26257, Coalton, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26257, Coalton, West Virginia is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.22 percent of the residents in 26257 has some form of health insurance. 50.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.32 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 26257 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 218 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26257. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 163 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 521 health care providers accessible to residents in 26257, Coalton, West Virginia.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26257 and Primary Care Availability in Coalton**

This analysis assesses the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP code 26257, focusing on the availability of primary care and related resources in the nearby community of Coalton. The evaluation considers factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, including physician accessibility, practice quality, technological integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system.

The initial assessment centers on the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 26257. This metric is a fundamental indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer outcomes. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, combined with information from the American Medical Association, would be used to determine the exact ratio. The analysis would compare this ratio to state and national averages, providing context for the local situation. Furthermore, the analysis would examine the distribution of primary care physicians, focusing on their specialties and whether they are accepting new patients.

Next, the analysis will delve into the quality of primary care practices within the area. This involves evaluating several factors. First, the analysis will look at the number of board-certified physicians in the area. Board certification indicates a higher level of training and expertise. Second, the analysis will assess the practices' adherence to established breast cancer screening guidelines. This involves examining whether practices routinely offer mammograms and other recommended screenings, and if they are using the latest technologies. Third, the analysis will consider the practices' use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate better communication between providers, improve care coordination, and enable more efficient management of patient data.

The analysis will also assess the availability of telemedicine options within the primary care practices in ZIP code 26257. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The analysis will examine the extent to which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. This will include an evaluation of the technology platforms used, the types of services offered, and the availability of telehealth appointments. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from medical facilities or have mobility issues.

Beyond the purely medical aspects, the analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources for breast cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, in the area. It will also assess whether primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have referral pathways to mental health providers. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the availability of support groups, patient navigators, and other resources that can help patients cope with the emotional challenges of breast cancer.

The analysis will identify standout practices in the area. These practices will be those that demonstrate excellence in multiple areas, such as physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to screening guidelines, use of technology, and integration of mental health services. The analysis will highlight specific practices that have implemented innovative programs or have achieved positive patient outcomes. This will involve reviewing patient testimonials, conducting interviews with healthcare providers, and analyzing publicly available data.

The assessment of primary care availability in Coalton will be critical. The analysis will examine the number of primary care physicians serving the Coalton community, the types of services they offer, and their accessibility. The analysis will also assess the availability of specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, who are essential for breast cancer care. This will involve examining referral patterns and travel times to specialized care centers. The analysis will consider the impact of geographic isolation and transportation challenges on access to care.

The analysis will also consider any partnerships or collaborations between primary care practices and other healthcare providers in the region. These collaborations can improve care coordination, facilitate referrals, and enhance patient outcomes. The analysis will examine whether primary care practices are affiliated with hospitals, cancer centers, or other healthcare organizations. It will also assess the extent to which practices participate in community outreach programs or other initiatives that promote breast cancer awareness and early detection.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for the area encompassing ZIP code 26257 and Coalton will be a composite measure reflecting the availability, quality, and accessibility of breast cancer care. The score will be based on the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, technological integration, and mental health resources. The analysis will provide a detailed assessment of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The goal is to empower patients, providers, and policymakers with the information they need to improve breast cancer care in the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, service availability, and patient demographics, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a dynamic and informative way to understand the complex factors influencing breast cancer care in your area.