The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26263, Dryfork, West Virginia is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 90.58 percent of the residents in 26263 has some form of health insurance. 75.39 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 28.80 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 26263 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 10 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26263. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 53 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 88 health care providers accessible to residents in 26263, Dryfork, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26263, Dryfork, West Virginia
Breast Cancer Score | 84 |
---|---|
People Score | 97 |
Provider Score | 60 |
Hospital Score | 75 |
Travel Score | 14 |
26263 | Dryfork | West Virginia | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
The analysis below does not contain medical advice. It is a hypothetical exploration of data points and should not be used to make healthcare decisions. Consult with qualified medical professionals for all health concerns.
**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26263 & Primary Care Availability in Dryfork**
Analyzing the availability and quality of healthcare, particularly concerning breast cancer care, within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 26263, encompassing the Dryfork community, and attempts to build a hypothetical “Breast Cancer Score” based on available data, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, identifying potential strengths and weaknesses in the context of breast cancer care.
Dryfork, West Virginia, is a rural community. Therefore, access to specialized medical care, including oncology and related services, is likely to be limited. The primary care physicians (PCPs) in the area act as crucial gatekeepers, guiding patients through the diagnostic and treatment pathways. The overall quality of breast cancer care is heavily dependent on the strength of this primary care foundation.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
A critical initial assessment involves calculating the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 26263. This data point is fundamental to understanding the potential accessibility of care. National averages can provide a baseline for comparison. If the physician-to-patient ratio in Dryfork significantly exceeds the national average, it suggests a potential shortage of physicians. This scarcity could translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and a general strain on the existing healthcare infrastructure. Data from sources such as the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Board of Medicine would be necessary to calculate this ratio accurately.
The availability of primary care physicians is particularly important. Early detection is vital in breast cancer treatment, and PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients. Regular checkups, mammograms, and patient education are all critical components of preventative care, and a shortage of PCPs could negatively impact these services.
**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**
Identifying “standout practices” within the area requires in-depth research. This involves examining factors such as the qualifications of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment (e.g., digital mammography, ultrasound), the presence of a multidisciplinary team (including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and nurses), and the practice's commitment to patient-centered care.
A practice that consistently demonstrates excellence in breast cancer care will likely have a positive impact on the Breast Cancer Score. This impact extends beyond simply providing medical treatment. It includes patient education, support groups, and a focus on the overall well-being of the patient. A practice with a strong reputation for compassionate care and positive patient outcomes will be a significant asset to the community.
**Telemedicine Adoption:**
Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to specialized care in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine technologies by local practices is a crucial factor to consider. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, allowing patients to receive expert opinions without having to travel long distances.
The ability to conduct virtual follow-up appointments, provide remote monitoring, and offer educational resources via telemedicine can also improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the burden on the local healthcare system. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to innovation and patient convenience.
**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient’s mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability and integration of mental health resources are essential components of comprehensive breast cancer care.
The presence of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors) within the local healthcare system or through referral networks is a key indicator. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns, offer counseling services, or partner with mental health providers will likely demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This integration is crucial for addressing the psychological challenges associated with breast cancer and improving overall patient outcomes.
**Creating the "Breast Cancer Score": A Hypothetical Framework**
Constructing a “Breast Cancer Score” would involve assigning weighted values to each of the factors discussed above. For example, physician-to-patient ratios could be assigned a significant weight, reflecting their impact on accessibility. The presence of a standout practice, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources could also be assigned specific weights, reflecting their relative importance.
The specific weights would be determined based on the perceived importance of each factor in the context of breast cancer care. The higher the score, the better the overall healthcare landscape is considered to be for breast cancer patients. This score would be a comparative measure and would be most valuable when compared to other similar geographic regions.
**Challenges and Limitations:**
This analysis is inherently limited by the availability of data. Access to comprehensive and up-to-date information on physician qualifications, practice capabilities, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health resources can be challenging, particularly in rural areas.
Furthermore, the Breast Cancer Score is a hypothetical construct. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a comprehensive assessment of healthcare quality. It is intended to provide a general overview of the healthcare landscape and to highlight potential areas for improvement.
**Conclusion:**
Evaluating the quality of breast cancer care in Dryfork, West Virginia, requires a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare infrastructure. Physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources are all critical factors to consider.
While this analysis is based on hypothetical data, it underscores the importance of access to care, quality of services, and the holistic approach to patient well-being. The goal is to provide a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and to identify areas where improvements can be made.
**Call to Action:**
For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 26263 and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital data, and other relevant information, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize and analyze healthcare data to make informed decisions.
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