26372, Horner, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26372, Horner, West Virginia is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.38 percent of the residents in 26372 has some form of health insurance. 28.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.65 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 26372 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 26372. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 121 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 356 health care providers accessible to residents in 26372, Horner, West Virginia.

Breast cancer care accessibility within ZIP code 26372, encompassing the Horner, West Virginia area, requires a nuanced assessment. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, a critical first point of contact for breast cancer screening and early detection, and then examines the broader healthcare landscape to gauge the overall quality of care available to residents.

The foundation of effective breast cancer management rests on robust primary care. In Horner, a rural community, the availability of primary care physicians is a paramount concern. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is essential. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of doctors, can lead to delayed appointments, limited access to preventative screenings, and potentially, later-stage diagnoses. Publicly available data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) should be consulted to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 26372. This data provides the baseline for understanding the community's access to care.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographical distribution of primary care practices is crucial. Are these practices concentrated in specific areas, leaving some residents with significant travel distances? Examining the location of practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans is vital. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, are particularly important for a community with a potentially older or lower-income population.

Identifying standout practices is key to understanding the quality of care. Practices that emphasize preventative care, offer comprehensive screening services (including mammograms), and have established referral pathways to specialists are particularly valuable. Reviewing patient testimonials, if available, can provide insights into patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care. Furthermore, investigating the availability of bilingual staff is important for a community that may have a growing diverse population.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant factor in expanding access to care, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in 26372 should be assessed. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and basic health advice, can significantly improve patient convenience and access to care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to comprehensive cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community or accessible through referral networks, is crucial. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Specialist availability is another critical element. The presence of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons specializing in breast cancer care within a reasonable distance is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. Assessing the proximity of these specialists, their affiliations with hospitals, and their participation in clinical trials provides a measure of the community's access to advanced cancer care. The presence of a local hospital with a dedicated cancer center, or affiliations with larger cancer centers in nearby cities, can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and financial assistance programs, also contributes to the overall quality of care. Patient navigators can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and access resources. Support groups provide emotional support and a sense of community for patients and their families. Financial assistance programs can help patients manage the financial burden of cancer treatment.

Community outreach and education initiatives play a vital role in promoting breast cancer awareness and early detection. Practices and hospitals that actively participate in community events, offer educational programs, and provide free or low-cost screenings demonstrate a commitment to preventative care and community health.

The overall ‘Breast Cancer Score’ for doctors in ZIP code 26372 and primary care availability in Horner is not a simple numerical calculation. It's a complex assessment based on the factors discussed above. A high score would reflect a community with a strong primary care base, easy access to specialists, comprehensive support services, and a commitment to community outreach. Conversely, a low score would indicate challenges in accessing care, potential delays in diagnosis and treatment, and a need for improvements in various areas.

The evaluation should consider the impact of these factors on different demographic groups within the community. Are there disparities in access to care based on age, income, or ethnicity? Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring equitable access to breast cancer care for all residents.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the breast cancer care landscape in Horner, West Virginia. It highlights the importance of primary care, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support. A comprehensive assessment, incorporating the factors discussed, is essential for improving access to care and ultimately, improving patient outcomes.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 26372, including the location of healthcare providers, the distribution of resources, and potential areas of need, consider exploring the CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data and identifying patterns that can inform healthcare planning and resource allocation.