28584, Swansboro, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28584, Swansboro, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.20 percent of the residents in 28584 has some form of health insurance. 39.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.45 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 28584 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,421 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28584. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,146 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,838 health care providers accessible to residents in 28584, Swansboro, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Swansboro, NC (ZIP Code 28584)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within Swansboro, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28584), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, focusing on prostate cancer care, considers factors from physician availability to the integration of telehealth, ultimately providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment. We'll examine the current landscape, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The cornerstone of any prostate cancer care system is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Swansboro, assessing primary care availability is critical. The physician-to-patient ratio offers a baseline understanding. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially delay appointments. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access. Data from local health departments and state medical boards are vital to determine this ratio accurately. Furthermore, understanding the demographics of the population, including age and health status, is crucial for interpreting the physician-to-patient ratio effectively. Swansboro, with its growing population and potentially aging demographic, necessitates a careful evaluation of PCP availability.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Evaluating practices involves looking at their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer screening and early detection. This includes assessing the frequency of PSA testing, digital rectal exams, and patient education on risk factors. Practices that proactively engage in these activities are likely to provide a higher level of care. Patient reviews, available through online platforms and patient surveys, offer valuable insights into patient experiences, communication, and overall satisfaction with the care received. Identifying standout practices, those consistently exceeding expectations in these areas, is crucial for understanding the best options available to residents.

Specialist availability, specifically urologists and oncologists, is also a key determinant of the Prostate Cancer Score. The distance to specialists, the waiting times for appointments, and the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities significantly impact the patient journey. Does Swansboro have a local urology practice? If not, how far must patients travel for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment? The presence of a comprehensive cancer center within a reasonable distance is a significant advantage. The proximity to facilities offering advanced treatments like radiation therapy, robotic surgery, and chemotherapy is also a critical factor.

Telemedicine, particularly in the context of prostate cancer care, is becoming increasingly important. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Evaluating the adoption of telemedicine by local practices is a key component of this analysis. Are physicians offering virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring? The availability of telehealth can significantly reduce travel burdens and improve patient convenience. Furthermore, the integration of remote monitoring tools, such as wearable devices that track vital signs, can provide valuable data for early detection of complications and proactive management of the disease.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to comprehensive cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, who specialize in oncology is critical. Does Swansboro have readily accessible mental health services? Are these services integrated into the care provided by primary care practices and specialist clinics? The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, can provide valuable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

The Prostate Cancer Score, therefore, is not a simple number. It's a composite assessment based on several factors: PCP availability and quality, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. Each of these factors is weighted according to its relative importance in the patient's experience. A high score indicates a well-resourced system with excellent access to care, while a low score suggests areas needing improvement.

Data collection is a critical step in this analysis. Information must be gathered from various sources, including healthcare providers, local health departments, state medical boards, and patient feedback platforms. This data needs to be analyzed and interpreted to create an accurate and meaningful assessment. The analysis should also account for any disparities in access to care based on socioeconomic factors, race, or ethnicity.

The final Prostate Cancer Score for Swansboro (ZIP Code 28584) will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will provide a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This information can be used to inform decisions about healthcare resource allocation, improve patient care, and ultimately, improve outcomes for individuals affected by prostate cancer. It also provides a baseline for monitoring progress over time.

The findings of this analysis can also inform future healthcare planning. Identifying gaps in care, such as a shortage of specialists or a lack of telemedicine options, can help to prioritize investments in healthcare infrastructure. For example, attracting new specialists to the area or expanding the availability of telemedicine services could significantly improve the Prostate Cancer Score.

This comprehensive approach to evaluating prostate cancer care in Swansboro provides a robust framework for understanding the current state of healthcare access and quality. The analysis should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, ensuring that the Prostate Cancer Score remains a relevant and valuable tool for improving patient outcomes.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and access to care, explore the power of interactive mapping with CartoChrome. Use CartoChrome maps to see the locations of physicians, specialist clinics, and healthcare facilities, and to understand their proximity to patients in Swansboro and surrounding areas.