26150, Mineral Wells, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26150, Mineral Wells, West Virginia is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.28 percent of the residents in 26150 has some form of health insurance. 39.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.89 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 26150 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,679 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26150. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 959 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,278 health care providers accessible to residents in 26150, Mineral Wells, West Virginia.

The analysis of breast cancer care within ZIP code 26150, encompassing Mineral Wells, West Virginia, requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves scrutinizing the availability of primary care physicians, their capacity to detect and manage breast cancer risk, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health support, all within the context of a rural community. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, particularly regarding breast cancer, for residents of Mineral Wells.

Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a critical indicator. In a rural area like Mineral Wells, a shortage of primary care physicians can significantly impact access to preventative screenings, early diagnosis, and ongoing care for breast cancer patients. National averages are often inadequate benchmarks in such settings. Instead, a more granular analysis, accounting for the specific demographics of Mineral Wells, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, is essential. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, especially when coupled with a higher proportion of elderly residents, could translate into longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses.

The availability of primary care is the foundation. The analysis must identify the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and their respective patient loads. Furthermore, it should consider the types of practices – whether they are solo practices, part of larger group practices, or affiliated with hospitals. Group practices and hospital affiliations often offer greater resources, including access to specialists and advanced diagnostic equipment. This directly impacts the quality of care available to patients.

Standout practices, if any, within Mineral Wells would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes the proactive use of screening guidelines, patient education, and a coordinated approach to care. Identifying these practices requires examining their patient records, assessing their screening rates, and evaluating their referral patterns to specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs related to breast cancer awareness and prevention would also be considered exemplary.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in rural healthcare. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists via telemedicine can significantly improve access to care for residents of Mineral Wells. The analysis should assess the extent to which local primary care physicians utilize telemedicine platforms for patient consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients undergoing cancer treatment. The availability of telehealth services can help overcome geographical barriers and improve patient outcomes.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but they are essential. A breast cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services within Mineral Wells, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan, either through in-house services or referrals to external providers, is a key indicator of a patient-centered approach.

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized services, such as mammography and diagnostic imaging. The presence of a local mammography center or access to such services within a reasonable distance is critical for timely screening and diagnosis. The analysis should assess the quality of imaging services, including the use of advanced technologies such as 3D mammography, and the qualifications of the radiologists interpreting the images. Delays in diagnosis can have significant consequences for patient outcomes.

The evaluation of breast cancer care in Mineral Wells must also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact access to care. These include insurance coverage, transportation challenges, and financial constraints. The analysis should examine the percentage of residents with health insurance, the availability of transportation assistance for medical appointments, and the availability of financial assistance programs for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Addressing these socioeconomic barriers is crucial for ensuring equitable access to care for all residents.

Furthermore, the analysis should assess the level of patient education and support available within the community. This includes the availability of educational materials, support groups, and patient navigators who can assist patients in navigating the healthcare system. Patient navigators can play a critical role in coordinating care, providing emotional support, and helping patients overcome barriers to treatment.

The analysis of breast cancer care in Mineral Wells requires a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape. It must consider the availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the accessibility of mental health resources, and the presence of specialized services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare system, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and identifying areas for improvement.

The final assessment should be a comprehensive overview, not just a list. It should offer a clear picture of the quality of care available to residents of Mineral Wells, West Virginia, and pinpoint areas that need improvement. It should also identify any standout practices that are demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Mineral Wells, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and support services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable spatial context for understanding the accessibility of care and identifying potential gaps in service.