28774, Sapphire, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28774, Sapphire, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.86 percent of the residents in 28774 has some form of health insurance. 48.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.55 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 28774 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 69 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28774. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 556 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 785 health care providers accessible to residents in 28774, Sapphire, North Carolina.

Prostate cancer screening and treatment access are crucial for men's health, especially in areas with potentially limited resources. This analysis focuses on the landscape of prostate cancer care within ZIP code 28774 (Sapphire, North Carolina) and the surrounding primary care environment, aiming to provide a Prostate Cancer Score (PCS) assessment. This score considers various factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all of which impact a patient's journey from screening to treatment.

Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios is a foundational step. ZIP code 28774, being a relatively rural area, likely faces challenges in physician density compared to more urban centers. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts prostate cancer screening rates. PCPs are often the first point of contact for men experiencing symptoms or needing routine checkups, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. A low PCP-to-patient ratio may lead to delayed diagnoses and potentially poorer outcomes. Therefore, the PCS will be negatively affected if the ratio is unfavorable.

Primary care availability within Sapphire is critical. Are there enough general practitioners, family doctors, and internal medicine specialists to meet the community's needs? The distance patients must travel to access these services significantly affects their willingness to seek care. Long travel times can deter men from undergoing screening and follow-up appointments, impacting the PCS. The analysis will consider the number of primary care providers, their specialties, and the average wait times for appointments.

Identifying standout practices is essential. Are there any primary care practices or clinics within or near 28774 that demonstrate a commitment to prostate cancer screening and early detection? This could include practices that actively promote PSA testing, offer patient education materials, and have established referral pathways to urologists. Practices with a strong focus on preventative care and patient education will positively influence the PCS. The presence of dedicated nurse navigators or care coordinators, who assist patients through the diagnostic and treatment process, would be a significant positive factor.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and discussing test results, can improve access to care, particularly for those in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially mitigate the impact of geographical barriers and improve patient convenience. The PCS will consider the availability of telehealth options, the types of services offered virtually, and the ease of use of the telemedicine platform.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to prostate cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is vital for supporting patients through their journey. The PCS will assess the availability of mental health services within the community, including the presence of therapists specializing in oncology or men's health issues. The integration of mental health support within the primary care setting will be viewed favorably.

The overall Prostate Cancer Score for this area will be a composite of these factors. A high score will indicate a favorable environment for prostate cancer care, with adequate physician availability, accessible primary care, proactive practices, telemedicine options, and readily available mental health support. A low score will reflect challenges in these areas, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. The score will be a relative measure, comparing the resources available in 28774 to benchmarks for other areas.

To arrive at a more accurate PCS, a comprehensive data gathering process is needed. This would involve identifying all primary care providers within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, assessing their patient loads, and determining the availability of appointments. Information on practice characteristics, such as the use of telemedicine and the availability of patient education materials, would need to be collected. Finally, a review of mental health resources, including the number of therapists and counselors specializing in oncology, would be essential.

The assessment will also consider the presence of specialized services, such as urology clinics and radiation oncology centers, within a reasonable driving distance. The proximity of these facilities directly impacts the accessibility of treatment options. The availability of support groups and patient advocacy organizations would also be considered. These resources can provide invaluable emotional support and guidance to patients and their families.

The analysis will also consider the demographic makeup of the community. The age distribution of the population, the prevalence of prostate cancer risk factors, and any existing health disparities will be factored into the overall assessment. This will provide a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for improving prostate cancer care in the area.

In conclusion, the Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP code 28774 will be a complex assessment reflecting the interplay of various factors. While the rural nature of the area may present challenges, a strong primary care infrastructure, telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources can significantly improve the outlook for men facing prostate cancer. The final score will be a valuable tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and for identifying areas where improvements are needed.

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