26178, Smithville, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26178, Smithville, West Virginia is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26178 has some form of health insurance. 68.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.86 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 26178 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 18 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26178. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 64 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 64 health care providers accessible to residents in 26178, Smithville, West Virginia.

The analysis of breast cancer care within ZIP code 26178, encompassing Smithville, West Virginia, requires a multi-faceted approach. We will examine the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the presence of mental health resources. This detailed assessment aims to provide a comprehensive ‘Breast Cancer Score’ for the area, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

Smithville, a small community, faces the inherent challenges of rural healthcare. One of the most crucial factors influencing breast cancer outcomes is the availability of primary care physicians. These doctors serve as the initial point of contact for patients, facilitating early detection through screenings and referrals. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly hinder access to timely care. National averages often don't reflect the realities of rural areas, where the number of available doctors per capita is frequently lower. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment.

Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio in Smithville demands precise data. Obtaining this information involves consulting state medical boards, local hospital systems, and publicly available databases. The goal is to determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and compare it to the population of 26178. A favorable ratio, indicating a higher number of doctors per resident, suggests better access to care. Conversely, a low ratio necessitates exploring alternative care options, such as traveling to neighboring towns or counties.

Identifying standout medical practices within the Smithville area is paramount. These practices often serve as beacons of quality, offering comprehensive breast cancer care. The assessment should consider factors like the availability of on-site mammography services, the use of advanced diagnostic imaging techniques, and the presence of dedicated breast cancer specialists. Furthermore, evaluating patient satisfaction scores, as well as the practice’s adherence to national guidelines for breast cancer screening and treatment, is essential.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the ‘Breast Cancer Score.’ Telemedicine can bridge the gap in rural healthcare by providing remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists who may not be locally available. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine services within the area involves investigating the practices' use of telehealth platforms, the availability of virtual consultations, and the ease with which patients can access these services. The more widespread the adoption, the higher the score.

Mental health resources are an integral component of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can profoundly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The presence of readily accessible mental health support services, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, significantly enhances the overall quality of care. This assessment should examine the availability of these resources within Smithville and the surrounding areas.

The assessment of the ‘Breast Cancer Score’ for Smithville must also account for the availability of resources beyond primary care. This includes access to oncology specialists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in breast cancer treatment. The proximity to these specialists, as well as the ease of referral from primary care physicians, is crucial.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, and financial assistance programs, which can help patients cover the costs of treatment.

The overall ‘Breast Cancer Score’ is a composite measure. It is derived from the individual scores assigned to each of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The score provides a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in Smithville and highlights areas where improvements are needed.

The analysis of the ‘Breast Cancer Score’ for Smithville should also consider the demographics of the population. This includes factors like age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. These factors can influence access to care and health outcomes. For example, women from underserved communities may face additional barriers to accessing care, such as lack of transportation, language barriers, and cultural differences.

Finally, the assessment must be dynamic. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and treatments emerging regularly. The ‘Breast Cancer Score’ should be updated periodically to reflect these changes and ensure that the information provided remains relevant and accurate.

In conclusion, the ‘Breast Cancer Score’ analysis for Smithville, West Virginia (ZIP code 26178) reveals a complex healthcare landscape. While the specifics of the physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources require detailed investigation, the overall score reflects the challenges and opportunities of providing quality breast cancer care in a rural setting. A comprehensive assessment must consider all the factors discussed to provide an accurate and actionable evaluation.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Smithville and other communities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful way to visualize data, identify patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a visual perspective of the healthcare landscape in Smithville and beyond.