26273, Huttonsville, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26273, Huttonsville, West Virginia is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 45.71 percent of the residents in 26273 has some form of health insurance. 20.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.00 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 26273 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 304 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26273. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 129 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 351 health care providers accessible to residents in 26273, Huttonsville, West Virginia.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Huttonsville, WV (ZIP Code 26273)**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning breast cancer care, within Huttonsville, West Virginia (ZIP code 26273), necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in a patient's journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care often lies in the strength of the primary care system. PCPs are frequently the first point of contact for patients, providing crucial preventative screenings, early detection efforts, and referrals to specialists. In Huttonsville, assessing the number of practicing PCPs relative to the population is paramount. A low physician-to-patient ratio can create significant barriers to care, leading to delayed diagnoses and potentially poorer outcomes. Data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau would be essential in calculating this ratio and identifying any existing shortages.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of the available primary care practices demands scrutiny. Are the practices equipped with the latest screening technologies, such as digital mammography? Do they have established protocols for patient education and risk assessment? Are they actively participating in quality improvement initiatives? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these areas would receive higher marks in this analysis. Furthermore, the availability of female physicians, who may be preferred by some patients, is another factor to consider.

The presence of specialist care within or near Huttonsville is another critical component. While PCPs are vital for initial screening and referral, access to oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists is essential for timely and effective treatment. The analysis would need to identify the closest facilities offering these services and evaluate their capacity, including the number of specialists, the availability of appointments, and the types of treatments offered. Proximity to comprehensive cancer centers, which provide a multidisciplinary approach to care, would be a significant advantage.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Huttonsville. Its adoption by local practices could significantly improve patient convenience and reduce travel burdens, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations. The analysis would investigate the extent to which local providers are utilizing telemedicine platforms for consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated it seamlessly into their workflow would be viewed favorably.

The psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be profound. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of comprehensive care. The analysis would assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, in the Huttonsville area. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, would also be considered. Integration of mental health services within the cancer care pathway, such as access to counselors within oncology practices, would be a strong indicator of a patient-centered approach.

Standout practices within Huttonsville would be identified based on a combination of factors. This includes a high physician-to-patient ratio, the use of advanced screening technologies, a commitment to patient education, integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support. Practices that demonstrate a holistic approach to care, addressing both the physical and emotional needs of patients, would be recognized as leaders in the community.

Specific examples of practices and their offerings would be included, if data is available. For example, a practice that offers on-site mammography, has a dedicated patient navigator to assist with appointments and insurance, and provides access to a support group would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited resources or long wait times for appointments would be assessed less favorably.

The analysis would also consider the impact of insurance coverage on access to care. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, is a critical factor in ensuring that all residents of Huttonsville have access to the care they need. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans would be viewed more favorably.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Huttonsville would be a composite score based on all the factors discussed above. This score would provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in the area, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. It would also serve as a valuable resource for patients seeking care, helping them to make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

The analysis would also identify any gaps in care, such as a lack of specialists or limited access to mental health resources. These gaps would be highlighted to inform future healthcare initiatives aimed at improving the quality of care in Huttonsville.

The analysis would be dynamic, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape. Regular updates would be necessary to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information. This ongoing process would allow for continuous improvement in the assessment of breast cancer care in Huttonsville.

Finally, the analysis would aim to provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape, making it accessible to both healthcare professionals and the general public. The ultimate goal is to empower patients with the information they need to navigate the healthcare system and receive the best possible care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Huttonsville, including the location of practices, specialists, and resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can visualize the data discussed in this analysis, allowing you to see the distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas with limited access.