28399, White Oak, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28399, White Oak, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.67 percent of the residents in 28399 has some form of health insurance. 62.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.20 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 28399 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 357 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28399. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 238 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,014 health care providers accessible to residents in 28399, White Oak, North Carolina.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28399 and Primary Care in White Oak**

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of prostate cancer care within ZIP Code 28399, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services in the adjacent community of White Oak, North Carolina. The goal is to evaluate the healthcare landscape for men at risk of or diagnosed with prostate cancer, considering factors that impact early detection, treatment, and overall well-being.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer management begins with accessible and high-quality primary care. White Oak, while not a ZIP Code, is a geographic area that provides essential primary care services for residents of 28399. Therefore, our analysis considers the primary care resources available in White Oak and their impact on the residents of 28399.

One critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio indicates the number of primary care physicians available to serve the population. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care and potentially shorter wait times for appointments. Conversely, a higher ratio can indicate a shortage of primary care providers, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Data regarding the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 28399 and White Oak requires accessing local healthcare databases and public health reports. These sources provide insight into the availability of primary care physicians, including general practitioners, internists, and family medicine specialists.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices within White Oak for their adherence to best practices in prostate cancer screening and management. This includes assessing whether they offer or readily refer patients for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal exams (DREs), and other recommended screening protocols. Furthermore, the practices' experience in managing patients with prostate cancer, their referral patterns to urologists and oncologists, and their overall patient satisfaction scores are crucial indicators of quality.

Identifying standout practices within White Oak requires a deeper dive. This involves reviewing patient testimonials, assessing the availability of on-site diagnostic equipment, and examining the practice's commitment to patient education. Practices that prioritize preventative care, offer comprehensive patient education materials about prostate cancer, and actively engage in community outreach programs tend to score higher in terms of quality. The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers also plays a significant role in facilitating seamless care coordination.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients who may face geographical barriers or have mobility limitations. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, can significantly enhance the overall patient experience. The availability of telemedicine also becomes particularly important when considering the need for specialist consultations, which may not be readily available in the immediate vicinity.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are vital for patients dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis. The emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis can be significant, and access to mental health support is crucial for patient well-being. This includes assessing the availability of on-site mental health professionals, referrals to therapists and counselors, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

The analysis also considers the availability of specialist care. This includes the presence of urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists within a reasonable distance of 28399. The proximity of these specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists are all critical factors in determining the overall quality of prostate cancer care. The presence of specialized cancer centers or hospitals with dedicated prostate cancer programs further enhances the healthcare landscape.

Furthermore, the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, social workers, and support groups, is essential. These services provide patients with emotional support, practical assistance, and guidance throughout their cancer journey. Practices that actively connect patients with these resources demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence access to care. This includes evaluating the demographics of the population within 28399 and White Oak, including income levels, insurance coverage rates, and access to transportation. These factors can significantly impact a patient's ability to access timely and appropriate care.

The overall "Prostate Cancer Score" for 28399 and White Oak will be a composite score based on all the factors mentioned above. This score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for men at risk of or diagnosed with prostate cancer. The score will be accompanied by specific recommendations for improving access to care, enhancing the quality of services, and addressing any identified gaps in the healthcare system.

The findings of this analysis are intended to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use this information to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Healthcare providers can use it to identify areas for improvement and to implement best practices in prostate cancer care. Policymakers can use it to develop and implement strategies to improve access to care and to address any identified disparities in healthcare.

For a detailed visualization of healthcare resources in 28399 and the surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care practices, specialists, and support services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive and dynamic visualizations of healthcare data, providing valuable insights into the healthcare landscape.