28720, Chimney Rock, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28720, Chimney Rock, North Carolina is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.66 percent of the residents in 28720 has some form of health insurance. 34.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.23 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 28720 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 18 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28720. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 36 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,538 health care providers accessible to residents in 28720, Chimney Rock, North Carolina.

Please be aware that generating a real-time, comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" analysis for specific doctors and primary care availability in a given ZIP code is incredibly complex and beyond the scope of a text-based AI. I can't access real-time medical data, patient reviews, or practice-specific details needed for such a ranking. However, I can provide a hypothetical analysis framework and discussion points based on general knowledge and common factors considered in such assessments.

**Hypothetical Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Chimney Rock, NC (ZIP Code 28720)**

Analyzing the prostate cancer care landscape within Chimney Rock, North Carolina (ZIP code 28720) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering various factors impacting patient outcomes and access to care. A hypothetical "Prostate Cancer Score" would attempt to quantify these elements, providing a relative ranking of available resources. This analysis would need to be dynamic, constantly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, practice innovations, and evolving healthcare policies.

The foundation of any such analysis begins with assessing physician density. The physician-to-patient ratio within 28720, and the surrounding area, is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, would negatively impact the score. The analysis would differentiate between primary care physicians (PCPs), who often act as the initial point of contact and referral source, and specialists like urologists and oncologists, who are directly involved in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The proximity of these specialists is also vital. Does 28720 have urologists within a reasonable driving distance? Are there oncologists specializing in prostate cancer within a reasonable radius? The availability of these specialists significantly impacts the score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the qualifications and experience of the physicians are critical. This includes board certifications, years of practice, and any specialized training in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Are there any physicians in the area known for their expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques or advanced radiation therapy? Identifying these "standout practices" would significantly boost their scores. The analysis would need to incorporate data from professional organizations, peer reviews, and potentially, patient satisfaction surveys (though anonymized and aggregated to protect patient privacy).

The analysis would need to delve into the specific practices themselves. What diagnostic tools are available? Do they offer advanced imaging techniques like MRI fusion biopsies, which are becoming increasingly important for accurate diagnosis? What treatment options are offered? Are they equipped to provide the full spectrum of care, from active surveillance to surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy? The availability of advanced treatment modalities would positively influence the score. Practices that offer a multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists in a coordinated manner, would likely receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine would receive a boost in their scores, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. The analysis would consider the availability of telehealth platforms, the types of services offered via telemedicine, and the ease of use for patients.

A comprehensive prostate cancer care analysis must acknowledge the importance of mental health support. A cancer diagnosis, and its treatment, can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential. The analysis would assess whether practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks to mental health professionals. The presence of support groups specifically for prostate cancer patients and their families would also be a positive factor.

The analysis would also consider the availability of patient education resources. Does the practice provide educational materials about prostate cancer, its diagnosis, treatment options, and side effects? Are there patient navigators or care coordinators to help patients navigate the healthcare system? Practices that prioritize patient education and support would receive higher scores. The analysis would look for evidence of patient education programs, support groups, and access to reliable information about prostate cancer.

The analysis would also consider the cost of care. While a full cost analysis is complex, the analysis would consider the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may struggle to afford treatment. Practices that offer affordable care and financial support would receive higher scores.

The analysis would need to be transparent and objective, avoiding any bias or conflicts of interest. The scoring methodology would be clearly defined and consistently applied to all practices. The data sources would be identified, and the limitations of the analysis would be acknowledged. The analysis would be presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for patients to understand and use.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" would not be a static number but a dynamic assessment, reflecting the ever-changing healthcare landscape. The scores would be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, practice innovations, and evolving healthcare policies. The goal would be to provide patients with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care.

While I cannot provide a specific ranked list, the factors discussed above form the basis of any credible analysis. The actual implementation would require access to a vast amount of data and a sophisticated analytical framework.

**Call to Action:**

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