28528, Gloucester, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.32 percent of the residents in 28528 has some form of health insurance. 28.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.96 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 28528 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 127 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28528. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 111 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,144 health care providers accessible to residents in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28528 and Primary Care Availability in Gloucester**

The health landscape within ZIP Code 28528, encompassing the town of Gloucester, North Carolina, requires a thorough examination when assessing prostate cancer care. This analysis delves into primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout medical practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, culminating in a Prostate Cancer Score (PCS) assessment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to men in Gloucester for prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Primary care serves as the cornerstone of preventative healthcare. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts early detection of prostate cancer. A robust primary care system facilitates regular checkups, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, which is crucial for identifying potential issues. The number of PCPs per capita is a vital metric. Areas with a low physician-to-patient ratio may experience longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings. Gloucester, being a relatively rural area, likely faces challenges in this regard. The analysis will focus on identifying the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas to determine the accessibility of primary care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of healthcare access. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally signifies better access to care. Conversely, a lower ratio may indicate a shortage of medical professionals, leading to increased wait times and potentially reduced quality of care. This analysis will attempt to quantify the physician-to-patient ratio within 28528, comparing it to regional and national averages. This comparison will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

Identifying standout medical practices is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, and employing experienced medical professionals. This analysis will identify medical practices within and near 28528, evaluating their reputation, patient reviews, and the availability of specialized services relevant to prostate cancer care. This includes assessing the availability of urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapists, as well as access to advanced imaging technologies such as MRI and PET scans.

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access, especially in rural communities. Its adoption in 28528 can significantly impact prostate cancer care. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to timely consultations. The analysis will examine the extent of telemedicine adoption among medical practices in the area. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of digital tools for patient education and communication.

The mental health of patients is often overlooked, yet it is an integral part of the treatment process. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health resources is critical for supporting patients throughout their journey. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within 28528 and the surrounding areas. This includes assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups, as well as the integration of mental health services into primary care and oncology practices.

The Prostate Cancer Score (PCS) will be a composite metric reflecting the overall quality of prostate cancer care in 28528. The PCS will be based on the factors discussed above: physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance, and a score will be calculated based on the performance of the healthcare system in each area. The PCS will range from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest quality of care.

The analysis will consider specific practices. For instance, if a practice has a dedicated urology department, offers advanced imaging, and actively uses telemedicine for follow-up appointments, it will receive a higher score. Conversely, practices with limited resources or those that do not offer telemedicine options will receive lower scores. The availability of mental health services within a practice or through referrals will also be a factor.

The final PCS will provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in 28528. It will help patients understand the quality of care available and identify areas for improvement. It can also inform healthcare providers about their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to improve their services. The PCS will be a valuable tool for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

The analysis will involve several challenges. Data on physician-to-patient ratios may be difficult to obtain, and the availability of telemedicine services may vary. The assessment of mental health resources will require a thorough investigation of local services. Despite these challenges, the analysis will strive to provide an accurate and comprehensive assessment of prostate cancer care in 28528.

The final report will provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Gloucester regarding prostate cancer care. It will highlight the areas where patients have good access to care and the areas where improvements are needed. The report will provide actionable recommendations for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The report will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access. Gloucester is a rural area, and patients may face challenges related to transportation, insurance coverage, and income levels. The analysis will consider these factors when assessing the overall quality of care.

The analysis will consider the availability of support groups and patient education resources. These resources can play a vital role in helping patients cope with the challenges of prostate cancer. The analysis will assess the availability of these resources and their impact on patient outcomes.

In conclusion, the Prostate Cancer Score for 28528 will provide a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Gloucester. It will help patients make informed decisions about their care, and it will provide healthcare providers with valuable insights into their services. The analysis will be a valuable tool for improving the quality of prostate cancer care in the community.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of 28528 and the surrounding areas, including the location of medical practices, the availability of specialists, and the distribution of resources, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps offer a powerful way to explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare system in your area.