28629, Glendale Springs, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28629, Glendale Springs, North Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 0.00 percent of the residents in 28629 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 28629 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28629. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,336 health care providers accessible to residents in 28629, Glendale Springs, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Glendale Springs, NC (ZIP Code 28629)

Glendale Springs, North Carolina, a small community nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, presents a unique landscape for healthcare delivery, particularly regarding prostate cancer care. Evaluating the quality of care within ZIP code 28629 requires a nuanced approach, considering the limited resources and the geographical challenges inherent in a rural setting. This analysis will attempt to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" by examining several key factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. It is important to note that a definitive numerical score is difficult to assign without comprehensive, real-time data, but this analysis aims to offer a qualitative assessment.

The foundation of any good healthcare system is the availability of qualified medical professionals. In Glendale Springs, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely a significant concern. Rural areas often struggle to attract and retain primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses and less frequent preventative screenings, both of which are crucial in early prostate cancer detection. The availability of urologists, specifically, is critical. Patients may need to travel considerable distances to access specialized care, adding to the burden of diagnosis and treatment. This geographical limitation would likely negatively impact the overall score.

The nature of primary care practices in Glendale Springs is another important consideration. Are there solo practitioners, or are there group practices? Group practices can often offer a broader range of services and have the potential to share resources, improving efficiency and patient care. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a key indicator. EHRs facilitate better communication between physicians, improve care coordination, and allow for more efficient tracking of patient health data, including prostate cancer screenings and treatment plans. The presence of a dedicated oncology nurse or support staff can also significantly improve the patient experience and provide crucial emotional support.

Identifying "standout practices" in a rural setting like Glendale Springs is challenging due to the limited number of practices. However, any practice that demonstrates a commitment to patient-centered care, preventive screening, and early detection would be considered a high-performing practice. This would include practices that proactively offer prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams (DREs) to appropriate patients, adhering to established guidelines. Practices that actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) and stay abreast of the latest advancements in prostate cancer treatment would also be highly regarded.

Telemedicine offers a significant advantage in rural areas, allowing patients to access specialist consultations and follow-up appointments without the need for long-distance travel. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices is a crucial factor in the "Prostate Cancer Score." Practices that offer virtual consultations for initial assessments, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment would receive a higher score. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to educational resources and support groups for patients and their families. However, the availability of reliable internet access in the area is a significant challenge that must be considered.

The emotional and psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis can be profound. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology and can provide support to patients and their families is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, either through in-house providers or through referrals to external resources, would be considered to have a higher score. The availability of support groups, either in-person or online, also plays a vital role in helping patients cope with their diagnosis and treatment.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Glendale Springs, NC (ZIP Code 28629) is likely to be negatively impacted by the challenges of rural healthcare delivery. The limited physician-to-patient ratio, the potential for long travel distances to access specialist care, and the challenges of reliable internet access for telemedicine all contribute to a lower score. The score can be improved by promoting telemedicine adoption, supporting practices that emphasize preventative screening, and ensuring access to mental health resources.

While this analysis provides a qualitative assessment, visualizing healthcare data can offer a more comprehensive understanding of the local landscape. CartoChrome maps can be a valuable tool for visualizing physician locations, patient demographics, and access to healthcare resources. By using CartoChrome maps, residents of Glendale Springs can gain a better understanding of the healthcare options available to them and identify areas where improvements are needed.

If you are interested in exploring the healthcare landscape of Glendale Springs and visualizing the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the possibilities offered by CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into the availability of healthcare services and help you make informed decisions about your health. Visit CartoChrome today to discover how you can leverage the power of data visualization to improve your understanding of healthcare access in your community.