28773, Saluda, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28773, Saluda, North Carolina is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.55 percent of the residents in 28773 has some form of health insurance. 38.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.01 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 28773 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 466 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28773. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 890 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,417 health care providers accessible to residents in 28773, Saluda, North Carolina.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Saluda, NC (ZIP Code 28773)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality in Saluda, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28773) requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly when assessing prostate cancer care. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, technological adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial factors influencing patient outcomes. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and offer actionable insights.

The foundation of any prostate cancer care assessment is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are the gatekeepers to early detection, offering screening recommendations, ordering initial diagnostic tests (like PSA tests), and providing referrals to specialists. Saluda, a relatively small town, likely faces challenges in physician-to-patient ratios. National averages often mask the realities of rural healthcare. A lower ratio, meaning fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. This scarcity necessitates careful evaluation of existing practices and their capacity to serve the community.

A deeper dive into primary care availability reveals nuances beyond raw numbers. The age and experience of existing PCPs are critical. Older physicians, while possessing valuable experience, may be nearing retirement, potentially shrinking the available pool. The presence of younger physicians, committed to long-term practice in the area, is a positive indicator. Furthermore, understanding the types of practices – solo practices, group practices, or those affiliated with larger healthcare systems – is essential. Group practices often offer greater resources, including access to specialists and advanced diagnostic equipment. Affiliation with larger systems can also improve access to specialized cancer care and clinical trials.

Prostate cancer care extends beyond primary care. The availability of urologists, who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, is paramount. Saluda, being a rural area, may rely on urologists located in nearby towns or cities. This necessitates an assessment of travel times, appointment wait times, and the ease of referral processes. The presence of a local urologist, even if part-time, would significantly improve the Prostate Cancer Score.

The characteristics of individual practices are crucial. Standout practices demonstrate a commitment to proactive prostate cancer screening. This includes actively informing patients about the importance of PSA testing, offering convenient appointment scheduling, and ensuring timely follow-up on abnormal results. Practices that embrace patient education, providing comprehensive information about prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options, are also highly valued.

Technological adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, or even initial consultations can improve the Prostate Cancer Score. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also vital. EHRs facilitate seamless information sharing between PCPs, urologists, and other specialists, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of errors.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in cancer care, but their importance cannot be overstated. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, receive a higher score. This includes providing information about support groups, counseling services, and other resources to help patients cope with the emotional toll of the disease.

Specific practices in Saluda, NC (ZIP Code 28773) require individual assessment. Without specific practice names, it is impossible to provide a detailed ranking. However, the following hypothetical scenario provides a framework:

**Hypothetical Practice A:** A solo practice with a long-tenured PCP. Limited telemedicine adoption. No on-site mental health resources. Moderate Prostate Cancer Score.

**Hypothetical Practice B:** A group practice with multiple PCPs and affiliations with a larger healthcare system. Offers telemedicine consultations. Provides information about local mental health resources. Higher Prostate Cancer Score.

**Hypothetical Practice C:** A practice with a dedicated urologist. Actively promotes prostate cancer screening. Offers telemedicine and integrated mental health services. Highest Prostate Cancer Score.

The Prostate Cancer Score for Saluda, NC (ZIP Code 28773) will be influenced by the collective characteristics of the local healthcare providers. The score will be lower if the area is characterized by a shortage of PCPs, limited access to specialists, and a lack of technological adoption. The score will be higher if the area boasts a robust network of PCPs, readily available specialists, and a commitment to leveraging technology and mental health resources.

The primary care availability in Saluda is the cornerstone of prostate cancer care. The presence of a strong primary care network, characterized by adequate physician-to-patient ratios, experienced practitioners, and a commitment to proactive screening, is essential. The integration of telemedicine and mental health resources further enhances the quality of care and improves patient outcomes.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Saluda, NC (ZIP Code 28773), including the location of healthcare providers, their specialties, and other relevant information, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility and availability of healthcare resources in your area.