26271, Hendricks, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26271, Hendricks, West Virginia is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.93 percent of the residents in 26271 has some form of health insurance. 49.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.80 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 26271 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 115 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26271. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 109 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 448 health care providers accessible to residents in 26271, Hendricks, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26271 and Hendricks County Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning breast cancer care, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability and quality of primary care in Hendricks County, West Virginia, with a specific focus on physicians within ZIP code 26271. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the landscape of care for women in this area. This score will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive breast cancer support.

Hendricks County, West Virginia, is a rural area, and access to healthcare can be a significant challenge. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 26271 is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into this ratio, comparing it to state and national averages. Any significant deviation from the norm warrants further investigation.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 26271 is another essential aspect of the analysis. These practices might excel in various areas, such as early detection through advanced screening technologies, patient education programs, or a collaborative approach to care involving specialists. Examining online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites can help identify these leading providers. Furthermore, analyzing the types of services offered, including mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy capabilities, is critical. Practices that offer a comprehensive suite of breast cancer screening and diagnostic services locally contribute significantly to a positive Breast Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is transforming healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations with specialists, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups remotely. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in ZIP code 26271 is crucial. Do they offer virtual appointments? Do they utilize remote monitoring technologies? Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility, which can positively impact the Breast Cancer Score.

The emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. The Breast Cancer Score must consider the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the community. Investigating whether primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers is vital. The presence of support groups specifically for breast cancer patients, whether in-person or virtual, is also a positive indicator.

Beyond the specific services offered, the overall quality of care is paramount. This includes factors like patient satisfaction, the timeliness of appointments, and the effectiveness of communication between healthcare providers and patients. Analyzing publicly available data, such as patient satisfaction surveys and quality metrics, can help assess the overall quality of care in ZIP code 26271. Examining the practice’s commitment to patient education and shared decision-making further enhances the assessment. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care are likely to contribute to a higher Breast Cancer Score.

The analysis should also consider the presence of any community initiatives aimed at breast cancer awareness and prevention. This could include local health fairs, educational programs, or partnerships with non-profit organizations. These initiatives demonstrate a community-wide commitment to breast cancer awareness and prevention, contributing to a more supportive environment for patients.

The Breast Cancer Score, as a composite metric, would be derived from these various factors. Each element would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of screening services might carry a higher weight than the availability of support groups. The final score would then reflect the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care within ZIP code 26271.

It's important to acknowledge the limitations of this analysis. Data availability can be a challenge, particularly in rural areas. The analysis relies on publicly available information and may not capture all aspects of care quality. Furthermore, the Breast Cancer Score is a snapshot in time and can change as healthcare practices evolve. Regular updates and ongoing monitoring are crucial to maintain the accuracy and relevance of the assessment.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of breast cancer care in ZIP code 26271 and the surrounding Hendricks County requires a comprehensive analysis of multiple factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources are all crucial components. By evaluating these elements, a Breast Cancer Score can be generated to provide a useful assessment of healthcare access and quality for women in this community. This score can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for better healthcare resources.

For a more granular and visually informative understanding of healthcare access and availability in Hendricks County, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can visualize physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data, offering a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape.