28425, Burgaw, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28425, Burgaw, North Carolina is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.17 percent of the residents in 28425 has some form of health insurance. 39.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.94 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 28425 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,349 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28425. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,873 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,694 health care providers accessible to residents in 28425, Burgaw, North Carolina.

The task is to provide a comprehensive analysis of prostate cancer care within ZIP code 28425 (Burgaw, North Carolina), focusing on primary care availability and related factors. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in the holistic treatment of prostate cancer. The final section will provide a call to action.

Burgaw, North Carolina, a relatively small town, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Assessing prostate cancer care necessitates a multi-faceted approach, moving beyond simply counting urologists. The foundation of effective prostate cancer management lies in robust primary care. Early detection through routine screenings and prompt referrals are critical. Therefore, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the first and most important factor to consider. Physician-to-patient ratios in Burgaw and the surrounding Pender County are vital. A high ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to delayed appointments, potentially hindering timely diagnosis and treatment. Researching the precise PCP-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code is paramount, as is comparing it to state and national averages.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are crucial. Are there sufficient PCPs accepting new patients? Are appointment wait times reasonable? Do practices offer extended hours or weekend availability to accommodate patients' schedules? These factors directly impact a patient's ability to access screening and initial consultations. Furthermore, the availability of specialized services, such as on-site laboratory testing and imaging, can streamline the diagnostic process, reducing the time between suspicion and confirmation of prostate cancer.

Identifying standout practices within Burgaw requires a deeper dive. This involves analyzing patient reviews, assessing the credentials and experience of the physicians, and evaluating the range of services offered. Are there practices that consistently receive high marks for patient satisfaction, communication, and the thoroughness of their examinations? Are any practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems or hospitals, which could provide access to a broader network of specialists and resources? Investigating the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also important. EHRs can improve care coordination, allowing for seamless information sharing between PCPs, urologists, and other specialists involved in a patient's care.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Burgaw is significant. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, making healthcare more accessible for patients, particularly those with mobility issues or who live far from medical facilities. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within the primary care network is crucial. Are PCPs offering virtual appointments for routine checkups, medication management, and discussing lab results? Does the practice have a user-friendly platform for virtual visits?

The emotional and psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis can be profound. Access to mental health resources is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of comprehensive care. Does Burgaw offer access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists? Are these resources readily available and affordable? Does the primary care network collaborate with mental health providers to ensure patients receive the support they need? Assessing the availability of support groups and educational programs for prostate cancer patients and their families is also important. These resources can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community.

The presence of a urologist is critical for prostate cancer treatment. While the analysis focuses on primary care availability, the presence of a urologist within a reasonable distance is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. Investigating the proximity of urology practices to Burgaw, the credentials of the urologists, and the range of services they offer is necessary. This includes evaluating their experience with various treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

The overall assessment of prostate cancer care in Burgaw, NC (ZIP code 28425) requires a detailed investigation of several factors. The physician-to-patient ratio in primary care, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all play a crucial role. The presence of a urologist and the proximity of specialized cancer centers are also important. A comprehensive analysis should consider all these factors to provide a complete picture of the healthcare landscape for prostate cancer patients in Burgaw.

The analysis must be updated regularly, as healthcare is dynamic. Physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources can change rapidly. Regular updates ensure the information remains current and relevant. Furthermore, the analysis should be expanded to include information on insurance coverage, cost of care, and patient outcomes.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Burgaw and surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the distribution of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and socioeconomic factors. This data visualization can provide valuable insights into healthcare access and disparities, allowing for a more informed assessment of prostate cancer care in the region.