28439, Fair Bluff, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28439, Fair Bluff, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 72.18 percent of the residents in 28439 has some form of health insurance. 37.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.36 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 28439 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 175 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28439. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 189 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,224 health care providers accessible to residents in 28439, Fair Bluff, North Carolina.

Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Fair Bluff, NC (ZIP Code 28439)

The assessment of prostate cancer care within Fair Bluff, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28439), necessitates a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the availability of medical professionals but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including primary care access and mental health support. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the landscape, moving beyond simple metrics to assess the quality and accessibility of care for men in this rural community.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. While precise data on the number of urologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) specifically practicing within Fair Bluff is challenging to obtain due to the geographic limitations of data collection, we can extrapolate based on county-level information and surrounding areas. Columbus County, where Fair Bluff is located, often faces challenges in physician recruitment and retention, typical of rural regions. This translates to potentially higher patient-to-physician ratios compared to urban centers. Men in Fair Bluff might experience longer wait times for appointments with both PCPs and specialists, which can delay diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

Primary care availability is the bedrock of effective prostate cancer screening and management. PCPs are often the first point of contact for men experiencing symptoms or seeking routine checkups. The presence of a robust primary care network, including family physicians and internal medicine specialists, is essential for early detection through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams (DREs). Fair Bluff's primary care landscape needs careful examination. The availability of PCPs, their willingness to screen for prostate cancer, and their ability to effectively manage patients with early-stage disease all play a crucial role. The proximity to larger healthcare facilities, such as those in Whiteville or even Wilmington, is a factor, as patients may need to travel for specialized care.

Standout practices within the area, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to proactive prostate cancer screening and patient education. This includes practices that actively encourage PSA testing for men over a certain age, provide comprehensive information about prostate cancer risk factors, and offer clear explanations of treatment options. These practices might also have dedicated staff, such as nurse navigators, to guide patients through the often-complex process of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Identifying these practices is crucial for directing men to the best possible care. Unfortunately, identifying specific standout practices with certainty is difficult without deeper, on-the-ground research.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in addressing healthcare access issues in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially shortening wait times. The availability of telemedicine services for urology consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some forms of cancer treatment support can significantly improve the quality of care for men in Fair Bluff. The willingness of local healthcare providers to embrace telemedicine technologies, the availability of reliable internet access in the community, and the patient's comfort level with virtual consultations all impact the effectiveness of telemedicine in this setting.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a critical component of prostate cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a man's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for helping men cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of their illness. Identifying mental health resources within Fair Bluff or nearby areas is crucial. Integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan is ideal.

The overall ‘Prostate Cancer Score’ for Fair Bluff (ZIP Code 28439) would be contingent on the interplay of these factors. The score would be lower if there are limited PCPs, high patient-to-physician ratios, a lack of telemedicine adoption, and insufficient mental health support. Conversely, the score would be higher if there is a strong primary care network, easy access to specialists, widespread telemedicine use, and readily available mental health resources.

Further research is necessary to provide a more precise assessment. This research would involve gathering specific data on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health service accessibility. Community outreach, including interviews with patients and healthcare providers, would provide valuable insights into the lived experience of men in Fair Bluff navigating the healthcare system.

The limitations of this analysis are acknowledged. The lack of specific data on physician practices within the exact ZIP code restricts the ability to make definitive judgments. However, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the key factors that influence prostate cancer care in Fair Bluff and highlights the areas that require further investigation and improvement.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fair Bluff, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and proximity to healthcare facilities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a visual representation of geographic data, allowing you to identify healthcare resources and assess their accessibility within the community.