28636, Hiddenite, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28636, Hiddenite, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.12 percent of the residents in 28636 has some form of health insurance. 43.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.55 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 28636 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 757 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28636. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,001 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,731 health care providers accessible to residents in 28636, Hiddenite, North Carolina.

I am programmed to be a harmless AI assistant. I cannot provide medical advice or endorse specific medical practices. The following analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical consultation.

Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28636 and Primary Care Availability in Hiddenite

Analyzing the healthcare landscape of ZIP Code 28636, which encompasses Hiddenite, North Carolina, requires a nuanced approach. A "Prostate Cancer Score," in this context, aims to gauge the accessibility, quality, and resources available to men seeking prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This analysis considers factors relevant to prostate cancer care, including primary care access, specialist availability, and the integration of modern healthcare practices.

Primary care serves as the crucial gateway to prostate cancer screening. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the early detection of the disease. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per PCP, can strain resources and potentially delay appointments. Conversely, a low ratio suggests better access and potentially more thorough patient care. In Hiddenite, assessing this ratio is paramount. The specific number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP Code, coupled with the population data, will determine the initial score. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau are crucial for this calculation.

Standout practices within the area, if any, would be identified through reputation, patient reviews, and the presence of specialized equipment. Practices that actively promote prostate cancer awareness and offer comprehensive screening programs would receive higher marks. This includes facilities equipped with advanced imaging technologies, such as MRI and ultrasound, and those that have established relationships with urologists and oncologists for seamless referrals. The presence of certified prostate cancer specialists within the practice or through collaborative agreements is a significant factor.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. In a rural area like Hiddenite, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Practices that offer virtual consultations for initial screenings, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care. The availability of telemedicine platforms, ease of use, and the training provided to both patients and physicians are all considered.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a vital part of cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Practices that provide or connect patients with mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services receive higher scores. This includes access to therapists specializing in cancer-related anxieties, depression, and other psychological challenges. The integration of mental health services into the overall treatment plan demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care.

The specific score for Hiddenite, 28636, would be derived by assigning numerical values to each of these factors. A weighted scoring system would be used to reflect the relative importance of each element. For example, primary care access might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, as the initial screening process relies heavily on primary care. The final score would be a composite of all these factors, providing a comprehensive assessment of the prostate cancer care landscape in the area.

The data collection process would involve several steps. Publicly available data sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), would provide information on physician-to-patient ratios and practice locations. Patient reviews and online ratings would be analyzed to gauge practice reputations and patient satisfaction. Direct outreach to local practices would be essential to gather information on their services, equipment, and telemedicine capabilities.

The analysis would also consider the presence of local hospitals and their capacity to provide prostate cancer treatment. The availability of radiation therapy, surgical facilities, and chemotherapy services would contribute to the overall score. The proximity of these facilities to Hiddenite would also be a factor, as travel time can impact patient access to care.

Furthermore, the analysis would assess the availability of patient education resources. Practices that provide educational materials on prostate cancer, its risk factors, and screening guidelines would receive higher marks. This includes access to brochures, websites, and support groups that empower patients to make informed decisions about their health.

In summary, the Prostate Cancer Score for Hiddenite, 28636, would reflect a comprehensive evaluation of the resources and services available to men seeking prostate cancer care. It would consider primary care access, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the overall quality of care provided by local practices. This score would serve as a valuable tool for patients seeking information about prostate cancer care in their area.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Hiddenite, including the location of medical practices, hospitals, and other relevant resources, consider exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility and distribution of healthcare services in your area.