26386, Lumberport, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26386, Lumberport, West Virginia is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.25 percent of the residents in 26386 has some form of health insurance. 50.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.12 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 26386 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 714 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26386. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 459 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 291 health care providers accessible to residents in 26386, Lumberport, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Lumberport, WV (ZIP Code 26386)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality for breast cancer care in Lumberport, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26386) necessitates a comprehensive evaluation. This analysis considers several key factors, including physician availability, specifically primary care physicians (PCPs), the presence of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the overall accessibility and quality of care available to residents of this community. This score, while not a definitive metric, offers a comparative assessment of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact, providing preventative screenings, early detection, and referrals to specialists. In Lumberport, the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening rates, and ultimately, poorer outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare directories, would be necessary to accurately determine this ratio. A preliminary assessment suggests that rural areas like Lumberport often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially impacting PCP availability.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is essential. Does the local healthcare infrastructure promote patient-centered care? Are there established protocols for breast cancer screening, including mammograms and clinical breast exams? Do PCPs actively educate patients about risk factors and early detection methods? These factors contribute to the overall quality of primary care and directly influence breast cancer outcomes.

Specialized care, including oncology, radiology, and surgical services, is another critical component. The presence of these specialists within or near Lumberport significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score." Proximity to a comprehensive cancer center, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools (like MRI and PET scans) and treatment options (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery), is highly desirable. The absence of such facilities necessitates travel, which can create significant barriers to care for patients, especially those with limited mobility or financial resources. Identifying the nearest oncology centers and assessing their accessibility (distance, transportation options, insurance acceptance) is crucial for a comprehensive analysis.

Telemedicine, the delivery of healthcare services remotely via technology, offers a potential solution to geographical barriers. The adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers is a significant factor. Does the local healthcare infrastructure support virtual consultations with specialists? Are there options for remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment? Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, provide convenient follow-up appointments, and offer support to patients living in rural areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, including the types of consultations offered and the technologies used, is essential for the "Breast Cancer Score" analysis.

Mental health support is often overlooked but is a vital component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a critical factor in the overall care provided. Assessing the presence of these resources, their accessibility, and their integration with medical care is essential. Are there mental health professionals who specialize in cancer-related issues? Are support groups available locally? The answers to these questions directly influence the "Breast Cancer Score."

Identifying "standout practices" within Lumberport or the surrounding areas is important. This involves recognizing healthcare providers that demonstrate excellence in breast cancer care. This could include practices that have implemented innovative screening programs, achieved high patient satisfaction scores, or demonstrated a commitment to patient education and support. Assessing the reputation of local practices through patient reviews, professional accolades, and community feedback is essential. These "standout practices" can serve as models for other providers and contribute to an improved overall "Breast Cancer Score."

To calculate a meaningful "Breast Cancer Score," a weighted scoring system would be used. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The score would then be calculated based on the performance of each factor. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, while the presence of a comprehensive cancer center would positively influence it. The final score would provide a comparative assessment of the healthcare landscape in Lumberport, WV, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

The analysis also needs to consider the impact of socioeconomic factors. Poverty, lack of insurance, and transportation limitations can significantly impact access to care. These factors should be considered when interpreting the "Breast Cancer Score." The score is a snapshot of the current situation, and continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, assessing the availability and quality of breast cancer care in Lumberport, WV, requires a multi-faceted approach. Factors like physician-to-patient ratios, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources all contribute to the overall "Breast Cancer Score." This analysis provides a preliminary framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape. For a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and their impact on patient access, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visualize the location of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lumberport and beyond.