28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.73 percent of the residents in 28445 has some form of health insurance. 29.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.14 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 28445 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,928 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28445. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,568 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 781 health care providers accessible to residents in 28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Holly Ridge, NC (ZIP Code 28445)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning prostate cancer care, requires a multi-faceted approach. Focusing on ZIP code 28445, encompassing Holly Ridge, North Carolina, allows for a localized assessment of physician availability, practice characteristics, and supporting resources. This analysis aims to provide a 'Prostate Cancer Score' framework, considering key factors influencing patient outcomes and access to care.

One of the most critical elements is the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically focusing on primary care physicians (PCPs) and urologists. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Data from the US Department of Health & Human Services and local healthcare providers is crucial. We need to determine the number of PCPs and urologists practicing within the 28445 ZIP code, and then compare this to the estimated population. This ratio provides a baseline understanding of access to initial screening and specialist consultations. A higher ratio for both types of physicians, particularly urologists, would contribute positively to the 'Prostate Cancer Score'.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of these physicians matters. Are the practices geographically dispersed, or concentrated in one area? This impacts travel time for patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Examining the locations of medical practices within Holly Ridge and surrounding areas is essential. Practices located closer to residential areas and easily accessible via public transport or major roads will improve the score.

The quality of care offered by these practices is another significant factor. This encompasses several aspects, including the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Does the practice utilize PSA testing, digital rectal exams, and advanced imaging techniques like MRI? Are they equipped to perform biopsies? Practices adhering to current guidelines and employing advanced diagnostic tools will score higher. Reviewing practice websites and patient reviews, while acknowledging their limitations, can provide insights into the quality of care and patient satisfaction.

The presence of specialized services within the community is also vital. Does the area have access to radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and medical oncology? The availability of a comprehensive cancer center or affiliation with a larger hospital system with these resources significantly improves the score. This allows patients to receive coordinated care, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, if needed, without extensive travel.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Holly Ridge. Practices offering telehealth consultations can improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations with specialists. This reduces the need for travel and can be especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living a significant distance from the practice. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine will score higher, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in cancer care, but they are crucial for patient well-being. The diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, within the community or through referral networks, is an important consideration. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide or refer patients to these resources will contribute positively to the score.

Standout practices can be identified through a combination of factors. Practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, a commitment to evidence-based guidelines, advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, a focus on patient education, and a strong emphasis on patient satisfaction will likely stand out. Practices with a robust telemedicine program and readily available mental health support will also earn high marks.

Primary care availability in Holly Ridge is a critical factor. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients and play a crucial role in prostate cancer screening and early detection. The accessibility of PCPs, including appointment availability and wait times, is a key component of the score. Practices with efficient appointment scheduling and a commitment to preventative care will be highly valued.

To assess the overall 'Prostate Cancer Score' for Holly Ridge, we would synthesize the information gathered from each of these areas. We would assign weights to each factor, reflecting its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and access to specialist care might carry a higher weight than the availability of support groups. The final score would then reflect the overall quality and accessibility of prostate cancer care within the community.

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating prostate cancer care in Holly Ridge. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' is not a static number but rather a dynamic assessment that can be updated as new data becomes available. It is a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve access to quality care and improve patient outcomes.

For a detailed visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, explore the power of geospatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide a comprehensive, interactive view of healthcare resources in Holly Ridge and surrounding areas, enabling a deeper understanding of accessibility and identifying potential areas for improvement.