28436, Delco, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28436, Delco, North Carolina is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.53 percent of the residents in 28436 has some form of health insurance. 31.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.17 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 28436 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 400 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28436. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,449 health care providers accessible to residents in 28436, Delco, North Carolina.

This analysis assesses prostate cancer care within ZIP code 28436 (Leland, North Carolina) and primary care accessibility in Delaware County (Delco), Pennsylvania, focusing on factors influencing patient outcomes. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, providing a nuanced perspective on the healthcare landscape.

**Prostate Cancer Care in 28436: A Scorecard**

Evaluating prostate cancer care requires a multi-faceted approach. The availability of skilled urologists, the efficiency of diagnostic processes, and the integration of supportive services are all crucial. In 28436, a primarily suburban area, understanding the local healthcare ecosystem is key.

**Physician Density and Accessibility:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational metric. A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates for physician density in the area. However, these figures can be broad. Specific data on urologists, the specialists primarily responsible for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, is essential. Are there sufficient urologists practicing within the ZIP code or in nearby areas, such as Wilmington? Travel time to specialists significantly impacts patient experience and can affect treatment outcomes.

**Practice Quality and Reputation:**

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Assessing the reputation of local practices involves researching patient reviews, examining accreditation status (e.g., by the American College of Surgeons), and exploring physician board certifications. Are local urologists board-certified? Do practices offer advanced diagnostic tools like MRI-guided biopsies? Are they affiliated with reputable hospitals or cancer centers? The presence of these elements suggests a higher standard of care.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has the potential to improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. The adoption rate of telemedicine by local urology practices is a critical factor. Do practices offer virtual appointments? Are they equipped to handle remote monitoring of patients? Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural or underserved areas, reducing travel burdens and improving adherence to treatment plans.

**Mental Health Integration:**

A prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. The availability of mental health resources within the healthcare system is, therefore, critical. Do local practices offer integrated mental health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Does the local hospital system have a robust oncology support program that includes psychological support? The integration of mental health services demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care.

**Primary Care Availability in Delco: A Scorecard**

Primary care serves as the gateway to the healthcare system. Adequate primary care access is crucial for early detection of prostate cancer through routine screenings and referrals to specialists. The situation in Delco, a county with a diverse population, demands careful consideration.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio in Delco:**

The physician-to-patient ratio in Delco is a crucial indicator of primary care accessibility. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, combined with information from professional organizations, can help determine the ratio. Areas with lower ratios may face challenges in patient access, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses.

**Geographic Distribution and Accessibility:**

The geographic distribution of primary care practices within Delco is another key factor. Are practices evenly distributed across the county, or are there areas with limited access? Factors like public transportation availability and the presence of underserved populations must be considered. Does the county have federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers to address healthcare disparities?

**Practice Characteristics and Quality:**

The quality of primary care practices is essential. Are practices patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), which emphasize coordinated care and patient engagement? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate care coordination and information sharing? These factors contribute to the overall quality of care.

**Telemedicine and Virtual Care in Delco:**

The adoption of telemedicine in primary care practices is increasingly important. Does Delco have a high rate of telemedicine use? Do practices offer virtual visits for routine checkups, medication refills, and follow-up appointments? Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

**Mental Health Integration in Primary Care:**

The integration of mental health services within primary care is crucial. Many patients experience mental health challenges, and primary care physicians are often the first point of contact. Do primary care practices in Delco have integrated behavioral health services, such as on-site therapists or counselors? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists? This integration can improve patient outcomes and address mental health needs more effectively.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusions**

Assessing prostate cancer care and primary care availability requires a comprehensive approach. In 28436, focus on urologist density, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. In Delco, analyze the physician-to-patient ratio, geographic distribution of practices, practice characteristics, telemedicine usage, and the integration of mental health services.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in these areas. Data collection and ongoing monitoring are essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement. The healthcare system is dynamic, and continuous evaluation is necessary to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

**Call to Action**

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in these and other areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to analyze physician density, practice locations, and other critical factors. Visit CartoChrome to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.