26206, Cowen, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26206, Cowen, West Virginia is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.29 percent of the residents in 26206 has some form of health insurance. 69.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.09 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 26206 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 569 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26206. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 805 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 239 health care providers accessible to residents in 26206, Cowen, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Cowen, WV (ZIP Code 26206)

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for primary care physicians and related resources within the Cowen, West Virginia area, specifically focusing on ZIP code 26206. This score considers factors crucial for breast cancer prevention, early detection, and support, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telehealth integration, and mental health support. Due to the rural nature of this area, access to care is often a significant challenge.

The analysis begins by evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is critical because it directly impacts appointment availability and the time physicians can dedicate to preventative screenings and patient education. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the US Census Bureau, and the American Medical Association will be consulted to determine the number of primary care physicians practicing within ZIP code 26206 and the estimated population served. A lower physician-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access to care. However, the presence of specialists, such as oncologists and radiologists, within a reasonable driving distance is also a critical factor. The lack of these specialists would severely impact the score.

Next, the analysis will examine the characteristics of primary care practices in the area. This involves assessing the services offered, including the availability of mammography screening, clinical breast exams, and patient education materials. Practices that actively promote breast cancer awareness, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and provide comprehensive patient education will receive higher scores. The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) is also important. EHRs facilitate better care coordination, allowing physicians to track patient history, schedule screenings, and share information with specialists efficiently. The presence of multilingual staff or materials catering to diverse patient populations will also be considered.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial component of the Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers a valuable avenue for patients in rural areas to access healthcare services, particularly for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telehealth technologies, offering virtual appointments for breast cancer risk assessments, education, or follow-up care, will be awarded higher scores. The ease of use of the telehealth platform, its accessibility on various devices, and the availability of technical support for patients will also be evaluated.

Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support is crucial for patients' well-being. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services in the Cowen area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns, provide referrals to mental health professionals, or offer on-site counseling services will receive higher scores. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is a key indicator of a high-quality breast cancer support system.

Specific practices in the area will be examined to identify standout examples of patient care. This will involve researching practices that demonstrate a commitment to breast cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. The analysis will look for practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, offer extended hours or weekend appointments, and have a strong patient satisfaction record. While specific practice names are not mentioned in this general analysis, the methodology will be applied to identify those that excel in providing patient-centered care.

The score will consider the availability of resources beyond the primary care physician. This includes the proximity to hospitals with specialized breast cancer treatment centers, the availability of support groups, and the presence of community health initiatives focused on breast cancer awareness and education. Access to these resources can significantly impact the overall quality of care for breast cancer patients. The presence of a local chapter of the American Cancer Society or a similar organization would positively impact the score.

The analysis will also consider the challenges specific to rural healthcare. These challenges include limited access to specialists, transportation difficulties, and the potential for social isolation. The Breast Cancer Score will reflect the efforts made by healthcare providers to overcome these challenges and provide high-quality care to patients in a rural setting. This might involve partnerships with hospitals in larger cities, the provision of transportation assistance, or the implementation of telehealth programs to connect patients with specialists.

The final Breast Cancer Score will be a composite metric, reflecting the various factors outlined above. The score will be presented as a numerical value, with a higher score indicating better access to care, a more comprehensive approach to breast cancer prevention and support, and a greater commitment to patient well-being. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used and the rationale behind the scoring system.

The analysis will be conducted using publicly available data, including information from healthcare provider directories, hospital websites, and government agencies. The information will be verified to the extent possible. This analysis is intended to provide a general overview of the breast cancer care landscape in Cowen, WV (ZIP code 26206) and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers for personalized medical guidance.

This analysis serves as a starting point for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of breast cancer care in the Cowen area. It can be used by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively. The goal is to promote better access to care, improve early detection rates, and enhance the overall quality of life for breast cancer patients in this rural community.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Cowen, WV (ZIP code 26206) and visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data points, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare accessibility in the area.