:** Providing comprehensive information about prostate cancer screening, treatment options, and support services.
* **Strengthening partnerships:** Fostering collaboration between primary care physicians, specialists, and community organizations.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is a dynamic measure, and it will change over time as healthcare resources evolve. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that the community receives the best possible care.

For a more detailed visualization of physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points within Linden, NC, and the surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.