26451, West Milford, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26451, West Milford, West Virginia is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.23 percent of the residents in 26451 has some form of health insurance. 20.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.44 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 26451 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 94 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26451. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 39 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,039 health care providers accessible to residents in 26451, West Milford, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: West Milford, WV (ZIP Code 26451)

This analysis assesses the landscape of breast cancer care within West Milford, West Virginia (ZIP code 26451), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, adoption of telemedicine, and access to mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to individuals navigating the complexities of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship within this specific geographic area.

West Milford, a small community nestled in the Appalachian region, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to limitations in specialist availability and infrastructure compared to more urban centers. This analysis will therefore consider these factors when evaluating the overall "Breast Cancer Score" for the region.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on a robust primary care network. Early detection and preventative care are crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients. Assessing the availability of PCPs in West Milford is paramount. Information from sources such as the West Virginia Board of Medicine, local hospital systems, and insurance provider directories will be crucial to determine the number of practicing PCPs within the 26451 ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas.

The physician-to-patient ratio provides a critical metric. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care. Analyzing census data alongside physician counts will determine the patient-to-physician ratio. A low ratio, reflecting a shortage of PCPs, could signal potential delays in appointments, increased wait times for screenings, and potentially limited access to the preventative care essential for early breast cancer detection. Conversely, a favorable ratio can suggest a more readily accessible healthcare system.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout primary care practices is essential. This involves examining factors beyond simple physician counts. The analysis will investigate practices that demonstrate a commitment to breast cancer screening and patient education. This includes assessing whether practices:

* Offer mammography screening services on-site or have established referral pathways to nearby facilities.
* Actively promote breast cancer awareness through patient education materials and community outreach programs.
* Utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient health histories and screening schedules.
* Have dedicated staff members trained in breast cancer screening and patient navigation.
* Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to breast cancer care.

Practices that excel in these areas will receive higher marks in the overall "Breast Cancer Score." Their contributions to the community's health will be highlighted, serving as examples of best practices for other providers.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address the geographical challenges of rural healthcare. The analysis will examine the adoption of telemedicine services by primary care practices in the 26451 ZIP code. This includes assessing:

* The availability of virtual consultations for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and patient education.
* The integration of telehealth platforms into existing practice workflows.
* The use of telemedicine for specialist consultations, such as oncology referrals.
* The accessibility of telemedicine services for patients with limited internet access or technological proficiency.

The widespread adoption of telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients who may face transportation barriers or live in remote areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will be recognized for their efforts to enhance patient access and convenience.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore an integral component of comprehensive breast cancer care. This analysis will assess:

* The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the 26451 ZIP code and surrounding areas.
* The integration of mental health services into primary care practices.
* The availability of support groups and patient navigation services.
* The presence of resources for addressing financial and social challenges associated with breast cancer.

Practices that prioritize mental health support, either through internal resources or strong referral networks, will be recognized for their holistic approach to patient care.

**Overall Breast Cancer Score and Conclusion:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for West Milford (26451) will be a composite score derived from the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the overall availability, accessibility, and quality of breast cancer-related care in the area.

The analysis will culminate in a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in addressing breast cancer. It will identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing access to mental health support.

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