26151, Mount Zion, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26151, Mount Zion, West Virginia is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.51 percent of the residents in 26151 has some form of health insurance. 65.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.63 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 26151 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 174 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26151. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 146 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 81 health care providers accessible to residents in 26151, Mount Zion, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Mount Zion, WV (ZIP Code 26151)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within the Mount Zion, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26151) area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" ranking for physicians and primary care availability, considering factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. This score is not a definitive ranking, but rather a composite assessment based on publicly available data and reasonable assumptions.

The foundation of a strong breast cancer care system is accessible primary care. In Mount Zion, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the likelihood of early detection through routine screenings and referrals. Evaluating "primary care availability" involves assessing the physician-to-patient ratio. National averages suggest a desirable ratio of approximately 1:1,300. Determining the precise ratio for 26151 is challenging without granular local data. However, we can estimate based on population figures (approximately 1,000 residents) and the presence of medical facilities. If Mount Zion has one or two primary care physicians, the ratio would be significantly higher, potentially indicating a shortage. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care.

Standout practices, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes offering or facilitating mammography screenings, providing patient education materials, and having established referral pathways to specialists like oncologists and surgeons. Identifying such practices requires detailed research into individual clinic websites, patient reviews, and potentially, direct contact with the facilities. Without readily available data, it is difficult to identify standout practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, or the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Mount Zion. It allows patients to consult with physicians, receive follow-up care, and even participate in support groups without the need for extensive travel. A high "Breast Cancer Score" would be associated with practices actively utilizing telemedicine for consultations, prescription refills, and post-operative care. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires examining the websites of local practices to see if they offer virtual appointments.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for patients facing a breast cancer diagnosis. The emotional toll of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery can be immense. A high "Breast Cancer Score" reflects the availability of mental health support within the community or through partnerships with local mental health professionals. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer-related issues. Assessing mental health resource availability requires researching local mental health clinics, hospitals, and support organizations.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for physicians in 26151 would be derived by considering the following: the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of dedicated breast cancer screening programs, the adoption of telemedicine for patient consultations and follow-up, and the availability of mental health support resources. A higher score indicates better access to care, early detection, and comprehensive support for patients.

Evaluating the "Breast Cancer Score" also involves assessing the quality of the care provided. This includes examining patient satisfaction, the accuracy of diagnoses, and the effectiveness of treatment plans. Gathering this information requires reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing outcomes data, and potentially, conducting surveys. However, such data is often proprietary and not readily available for public analysis.

The location of medical facilities within the ZIP code also plays a role. Easy access to healthcare is vital. If the majority of residents live far from the available medical facilities, it can create barriers to care. This necessitates an assessment of geographic accessibility, considering factors like transportation options and travel times.

The presence of community outreach programs is another important aspect of the "Breast Cancer Score." Outreach programs can raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and provide education about treatment options. These programs can be organized by local hospitals, clinics, or community organizations.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is a dynamic metric that can change over time. As new medical facilities open, telemedicine adoption increases, and mental health resources become more available, the score will improve. Conversely, if physician shortages worsen or access to care is limited, the score will decline.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of breast cancer care in Mount Zion, WV (ZIP Code 26151) requires a holistic approach. It necessitates evaluating primary care availability, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. While a precise, quantifiable "Breast Cancer Score" is difficult to determine without comprehensive data, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the critical factors that influence the health and well-being of breast cancer patients in this community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Mount Zion, including the location of medical facilities, physician availability, and other relevant data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable tool for visualizing healthcare access and identifying areas where improvements are needed.