28364, Maxton, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28364, Maxton, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.30 percent of the residents in 28364 has some form of health insurance. 48.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.46 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 28364 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,605 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28364. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,090 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,136 health care providers accessible to residents in 28364, Maxton, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Maxton, NC (ZIP Code 28364)

This analysis provides a Prostate Cancer Score (PCS) assessment for physicians within ZIP code 28364 (Maxton, North Carolina), focusing on primary care availability and related healthcare resources. The PCS is a hypothetical construct, evaluating factors relevant to early detection, diagnosis, and management of prostate cancer within the community. This score is based on publicly available information and estimations, and should not be considered a definitive ranking of healthcare providers.

Maxton, a rural community, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. A primary concern is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the initial point of contact for men seeking prostate cancer screening and care. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. Assessing this ratio for Maxton requires examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population of men over 40, the age group most at risk for prostate cancer. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the US Census Bureau, and medical directories can be used to estimate this ratio. A low ratio would negatively impact the PCS, as it suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and preventative care.

The quality of primary care practices is another critical factor. The PCS considers the presence of factors indicative of quality care. This includes accreditation by recognized healthcare organizations, such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission. These accreditations signify adherence to rigorous standards of care, including patient safety, quality improvement, and comprehensive services. The PCS also evaluates the availability of on-site services, such as laboratory testing and imaging, which can streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient convenience. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a positive indicator, as they facilitate information sharing and coordination of care among different healthcare providers.

Standout practices in Maxton, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to proactive prostate cancer screening and management. This includes offering regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal exams (DREs), and patient education materials about prostate cancer risk factors and symptoms. Practices that actively engage in patient outreach, such as sending reminders for screenings, would receive a higher score. Furthermore, practices that have a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with urologists, oncologists, and other specialists, would be viewed favorably.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role, especially in rural areas. The PCS assesses the extent to which practices in Maxton utilize telemedicine. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, particularly urologists, who may not be readily available locally. It can also facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and access to care.

Mental health resources are essential, as a prostate cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. The PCS considers the availability of mental health support within the primary care setting or through referrals to external providers. Practices that offer on-site counseling, have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, or provide access to support groups would receive a higher score. Addressing the psychological impact of prostate cancer is crucial for patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

The PCS also evaluates the availability of patient navigation services. Patient navigators assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, understanding treatment options, and accessing financial assistance. Practices that employ patient navigators or have established partnerships with organizations that provide these services would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient support and advocacy.

The overall score for Maxton, NC (28364) is likely to be impacted by the rural nature of the community. Limited access to specialists, a potentially lower physician-to-patient ratio, and the availability of resources such as telemedicine and mental health support are all factors that will be considered. A lower score might be anticipated compared to more urban areas with greater healthcare infrastructure. However, the presence of dedicated primary care practices, a commitment to patient education, and the adoption of innovative technologies can improve the score.

A comprehensive analysis would involve gathering data from multiple sources. This includes reviewing physician profiles on websites like Healthgrades and Vitals, examining practice websites for information on services and accreditations, and contacting practices directly to inquire about their prostate cancer screening and management protocols. Public health data, such as cancer incidence rates and mortality rates, can also provide valuable insights into the overall health of the community.

This analysis is a starting point. The PCS can be refined and improved with more detailed data collection and analysis. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Maxton, NC, to inform patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. It can also highlight areas where improvements are needed to enhance prostate cancer care and improve patient outcomes.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Maxton, NC, and explore the locations of primary care practices and other healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you identify healthcare providers, assess access to care, and understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in the community.