28392, Tar Heel, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28392, Tar Heel, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 28392 has some form of health insurance. 60.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.01 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 28392 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 407 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28392. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 456 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,090 health care providers accessible to residents in 28392, Tar Heel, North Carolina.

The analysis of prostate cancer care and primary care availability in Tar Heel, North Carolina (ZIP code 28392), requires a multifaceted approach, considering various factors that influence patient outcomes. This report will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview, enabling informed decisions for residents seeking quality healthcare.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of healthcare accessibility. A lower ratio, signifying more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments, reduced wait times, and potentially more personalized care. In ZIP code 28392, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) and urologists, the specialists primarily involved in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, needs careful evaluation. This analysis would involve researching the number of PCPs and urologists practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, then comparing this figure to the population of Tar Heel. Data from the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board would be essential sources for this information. Areas with a shortage of physicians may experience longer wait times and increased difficulty in securing timely appointments, potentially impacting early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.

Standout practices in the area would be identified by examining several key metrics. These include the quality of care, patient satisfaction scores, the utilization of advanced diagnostic technologies, and the availability of comprehensive treatment options. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection through regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings and digital rectal exams would be highly regarded. Furthermore, the availability of advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI and PET scans, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging. The presence of on-site or readily accessible radiation therapy and surgical oncology services, including minimally invasive surgical options like robotic-assisted prostatectomy, would also be significant factors. Patient reviews and testimonials, available through online platforms and patient advocacy groups, provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and overall satisfaction.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Tar Heel. Telemedicine can enhance access to care by providing virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring services. The degree to which practices in ZIP code 28392 utilize telemedicine platforms, and the types of services offered, needs to be assessed. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, urologists, and other specialists. The ease of access to these virtual services, including the availability of user-friendly platforms and technical support, is also important. Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments, live in remote areas, or have mobility limitations.

The availability of mental health resources is an often-overlooked but crucial component of comprehensive healthcare, especially for patients diagnosed with a serious illness like prostate cancer. The diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Assessing the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is vital. This includes determining whether PCPs and urologists in the area screen for mental health issues and provide referrals to mental health professionals. The presence of on-site mental health services or partnerships with local mental health providers would be highly beneficial. Furthermore, the availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, can provide patients with valuable emotional support and a sense of community.

The analysis of prostate cancer care and primary care availability in Tar Heel, North Carolina, would also consider the financial aspects of healthcare. This includes evaluating the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices, the availability of financial assistance programs for patients, and the transparency of billing practices. The cost of prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment can be substantial, and access to affordable care is essential. Practices that offer financial counseling or assistance programs can help patients navigate the complexities of healthcare costs.

The assessment of healthcare quality in the area should also consider the demographics of the population. This includes evaluating the representation of different racial and ethnic groups among healthcare providers and patients. Addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to care for all residents is a crucial consideration. This includes evaluating the availability of culturally competent care and language services for patients who may have limited English proficiency.

The overall "Prostate Cancer Score" for doctors in ZIP code 28392 would be a composite metric, reflecting the various factors discussed above. This score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of prostate cancer care in the area. The score would be based on a weighted average of the individual metrics, with each metric assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The final score would be presented on a scale, allowing for easy comparison of different practices and providers.

The primary care availability in Tar Heel would be evaluated using similar metrics, focusing on the accessibility, quality, and affordability of primary care services. This includes assessing the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs, the availability of same-day appointments, and the utilization of electronic health records. The availability of after-hours care and weekend appointments is also a significant factor. The overall primary care score would reflect the ease with which residents can access timely and comprehensive primary care services.

This analysis, while providing a detailed overview, is limited by the availability of publicly accessible data. A thorough assessment would require extensive research, including direct contact with healthcare providers, patient surveys, and analysis of healthcare data from various sources. The goal is to empower residents of Tar Heel with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Tar Heel and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a geographically informed perspective on physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data, helping you visualize the accessibility of care.