26521, Blacksville, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26521, Blacksville, West Virginia is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.46 percent of the residents in 26521 has some form of health insurance. 38.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 92.37 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 26521 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 65 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26521. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 35 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,149 health care providers accessible to residents in 26521, Blacksville, West Virginia.

Breast cancer care within the 26521 ZIP code, encompassing Blacksville, West Virginia, presents a complex landscape. Analyzing the available resources and physician accessibility requires a nuanced approach, considering the specific challenges of a rural community. This analysis will endeavor to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, acknowledging the limitations of publicly available data and the inherent complexities of healthcare evaluation.

The foundation of any robust breast cancer care system rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Blacksville, as a small community, faces potential challenges in this area. Primary care serves as the initial point of contact, crucial for early detection through regular screenings and patient education. A scarcity of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer patient outcomes. Evaluating primary care availability involves assessing the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of physicians relative to the population, is a significant red flag. The analysis must also consider the proximity of these physicians to Blacksville, as travel distance can be a barrier to care, especially for elderly or mobility-impaired patients.

The availability of specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, is another critical factor. Blacksville likely lacks these specialists directly within the ZIP code. Therefore, the analysis must consider the accessibility of specialists in surrounding areas, particularly Morgantown, the county seat. Travel time, appointment wait times, and the availability of transportation options are all important considerations. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center, offering multidisciplinary care, significantly improves the "Breast Cancer Score." Such centers typically provide access to a range of services, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care.

The adoption of telemedicine is particularly relevant in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to consult with specialists remotely. This can improve access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some forms of therapy. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires examining the availability of telehealth services offered by local practices and hospitals, including the types of services offered (e.g., consultations, remote monitoring) and the technology used.

Mental health resources are a critical component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health professionals is essential for supporting patients through their treatment and recovery. The analysis must consider the availability of therapists, counselors, and support groups in the area. The presence of oncology-specific mental health services, tailored to the unique needs of cancer patients, would significantly enhance the "Breast Cancer Score."

Regarding specific practices, identifying "standout" practices requires a deeper dive. This would involve researching individual physician credentials, experience, and patient satisfaction ratings. The analysis would look for practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offering comprehensive services and employing the latest treatment protocols. The presence of navigators, who guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, is also a positive indicator.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Blacksville, and by extension, the 26521 ZIP code, is likely to be impacted by the rural nature of the community. While the presence of a major medical center in Morgantown offers access to specialized care, the distance and potential transportation challenges will likely negatively impact the score. The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources will also play a crucial role in determining the final score.

The analysis must also consider the demographics of the population served. Blacksville and the surrounding area may have a higher proportion of elderly residents, who may face additional challenges in accessing healthcare. The presence of health disparities, such as those related to socioeconomic status or race, must also be considered.

To conduct a thorough assessment, the analysis would need to gather data from various sources. This includes publicly available information from healthcare providers, government agencies, and patient advocacy groups. Patient surveys, if available, would provide valuable insights into patient experiences. The analysis must also consider the limitations of the data, recognizing that publicly available information may not always be comprehensive or up-to-date.

The "Breast Cancer Score" itself would be a composite score, incorporating various factors weighted according to their importance. The weighting system would reflect the relative importance of each factor, such as the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score would be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing for easy comparison across different areas.

The analysis would conclude with recommendations for improving breast cancer care in Blacksville. These recommendations might include increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding the availability of telemedicine services, and enhancing access to mental health resources. The recommendations would be tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities of the community.

Overall, the "Breast Cancer Score" analysis for Blacksville, WV, is a complex undertaking. It requires a comprehensive assessment of the available resources, the accessibility of care, and the needs of the community. While the rural setting presents challenges, the presence of a major medical center in a nearby city offers opportunities for improvement.

The analysis would benefit from a visual representation of the data. CartoChrome maps can offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician-to-patient ratios, and other relevant factors. By using CartoChrome maps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas where improvements are needed.