26438, Spelter, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26438, Spelter, West Virginia is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26438 has some form of health insurance. 50.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 26438 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26438. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 38 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 476 health care providers accessible to residents in 26438, Spelter, West Virginia.

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are complex, requiring a multi-faceted approach. This analysis examines the availability of breast cancer care within ZIP code 26438, specifically focusing on Spelter, West Virginia. We will evaluate the landscape of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, providing a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment.

Spelter, a small community, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians is the cornerstone of preventative care, including early breast cancer detection through screenings and patient education. Assessing primary care availability involves considering the number of practicing physicians, their specialties, and their willingness to accept new patients. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and receiving consistent care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and a potential for delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access to care and the possibility of more personalized attention. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, alongside national averages, will be used to estimate this ratio within the 26438 ZIP code.

Beyond primary care, the presence of specialists is crucial. While Spelter may not have its own oncologists or radiologists, the proximity to larger medical centers with these specialists is essential. The analysis will evaluate the travel time to these centers, considering factors like road conditions and public transportation options. The availability of these specialists is a key factor in the Breast Cancer Score.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes offering advanced screening technologies, employing certified breast health navigators, and participating in clinical trials. Identifying these practices involves examining their websites, patient reviews, and accreditations. The presence of these features significantly boosts a practice's score.

Telemedicine is a growing trend in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can improve access to specialists, provide convenient follow-up appointments, and offer remote monitoring. The analysis will assess the availability of telemedicine services offered by primary care physicians and specialists serving the 26438 ZIP code. This includes evaluating the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring) and the ease of access to these services.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can trigger anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services in the Spelter area. The proximity of these resources and their integration into the overall care plan are critical.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will be determined by weighing these factors. The score will be a composite of several sub-scores, each reflecting a specific aspect of care. The sub-scores will be weighted based on their relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and access to specialists will be given higher weight than the availability of support groups.

The final score will be presented as a numerical value, accompanied by a descriptive narrative. The narrative will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in the 26438 ZIP code, providing actionable insights for patients and healthcare providers. The score will also provide a comparative analysis, comparing the care available in Spelter to regional and national averages.

Data collection will involve several sources. Publicly available information from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the American Medical Association will be used. Information from local hospitals, clinics, and physician practices will also be gathered. Patient reviews and online resources will be consulted to assess patient satisfaction and identify standout practices.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. Poverty, lack of transportation, and limited health insurance coverage can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. The analysis will consider these factors and their potential impact on the Breast Cancer Score.

The assessment will conclude with recommendations for improving breast cancer care in the 26438 ZIP code. These recommendations will be based on the findings of the analysis and will focus on addressing identified gaps in care. This may include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health resources.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care availability in Spelter, West Virginia. The "Breast Cancer Score" will serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping to improve access to quality care and ultimately, improve patient outcomes. The analysis will offer a clear picture of the current state of breast cancer care, identifying areas of strength and areas that need improvement.

The Breast Cancer Score is a dynamic measure, and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Regular updates to this analysis are essential to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. Ongoing monitoring of physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources is crucial. The analysis will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare environment.

The information gathered in this analysis is complex and often difficult to visualize. To truly understand the spatial relationships of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow for interactive visualization of healthcare data, providing a clear and concise overview of the availability of breast cancer care in your area.