28539, Hubert, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28539, Hubert, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.88 percent of the residents in 28539 has some form of health insurance. 34.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.23 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 28539 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,914 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28539. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,173 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,923 health care providers accessible to residents in 28539, Hubert, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Hubert, NC (ZIP Code 28539)

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care within Hubert, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28539) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not just the availability of specialists, but also the broader healthcare ecosystem. This analysis will assess the quality of care, focusing on primary care accessibility, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, culminating in a Prostate Cancer Score.

The cornerstone of effective prostate cancer management is early detection, which heavily relies on accessible and proactive primary care. In Hubert, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Assessing this involves examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, factoring in their patient load, and evaluating the ease with which new patients can schedule appointments. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with patient reviews and appointment scheduling platforms, can provide insights into wait times and overall accessibility. A high patient-to-physician ratio, coupled with long wait times, would negatively impact the Prostate Cancer Score, as it could delay crucial screenings and initial consultations.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Practices that emphasize preventative care, including regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings and digital rectal exams (DREs) for men over 50 (or earlier for high-risk individuals), are vital. The adoption of evidence-based guidelines and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate data sharing and care coordination are also crucial. Practices demonstrating these characteristics would contribute positively to the score.

Specialized care, specifically urology, is another vital component. Determining the number of urologists practicing within or near the ZIP code is essential. The distance patients must travel to access specialized care is a significant factor. Longer travel times can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, negatively affecting the score. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and biopsy capabilities, within a reasonable distance is also crucial.

Physician-to-patient ratios in both primary care and urology are key indicators. A shortage of physicians, especially specialists, can strain the healthcare system, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially impacting the quality of care. Public health data, combined with information from professional organizations, helps determine these ratios and assess their impact on the overall score.

Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to enhance access to care, particularly in rural areas like Hubert. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and educational resources, is a significant positive factor. Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, improve patient convenience, and allow for more frequent communication between patients and their healthcare providers. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and offer virtual consultations will receive a higher score.

Mental health is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in the well-being of prostate cancer patients. The diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore an essential consideration. Practices that integrate mental health services or offer referrals to mental health professionals will contribute positively to the Prostate Cancer Score.

Standout practices within Hubert and the surrounding areas deserve recognition. Identifying practices that excel in patient care, demonstrate a commitment to preventative measures, and offer comprehensive services is important. This involves analyzing patient reviews, assessing the qualifications of the medical staff, and evaluating the practice's adherence to established guidelines. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and offer a high level of service will be highlighted.

The Prostate Cancer Score itself is a composite measure, reflecting the factors discussed above. It is not a single number, but rather a weighted assessment. The score would consider the availability of PCPs and urologists, physician-to-patient ratios, access to advanced diagnostic tools, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor is assigned a weight based on its perceived importance in the overall quality of care. A higher score indicates a more favorable healthcare environment for prostate cancer patients.

The score would be categorized. A high score might indicate excellent access to care, proactive preventative measures, and comprehensive support services. A medium score might suggest adequate care, but with some areas for improvement, such as longer wait times or limited access to specialists. A low score would indicate significant challenges in accessing care, potentially due to a shortage of physicians, limited resources, or a lack of focus on preventative measures.

This analysis is a snapshot in time, and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Regular updates are necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the patient population. Continuous monitoring and assessment are crucial to ensure that prostate cancer patients in Hubert have access to the best possible care.

To visualize and further understand the healthcare landscape in Hubert, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and the proximity of resources, we recommend exploring the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data analyzed in this report, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and facilitating informed decision-making.