25009, Ashford, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 25009, Ashford, West Virginia is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25009 has some form of health insurance. 72.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 37.31 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 25009 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 384 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25009. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 207 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 182 health care providers accessible to residents in 25009, Ashford, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Ashford, WV (ZIP Code 25009)

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care in Ashford, West Virginia, demands a multifaceted approach. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 25009, considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the accessibility and quality of care available to residents.

The foundation of any breast cancer care system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Ashford, evaluating primary care availability is crucial. This involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can create significant barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. This can lead to delayed referrals to specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, potentially impacting patient outcomes. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing and analyzing data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are practices geographically accessible to all residents of Ashford, or are certain areas underserved? Analyzing the locations of practices, along with transportation infrastructure, is essential. Factors like public transportation options and the distance patients must travel to reach a PCP can significantly influence access to care.

Once primary care access is assessed, the focus shifts to specialist availability. While Ashford may not have a dedicated oncologist or breast surgeon within its boundaries, the proximity and accessibility of specialists in nearby cities like Charleston, WV, become critical. This involves evaluating the travel time, ease of referral, and the availability of specialists accepting new patients. The presence of affiliations with larger healthcare systems in Charleston can streamline the referral process and provide access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

Standout practices within the region often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes proactive screening programs, such as mammography and breast ultrasounds, offered in-house or through partnerships with local imaging centers. These practices may also incorporate patient navigators, individuals who guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Patient navigators can assist with scheduling appointments, coordinating care among different specialists, and providing emotional support.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in expanding access to care, especially in rural areas like Ashford. The availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, oncologists, and other specialists can reduce the need for travel and improve convenience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine may offer virtual follow-up appointments, remote monitoring of symptoms, and access to educational resources. The quality of the telemedicine platform, including its ease of use and integration with existing electronic health records, is a key factor in its effectiveness.

Mental health resources are an integral part of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This may involve providing access to therapists, support groups, or psychiatric services. Screening for depression and anxiety, as well as offering resources for coping with stress and anxiety, are essential components of comprehensive breast cancer care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Ashford, WV (ZIP code 25009) would be a composite metric reflecting the factors discussed above. This score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the geographic accessibility of practices, the availability of specialists, the presence of proactive screening programs, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score would be accompanied by a detailed analysis, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

To improve the "Breast Cancer Score," several strategies could be implemented. These include recruiting more PCPs to the area, establishing partnerships with specialists in nearby cities, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and increasing access to mental health services. Community outreach programs, designed to educate residents about breast cancer screening and early detection, can also play a crucial role.

This analysis underscores the importance of a data-driven approach to assessing breast cancer care. By examining the availability of physicians, the characteristics of practices, the adoption of technology, and the integration of mental health resources, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing patients in Ashford, WV. This information can then be used to inform policy decisions, guide resource allocation, and ultimately, improve the quality of care.

Visualizing this data and understanding the nuances of healthcare access requires powerful mapping tools. To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in Ashford and the surrounding areas, and to visualize the "Breast Cancer Score" across different locations, explore the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.