28358, Lumberton, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.84 percent of the residents in 28358 has some form of health insurance. 49.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.84 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 28358 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,125 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28358. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,002 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,359 health care providers accessible to residents in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Lumberton, NC (ZIP Code 28358)

Lumberton, North Carolina, a community nestled in Robeson County, presents a unique landscape for prostate cancer care. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of prostate cancer-related services within ZIP code 28358, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer management lies in accessible and proactive primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact for men experiencing symptoms or seeking preventative screenings. Assessing the availability of PCPs in Lumberton is therefore crucial. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can provide insights into this ratio. However, simply calculating a ratio doesn’t paint the full picture. The distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code, including their practice locations and hours of operation, is also vital. Are PCPs concentrated in one area, potentially creating access challenges for residents in other parts of Lumberton? Are evening and weekend appointments available to accommodate diverse schedules?

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the PCP’s familiarity with prostate cancer screening guidelines, their willingness to discuss risk factors and symptoms, and their ability to effectively communicate with patients about their concerns. A PCP's practice should ideally incorporate evidence-based practices for early detection, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams, tailored to individual patient risk profiles. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) can further enhance care coordination and streamline the referral process to specialists, such as urologists, if necessary.

A crucial component of the "Prostate Cancer Score" is the availability of specialized care. The presence of urologists within or near ZIP code 28358 is essential. Urologists are the specialists who diagnose and treat prostate cancer. The number of urologists, their experience, and their access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies (e.g., MRI, robotic surgery, radiation therapy) directly impact the quality of care available to patients. Assessing the proximity of these specialists, their wait times for appointments, and their affiliations with hospitals or cancer centers are all critical factors.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant force in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Lumberton. The adoption of telemedicine by both PCPs and specialists can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance patient convenience. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and follow-up appointments, particularly for those living in underserved areas or with mobility limitations. The "Prostate Cancer Score" should evaluate the extent to which local healthcare providers have embraced telemedicine, the types of services offered virtually, and the ease with which patients can access these services.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of prostate cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have profound psychological effects on patients, including anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for providing comprehensive care. The "Prostate Cancer Score" should assess the availability of these resources, the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, and the ease with which patients can access mental health support.

Specific practices within Lumberton may stand out for their commitment to prostate cancer care. Identifying these "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into their services, patient outcomes, and community engagement. This may involve reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing quality metrics (e.g., screening rates, time to diagnosis), and assessing the practice’s involvement in community outreach and education programs. These standout practices could serve as models for other providers in the area, fostering a culture of excellence in prostate cancer care.

The integration of community resources also contributes to a robust "Prostate Cancer Score." This includes the presence of local chapters of cancer support organizations, such as the American Cancer Society or the Prostate Cancer Foundation. These organizations provide valuable resources, including educational materials, support groups, and financial assistance. The "Prostate Cancer Score" should evaluate the accessibility of these resources and the level of collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations.

In conclusion, assessing the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Lumberton (ZIP code 28358) involves a multifaceted evaluation of primary care availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support. The physician-to-patient ratio is a starting point, but a comprehensive assessment requires a deeper look at the quality of care, the integration of modern healthcare practices, and the availability of resources to support patients throughout their journey.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lumberton and the surrounding areas, including the distribution of physicians, hospitals, and community resources, explore the interactive mapping tools available at CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a clearer picture of the healthcare resources available in your community.