26448, Wallace, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26448, Wallace, West Virginia is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.85 percent of the residents in 26448 has some form of health insurance. 59.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.99 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 26448 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 331 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26448. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 295 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 461 health care providers accessible to residents in 26448, Wallace, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Wallace, WV (ZIP Code 26448)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within the Wallace, West Virginia area, specifically focusing on ZIP code 26448. It assesses the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a “Breast Cancer Score” for this community. This score, while not a numerical value, represents a qualitative assessment of the overall landscape of care, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. In Wallace, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A limited number of primary care providers can create bottlenecks in the healthcare system, delaying crucial screenings, referrals, and ongoing management. Assessing the density of primary care physicians per capita is paramount. A low physician-to-patient ratio necessitates longer wait times for appointments, potentially hindering early detection and timely intervention. This directly impacts the prognosis for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

Wallace's rural setting can pose significant challenges in healthcare access. The geographical isolation may limit the availability of specialized medical professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists. This necessitates a reliance on referrals to larger medical centers located outside the immediate community. These referrals, while necessary, can introduce logistical hurdles, including transportation challenges and increased travel time, potentially impacting patient adherence to treatment plans.

Identifying standout practices within the 26448 ZIP code is crucial. These practices, if present, may demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes offering regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms, and providing patient education on risk factors and early detection. Furthermore, a standout practice would ideally integrate a multidisciplinary approach, coordinating care among primary care physicians, specialists, and support staff. The presence of certified breast health navigators, who guide patients through the complex healthcare system, is a significant indicator of a patient-centered approach.

Telemedicine adoption plays a vital role in bridging the geographical gap in rural communities. The utilization of telehealth platforms can enhance access to specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, minimizing the need for frequent in-person visits. The availability of telemedicine services, particularly for oncology consultations and mental health support, significantly contributes to a positive Breast Cancer Score.

Mental health support is an integral component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can trigger a range of emotional responses, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health resources, such as counseling services, support groups, and psychiatric care, is essential for addressing these emotional needs. Integration of mental health professionals within the primary care setting or through referrals is a critical factor in the overall assessment. The presence of these resources will positively impact the Breast Cancer Score.

The analysis must also consider the availability of resources for financial assistance. Breast cancer treatment can be extremely costly, and the financial burden can add to the stress and anxiety associated with the disease. The presence of programs that offer financial aid for treatment, medication, and transportation is a significant factor in promoting equitable access to care.

Furthermore, the analysis should evaluate the degree to which practices participate in clinical trials. Participation in clinical trials offers patients access to cutting-edge treatments and contributes to advancements in breast cancer research. The willingness of local physicians to participate in clinical trials reflects a commitment to providing patients with the most advanced care options available.

The Breast Cancer Score for Wallace, WV (26448) is, at this stage, difficult to quantify without detailed data. However, based on the factors discussed, a preliminary assessment would likely reflect the challenges inherent in rural healthcare settings. The potential for limited primary care availability, geographical isolation, and the need for referrals to larger medical centers could negatively impact the score. However, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources would contribute positively.

The overall score will depend on the relative weight assigned to each factor. If primary care physician availability is severely limited, it would significantly diminish the score. Conversely, if there is a robust network of support services, it could elevate the score despite other challenges.

To gain a more accurate and actionable understanding of the breast cancer care landscape in Wallace, WV, a detailed data analysis is required. This analysis would involve collecting information on physician-to-patient ratios, the services offered by local practices, the availability of telemedicine platforms, and the integration of mental health resources. This data could then be used to create a more precise Breast Cancer Score.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Wallace, WV, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual tool to understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential areas for improvement.