28651, Millers Creek, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28651, Millers Creek, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.16 percent of the residents in 28651 has some form of health insurance. 43.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.67 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 28651 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,006 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28651. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,460 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 672 health care providers accessible to residents in 28651, Millers Creek, North Carolina.

Prostate cancer screening and care are critical aspects of men’s health, and access to quality healthcare providers significantly impacts patient outcomes. This analysis delves into the prostate cancer care landscape within ZIP code 28651 (Millers Creek, North Carolina) and assesses the availability of primary care services, which often serve as the initial point of contact for men seeking prostate health evaluations. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In Millers Creek, the ratio reflects the number of physicians, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs) and urologists, available to serve the population. A higher ratio, indicating more doctors per capita, generally translates to better access, shorter wait times, and increased opportunities for preventative care, including prostate cancer screenings. Conversely, a lower ratio can lead to challenges in scheduling appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potential disparities in care. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau. This data is essential for a comprehensive assessment.

Primary care availability is paramount in the early detection and management of prostate cancer. PCPs play a crucial role in educating patients about risk factors, recommending screening tests like the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and providing initial treatment guidance. Millers Creek’s primary care infrastructure is a critical element of the prostate cancer care ecosystem. The presence of established practices with a focus on preventative care and early detection is highly advantageous. Conversely, a scarcity of PCPs or a lack of emphasis on men’s health issues can hinder timely diagnosis and treatment.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is a key element of this analysis. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care, including a focus on preventative screenings, patient education, and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Factors that differentiate these practices include: utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, offering comprehensive patient education materials, and maintaining a strong referral network with specialists, such as urologists and oncologists. Assessing the practices' patient reviews, their participation in community health initiatives, and their adoption of evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer screening and treatment are all factors.

Telemedicine adoption is transforming healthcare delivery, and its impact on prostate cancer care is significant. Telemedicine enables remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialist expertise, particularly for patients in rural areas like Millers Creek. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer increased convenience, reduce travel burdens, and improve access to care for patients who may have difficulty attending in-person appointments. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption requires examining the availability of virtual consultations, the use of remote monitoring tools, and the integration of telehealth into the practices' overall workflow.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of prostate cancer care, but they are essential for patient well-being. A prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can have significant emotional and psychological impacts, including anxiety, depression, and changes in body image. Access to mental health support, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric services, is vital for patients to cope with these challenges. Assessing the availability of mental health resources requires examining the presence of mental health professionals within the practices, the availability of referrals to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening into the care process.

A thorough analysis of the prostate cancer care landscape in Millers Creek must also consider the specific needs of the local population. Factors such as age distribution, socioeconomic status, and ethnic diversity can influence the prevalence of prostate cancer and the access to care. Tailoring screening and treatment strategies to the unique characteristics of the population is crucial for achieving optimal patient outcomes. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services can provide valuable insights into these demographic factors.

The quality of prostate cancer care is also influenced by the availability of specialized medical services. The presence of urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists in or near Millers Creek is crucial for providing comprehensive treatment options. Assessing the number of specialists, their expertise, and their affiliation with local hospitals is essential. The proximity to specialized cancer centers can also impact the level of care available to patients.

The overall assessment of prostate cancer care in Millers Creek involves a synthesis of all these factors. This includes a comprehensive review of the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of primary care services, the identification of standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, the integration of mental health resources, and the consideration of the specific needs of the local population. This holistic approach provides a more complete picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and identifies areas where improvements can be made.

Based on the data gathered, a prostate cancer care score can be assigned to the area. This score reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care. The score can be used to compare Millers Creek to other communities and to track progress over time. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The analysis also needs to consider the role of local hospitals. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and PET scans, and the presence of experienced surgeons and radiation oncologists are essential for providing comprehensive treatment options. Evaluating the quality of care at local hospitals, including patient outcomes and infection rates, is a key component of the overall assessment.

In conclusion, understanding the landscape of prostate cancer care in Millers Creek requires a multi-faceted approach. By examining physician availability, primary care access, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the specific needs of the population, a more accurate assessment of the quality and accessibility of care can be achieved. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that men in Millers Creek have access to the best possible prostate cancer care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Millers Creek, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, and to explore data-driven insights about prostate cancer care, visit CartoChrome maps.