26260, Davis, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26260, Davis, West Virginia is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.49 percent of the residents in 26260 has some form of health insurance. 44.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.02 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 26260 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 171 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26260. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 343 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 88 health care providers accessible to residents in 26260, Davis, West Virginia.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Davis, WV (ZIP Code 26260)**

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape in Davis, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26260), focusing on factors relevant to breast cancer care. It considers physician availability, particularly primary care, as the crucial first point of contact, along with access to specialists, mental health support, and the adoption of telehealth technologies. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to individuals in this area, ultimately informing healthcare decisions and highlighting potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in a robust primary care infrastructure. In Davis, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of patient outcomes. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent preventative screenings, and overall poorer health outcomes. Research into the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 26260 is essential. If the ratio is unfavorable, it necessitates strategies to attract and retain PCPs, such as offering competitive salaries, loan repayment programs, and a supportive practice environment.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Assessing the practices in Davis involves evaluating their commitment to preventative care, including breast cancer screenings like mammograms. Are these screenings readily accessible? Are PCPs actively educating patients about risk factors and self-examination techniques? Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to preventative care should be recognized and highlighted as models for others to emulate. This includes the availability of resources such as patient education materials, support groups, and partnerships with local hospitals and cancer centers.

Specialist availability is another critical aspect of breast cancer care. While primary care physicians are the initial point of contact, access to oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists is essential for diagnosis and treatment. The proximity of these specialists to Davis is a significant factor. Travel time and transportation options can significantly impact a patient's ability to access timely care. If specialists are located a considerable distance away, efforts should be made to establish partnerships with regional hospitals and cancer centers to provide outreach clinics or mobile screening units.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telehealth can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and mental health professionals who might not be readily available locally. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption in Davis is crucial. Are local practices utilizing telehealth for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring? The availability of reliable internet access is a prerequisite for successful telehealth implementation. Efforts to expand broadband infrastructure in the area are essential to support the growth of telehealth services.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is vital for patients to cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression that can accompany their journey. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources in Davis is essential. Are there mental health professionals within the local healthcare system? Are support groups available for patients and their families? Integrating mental health services into the overall cancer care plan can significantly improve patient well-being and treatment outcomes.

Standout practices in Davis should be recognized for their commitment to providing comprehensive breast cancer care. These practices may excel in various areas, such as preventative screenings, patient education, telemedicine adoption, or mental health support. Identifying and highlighting these practices can serve as a model for others, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the local healthcare system. Publicizing these practices can also help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare choices.

The overall assessment of breast cancer care in Davis, WV, requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Addressing any deficiencies in these areas is critical to ensuring that residents of Davis have access to the best possible care. This includes advocating for policies that support the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals, investing in infrastructure to improve access to care, and promoting the integration of mental health services into the overall healthcare system.

The healthcare landscape is dynamic, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential. Regular assessments of the healthcare resources in Davis, WV, are necessary to track progress and identify areas where further improvements are needed. This includes staying informed about the latest advancements in breast cancer care, incorporating patient feedback into the care delivery process, and continuously striving to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.

For a comprehensive visualization of the healthcare landscape in Davis, WV, and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare services and identifying potential gaps in care.