26187, Williamstown, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26187, Williamstown, West Virginia is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.94 percent of the residents in 26187 has some form of health insurance. 37.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.40 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 26187 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,195 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26187. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,407 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 457 health care providers accessible to residents in 26187, Williamstown, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Williamstown, WV (ZIP Code 26187)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer-related healthcare within the Williamstown, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26187) area. The goal is to provide a “Breast Cancer Score” assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. This score is not a definitive metric but rather a composite evaluation based on available data and observations, aiming to highlight strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in the local healthcare ecosystem. We'll explore physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all critical components in a patient's journey through breast cancer.

The foundation of any strong breast cancer care system is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Williamstown, the assessment of primary care availability is paramount. This includes not only the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code but also their ability to accept new patients, their appointment wait times, and the overall patient satisfaction with their services. A shortage of PCPs or long wait times can significantly delay crucial screenings and referrals, impacting early detection and treatment outcomes. Data on these factors is essential for accurately assessing the primary care landscape.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to overburdened practices, longer wait times, and potentially reduced quality of care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 26187 requires accessing data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau. The presence of specialists, such as oncologists and radiologists, is also crucial. The availability of these specialists, along with their proximity to the community, is a significant factor in determining the Breast Cancer Score.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating the quality of care provided by local healthcare providers. This requires examining factors such as the use of evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening and treatment, patient satisfaction scores, and the adoption of innovative technologies. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection, personalized care, and patient education will naturally score higher. This evaluation should also consider the availability of comprehensive services, including mammography, biopsy capabilities, and access to surgical and medical oncology.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Williamstown. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services remotely. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, can improve patient access and convenience. The availability of telehealth options can significantly enhance the Breast Cancer Score, especially for patients who may face challenges accessing in-person care.

Beyond medical treatment, the psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis is profound. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of the Breast Cancer Score. This includes access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and psychiatric services. Practices that integrate mental health support into their care models, offering counseling and resources to address the emotional and psychological challenges of breast cancer, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of these resources can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Data collection for this analysis requires a multi-faceted approach. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and the US Census Bureau can provide valuable insights into physician demographics, healthcare utilization, and population characteristics. Patient reviews and online ratings can offer valuable perspectives on patient satisfaction and the quality of care. Local healthcare providers should be contacted to gather information on their services, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The Breast Cancer Score itself would be a composite metric, weighting the factors discussed above based on their relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and access to specialists might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, although the latter is becoming increasingly important. The score would be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating a more robust and patient-centered breast cancer care system. The score would be accompanied by a detailed report highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The final Breast Cancer Score for Williamstown (ZIP Code 26187) would be a dynamic assessment, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new data becomes available. Regular updates and ongoing monitoring are essential to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the score. This ongoing evaluation would provide valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping to improve the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in the community.

The analysis would also highlight any potential disparities in access to care based on socioeconomic status, race, or other demographic factors. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring that all residents of Williamstown have equal access to high-quality breast cancer care. This requires identifying and addressing the barriers that may prevent certain populations from accessing the care they need.

The ultimate goal of this Breast Cancer Score analysis is to empower patients with information, promote transparency in healthcare, and encourage continuous improvement in the quality of breast cancer care in Williamstown. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare landscape, this analysis can help patients make informed decisions about their care, and it can also serve as a catalyst for positive change within the healthcare system.

For a visual representation of healthcare access, physician locations, and community resources within the Williamstown area, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable spatial perspective, allowing you to identify areas with high and low access to care, visualize the distribution of healthcare providers, and explore the availability of support services.