26443, Troy, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26443, Troy, West Virginia is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 68.55 percent of the residents in 26443 has some form of health insurance. 51.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.29 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 26443 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 147 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26443. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 41 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 475 health care providers accessible to residents in 26443, Troy, West Virginia.

The following analysis focuses on breast cancer care within ZIP code 26443, centered around Troy, and assesses the availability of primary care, crucial for early detection and ongoing management. This analysis considers factors influencing patient access, quality of care, and the integration of supportive services. We will not produce a ranking in the traditional sense, but rather a comprehensive evaluation of the landscape.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of doctors, can create significant hurdles. In the context of breast cancer, this can translate to delayed screenings, prolonged wait times for specialist appointments, and difficulty establishing a strong patient-physician relationship. Analyzing the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 26443 requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the American Medical Association (AMA). This data would need to be scrutinized to determine the number of primary care physicians and specialists (specifically oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons) serving the population. A high ratio necessitates investigation into the factors contributing to the shortage and potential solutions, such as incentivizing physician recruitment to the area.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of preventative care. Regular check-ups, including breast exams and referrals for mammograms, are critical for early detection. The presence of accessible primary care physicians, including family doctors and internal medicine specialists, is thus paramount. Assessing availability involves considering the number of primary care practices, their operating hours, and their acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these practices within Troy is crucial. Are they concentrated in one area, or are they dispersed to serve the entire population? Transportation limitations, especially for elderly or low-income patients, must also be taken into account.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into their performance metrics. This involves examining patient satisfaction scores, as reported by organizations like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as the practices' adherence to established breast cancer screening guidelines. Practices that consistently recommend mammograms at the appropriate intervals and offer comprehensive patient education are likely to be considered high-quality. Furthermore, practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate communication between primary care physicians and specialists demonstrate a commitment to coordinated care. The availability of on-site mammography services is another factor to consider, as it streamlines the screening process.

Telemedicine adoption is transforming healthcare delivery, and its impact on breast cancer care is significant. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, provide access to educational resources, and support remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices within 26443 offer telehealth services, the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients. Practices that embrace telemedicine can overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care, particularly for those in rural areas or with mobility limitations.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but they are essential for breast cancer patients. A diagnosis of breast cancer can trigger a range of emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore crucial. Assessing the availability of these resources involves identifying mental health providers within the area, their specializations (e.g., oncology-specific therapy), and their acceptance of insurance plans. Practices that integrate mental health services into their breast cancer care programs, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being. Support groups, both in-person and online, also play a vital role in providing emotional support and a sense of community for patients.

The presence of a multidisciplinary approach is a hallmark of comprehensive breast cancer care. This involves the collaboration of various specialists, including primary care physicians, radiologists, oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and nurses. Assessing the degree of collaboration requires examining how practices coordinate care, share patient information, and participate in tumor boards. Practices that have established referral networks and communication protocols are better equipped to provide seamless and coordinated care. The availability of specialized breast cancer centers, offering comprehensive services under one roof, is another indicator of a multidisciplinary approach.

Access to financial assistance and support services is crucial for many patients. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and the financial burden can exacerbate the emotional stress of the disease. Assessing the availability of financial assistance involves identifying resources such as grants, patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies, and support from local charities. Furthermore, the availability of patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and access available resources, is a valuable asset.

In conclusion, evaluating breast cancer care in 26443, Troy, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. It requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the integration of a multidisciplinary approach. This analysis highlights the importance of considering these factors to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources within ZIP code 26443 and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic accessibility of care, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the factors discussed, revealing patterns and insights that might otherwise be missed. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a more comprehensive perspective on breast cancer care in your community.