24970, Ronceverte, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 24970, Ronceverte, West Virginia is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.46 percent of the residents in 24970 has some form of health insurance. 52.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.30 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 24970 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 776 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24970. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 736 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 573 health care providers accessible to residents in 24970, Ronceverte, West Virginia.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Ronceverte, WV (ZIP Code 24970)**

Ronceverte, West Virginia, a small community nestled in the Greenbrier Valley, presents a unique landscape for healthcare accessibility, particularly concerning breast cancer care. Evaluating the quality and availability of these services requires a nuanced approach, considering factors beyond just the presence of physicians. This analysis focuses on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources within the 24970 ZIP code, culminating in a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment.

**Primary Care Foundation and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care often lies in the strength of the primary care network. Early detection and preventative measures are frequently initiated by primary care physicians (PCPs). In Ronceverte, the availability of PCPs is a crucial starting point. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within the 24970 ZIP code is vital. This ratio provides insight into the potential workload of each physician and the ease with which patients can secure timely appointments. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, may lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, combined with information from healthcare provider directories, can help determine this ratio. However, it’s important to remember that rural areas often face shortages, making access a significant challenge.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Expertise**

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. These include the presence of board-certified physicians specializing in oncology, radiology, and surgery. Practices with dedicated breast cancer screening programs, including mammography and ultrasound, are also crucial. Furthermore, practices that offer advanced diagnostic tools, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), should be recognized. The availability of these specialized services within or near Ronceverte significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score. Examining patient reviews, practice accreditations (e.g., by the American College of Radiology), and the types of treatments offered (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy) provides a more comprehensive picture.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to healthcare, especially in rural areas like Ronceverte. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices is a key factor in this analysis. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms for consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients with breast cancer can significantly improve patient outcomes. The availability of telemedicine can reduce the need for travel to distant medical centers, which can be a significant burden for patients, particularly those undergoing treatment. Assessing the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs) and the ease of access to these services is crucial.

**Mental Health Resources: An Overlooked Component**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment often have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of a comprehensive Breast Cancer Score. Assessing the availability of therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology-related mental health is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, such as offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals, should be highly regarded. The existence of support groups, both in-person and online, can provide invaluable emotional support and facilitate peer-to-peer learning.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment**

The final Breast Cancer Score for Ronceverte, WV (24970) should reflect a weighted average of the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate a robust primary care network, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized expertise, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A low score would suggest challenges in accessing these services, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer patient outcomes.

**Specific Considerations for Ronceverte**

Given the rural nature of Ronceverte, the Breast Cancer Score must acknowledge the limitations of a small community. The absence of certain specialized services within the ZIP code should not automatically result in a low score. Instead, the score should consider the proximity of these services to Ronceverte, the ease of access (e.g., transportation options), and the availability of referral pathways to larger medical centers. The presence of collaborative relationships between local practices and regional cancer centers is a positive indicator.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

Evaluating breast cancer care in Ronceverte requires a holistic approach, considering not only the presence of physicians but also the availability of specialized services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health support. The Breast Cancer Score provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

To visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and the location of support services, explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and identifying areas where improvements are needed.