28585, Trenton, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28585, Trenton, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.20 percent of the residents in 28585 has some form of health insurance. 50.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.51 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 28585 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 572 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28585. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 953 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,466 health care providers accessible to residents in 28585, Trenton, North Carolina.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Trenton, NC (ZIP Code 28585)**

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care in Trenton, North Carolina (ZIP code 28585) requires a multifaceted approach, examining not only the availability of specialists but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including primary care access, mental health support, and technological integration. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score," offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care lies in early detection and consistent follow-up. This begins with accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). In Trenton, assessing primary care availability involves scrutinizing physician-to-patient ratios. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access to preventative screenings, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams, crucial for identifying potential issues early. Trenton's score hinges on the current PCP-to-patient ratio, which requires investigation into the number of active PCPs serving the population.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the PCP's familiarity with prostate cancer screening guidelines, their willingness to discuss risk factors, and their ability to appropriately refer patients to specialists when necessary. The "Prostate Cancer Score" considers the availability of patient education materials within primary care practices and the frequency with which PCPs discuss prostate health with their male patients. The score also considers the availability of PCPs who are accepting new patients.

The next layer of the analysis focuses on the availability of specialists, particularly urologists, within a reasonable driving distance of Trenton. The presence of board-certified urologists is a critical factor. A higher concentration of specialists translates to greater access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as biopsies and imaging, and a wider range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. The "Prostate Cancer Score" assesses the proximity of urology practices to Trenton, the number of urologists available, and their specific expertise in prostate cancer management.

Identifying standout practices is a crucial aspect of this analysis. This involves evaluating individual practices based on several factors. These include the use of advanced technologies, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques or sophisticated radiation therapy equipment. The "Prostate Cancer Score" recognizes practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offering support groups, educational programs, and comprehensive follow-up services. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials and research initiatives also receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to advancing the field of prostate cancer treatment.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Trenton. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially shortening wait times. The "Prostate Cancer Score" assesses the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine consultations, including virtual appointments for follow-up care, medication management, and even initial consultations. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

The psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an essential component of the "Prostate Cancer Score." This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology-related mental health issues. The score considers the proximity of mental health providers, the availability of oncology-specific counseling services, and the integration of mental health support within the broader healthcare system. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients receive higher scores.

The analysis also considers the availability of ancillary services, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, which can be crucial for recovery after prostate cancer treatment. The "Prostate Cancer Score" acknowledges the presence of these services and their accessibility to patients in Trenton. Practices that offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sexual health counseling, are recognized for their commitment to holistic patient care.

Furthermore, the "Prostate Cancer Score" takes into account the cost of care and the availability of financial assistance programs. Prostate cancer treatment can be expensive, and the ability of patients to access affordable care is a critical factor. The score considers the acceptance of various insurance plans, the availability of payment plans, and the presence of financial counseling services. Practices that prioritize affordability and offer assistance to patients struggling with the financial burden of treatment receive higher scores.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. It is based on a combination of publicly available data, direct observation, and potentially, patient feedback. Regular updates are necessary to ensure the score accurately reflects the current state of prostate cancer care in Trenton. The score should be used as a tool to identify areas for improvement, guide patients in making informed decisions about their care, and encourage healthcare providers to enhance their services.

The final "Prostate Cancer Score" for Trenton will be a composite measure, reflecting the availability of primary care, the accessibility of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the quality of care provided by individual practices, and the affordability of treatment. This score will provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the overall quality of prostate cancer care in the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Trenton, NC, and visualize the distribution of healthcare providers and resources, explore the power of interactive mapping. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data analyzed, allowing you to identify areas of strength and weakness in the local healthcare system. **Visit CartoChrome maps today to visualize the data and gain a clearer picture of prostate cancer care accessibility in Trenton, NC.**