25434, Paw Paw, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 25434, Paw Paw, West Virginia is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.45 percent of the residents in 25434 has some form of health insurance. 47.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.68 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 25434 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 566 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25434. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 402 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 552 health care providers accessible to residents in 25434, Paw Paw, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Paw Paw, WV (ZIP Code 25434)

Paw Paw, West Virginia, a small community nestled in the Eastern Panhandle, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly concerning breast cancer screening and support. Evaluating the quality of care requires a multifaceted approach, considering physician availability, the integration of technology, and the provision of comprehensive mental health resources. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 25434, attempts to provide a nuanced understanding of the breast cancer care environment, culminating in a call to action for enhanced visualization tools.

The cornerstone of effective breast cancer care is timely access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Paw Paw, the availability of PCPs directly impacts the likelihood of early detection through routine screenings and referrals. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnostic procedures. Publicly available data, such as that provided by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, needs to be examined to assess the current PCP-to-patient ratio within the 25434 ZIP code. This data should be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care services.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly influences breast cancer outcomes. Identifying standout practices requires an evaluation of several factors. Firstly, the presence of female physicians is often associated with increased patient comfort and a higher likelihood of women seeking preventative care. Secondly, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is critical. EHRs streamline communication, facilitate the sharing of patient information between specialists, and enable proactive reminders for screenings and follow-up appointments. Thirdly, the integration of patient education materials, particularly those focused on breast self-exams and risk factors, demonstrates a commitment to preventative care.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving healthcare access in rural areas like Paw Paw. The ability to consult with specialists remotely, receive virtual counseling, and access educational resources online can bridge geographical barriers and reduce the burden of travel for patients. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by local practices is vital. Are physicians offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or discussing test results? Are they utilizing telehealth platforms for specialist referrals, such as for mammograms or biopsies? The availability of reliable internet infrastructure within the community is also a critical factor, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine adoption.

The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis is significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an integral part of comprehensive care. Does the local healthcare system provide access to therapists, counselors, or support groups specifically tailored to the needs of breast cancer patients? Are there partnerships with local organizations that offer mental health services, such as the American Cancer Society or local hospitals? The accessibility of these resources, including their affordability and proximity to patients, plays a crucial role in supporting patients through their journey.

Furthermore, the presence of local hospitals or clinics offering specialized breast cancer services, such as mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy capabilities, is essential. The proximity of these facilities reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for diagnostic and treatment procedures, minimizing stress and improving the overall patient experience. Assessing the availability of these services within the 25434 ZIP code and the surrounding areas is crucial.

Evaluating the quality of breast cancer care in Paw Paw necessitates a holistic approach. It is not enough to simply count physicians or assess the availability of specific services. A comprehensive analysis must consider the interconnectedness of these factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of specialized breast cancer services. This comprehensive approach allows for a more accurate assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifies areas for improvement.

The data gathering process for this type of analysis can be challenging. Publicly available data may be limited, requiring the use of multiple sources, including government websites, healthcare directories, and patient reviews. Contacting local healthcare providers directly is often necessary to gather detailed information about their services and practices. It's also important to consider the limitations of the data. Self-reported information from healthcare providers may not always be entirely objective, and patient reviews can be subjective.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by the healthcare system. Factors such as age, race, socioeconomic status, and insurance coverage can all influence access to care and health outcomes. Understanding the specific needs of the community is essential for developing effective strategies to improve breast cancer care.

Ultimately, improving breast cancer care in Paw Paw requires a collaborative effort. Healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies must work together to address the challenges and ensure that all residents have access to high-quality, comprehensive care. This includes increasing physician availability, promoting the adoption of technology, expanding mental health services, and raising awareness about breast cancer prevention and early detection.

For a deeper, more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Paw Paw, including physician locations, service availability, and demographic data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive and comprehensive analysis of the breast cancer care environment in ZIP code 25434.