28707, Balsam, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28707, Balsam, North Carolina is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.03 percent of the residents in 28707 has some form of health insurance. 48.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.10 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 28707 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 77 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28707. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 162 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,217 health care providers accessible to residents in 28707, Balsam, North Carolina.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28707 and Primary Care Availability in Balsam**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially concerning prostate cancer, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on doctors within ZIP Code 28707, encompassing Balsam, North Carolina, and assesses primary care availability within Balsam itself. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, considering factors relevant to prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient well-being.

The first critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining this ratio involves identifying the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and urologists practicing within 28707 and comparing it to the population of the area. A higher ratio generally indicates better access to care. Publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from the North Carolina Medical Board, can be used to determine these figures. Low physician density, a common challenge in rural areas, can significantly impact the timely diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Delays in accessing primary care can hinder early detection through routine screenings like the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams (DREs). Delays in seeing a urologist can further postpone biopsies and treatment plans.

Beyond simple ratios, the quality of primary care is crucial. A proactive primary care physician is vital in the early detection of prostate cancer. They should be knowledgeable about risk factors, including age, family history, and race. They should be willing to discuss screening options with their patients, taking into account individual circumstances and preferences. Evaluating the practices within 28707 requires examining their approach to preventative care, their use of electronic health records (EHRs), and their patient satisfaction scores. Practices with robust EHR systems can improve care coordination and facilitate easier access to patient records for specialists.

Standout practices within 28707 can be identified by analyzing patient reviews, examining their accreditation status, and assessing their participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices that have earned recognition from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care. These practices are more likely to have comprehensive prostate cancer screening protocols and to refer patients promptly to urologists when necessary.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor, especially in rural areas where travel distances can be a barrier to care. The availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations with PCPs and urologists, can improve access to timely care. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing patients with education and support. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 28707 involves determining whether they offer virtual appointments, the types of services they provide through telehealth, and the technology they use.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. A diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is crucial for supporting patients through their treatment journey. Evaluating the availability of mental health services in 28707 involves identifying mental health providers, assessing their proximity to primary care practices and urology clinics, and determining whether they accept the same insurance plans.

The specifics of primary care availability within Balsam itself require a deeper dive. Balsam, as a smaller community, might have fewer healthcare options than the broader 28707 ZIP Code. Assessing the number of PCPs practicing in Balsam, their appointment availability, and their acceptance of new patients is crucial. The proximity of Balsam residents to hospitals and specialist clinics in neighboring towns and cities, such as Waynesville or Sylva, is another factor to consider.

Furthermore, the age demographics of the population within 28707, and specifically Balsam, are relevant. Prostate cancer is most common in men over 65. A higher proportion of older adults in the population necessitates a greater focus on prostate cancer screening and treatment services. The healthcare infrastructure must be equipped to handle the specific needs of this demographic.

Analyzing the insurance coverage landscape is also important. The acceptance of different insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, can impact access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans are more likely to serve a diverse patient population. This is especially important in rural areas where many residents may rely on government-funded insurance programs.

The overall ‘Prostate Cancer Score’ for 28707 and Balsam would be a composite measure, taking into account all these factors. It would reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the availability of telemedicine, the access to mental health resources, and the demographics of the population. The score would provide a comparative assessment of the healthcare landscape, identifying strengths and weaknesses.

Improving the healthcare landscape in 28707 and Balsam requires a multi-pronged approach. It includes increasing the number of PCPs and urologists, improving the quality of primary care practices, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and ensuring access to mental health services. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to achieving these goals.

The analysis of prostate cancer care in 28707 and Balsam is a dynamic process. Healthcare landscapes evolve, and new information becomes available. Regular updates to the analysis are necessary to ensure accuracy and relevance.

To visualize and better understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear and interactive representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing for a more informed assessment of access to care.