26572, Four States, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26572, Four States, West Virginia is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26572 has some form of health insurance. 69.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 34.83 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 26572 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 204 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26572. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 11 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 840 health care providers accessible to residents in 26572, Four States, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26572 & Four-State Primary Care Landscape

This analysis delves into the breast cancer care landscape, focusing on physicians within ZIP code 26572 and evaluating primary care availability across a four-state region. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of access to care, quality of services, and support systems, ultimately leading to a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment. This score, though not a single numerical value, will be a composite of various factors, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the defined areas.

**ZIP Code 26572: A Microscopic View**

ZIP code 26572, likely representing a specific town or area, necessitates a granular approach. The primary focus will be on the availability of physicians specializing in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This includes oncologists, radiologists specializing in mammography and other imaging techniques, surgeons capable of performing breast biopsies and mastectomies, and reconstructive surgeons.

Physician-to-patient ratios are critical. A low ratio, indicating fewer specialists per capita, suggests potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. We'll investigate the number of these specialists actively practicing within the ZIP code, cross-referencing this data with population figures to determine the ratio. This is the foundation of our assessment.

Standout practices will be identified based on several criteria. These include the use of advanced technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), the availability of genetic counseling and testing, and the presence of multidisciplinary teams. Practices with accreditation from reputable organizations, like the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer, will receive higher marks. Patient reviews and testimonials will be analyzed to gauge patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis will investigate which practices offer telemedicine services and the extent of their utilization.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive breast cancer care. The emotional toll of diagnosis and treatment can be substantial. We'll assess the availability of on-site or affiliated mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, specializing in oncology. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, will also be evaluated. Access to these resources is critical for patient well-being.

**Four-State Primary Care Availability: A Regional Perspective**

Expanding the scope to a four-state region requires a broader lens. The focus shifts to the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their role in early detection and referral. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, and their awareness of breast cancer risk factors and screening guidelines is paramount.

The physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs across the four states will be a key metric. Areas with a shortage of PCPs may experience delays in routine screenings, leading to later-stage diagnoses. The analysis will identify counties or regions within the four states with the lowest PCP-to-patient ratios, flagging potential areas of concern.

The analysis will examine the percentage of PCPs who regularly perform breast exams and order mammograms. While PCPs are not specialists, their involvement in early detection is vital. The study will look at the implementation of screening protocols and referral processes.

Standout practices will be identified based on their commitment to preventative care. This includes proactive outreach to patients for screening reminders, the use of electronic health records to track screening compliance, and the integration of breast cancer risk assessment tools into their practice.

Telemedicine's role in primary care, particularly in rural areas, will be assessed. Virtual consultations can improve access to PCPs, especially for patients who live far from medical facilities. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which PCPs utilize telemedicine for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments.

The four-state analysis will also examine the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting. Integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals work alongside PCPs, can improve access to mental health care for patients. The study will look at the prevalence of these integrated models.

**Building the Breast Cancer Score**

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a single number, but a composite assessment based on the factors discussed. For ZIP code 26572, the score will be heavily influenced by physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of advanced technologies, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Practices with strong scores in these areas will be considered high-quality providers.

For the four-state region, the score will be based on PCP availability, the implementation of screening protocols, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services. Areas with strong scores in these areas will be considered to have better access to breast cancer care.

The final assessment will highlight areas for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of specialists, improving access to telemedicine, or expanding mental health services. The goal is to provide a roadmap for enhancing breast cancer care within the defined areas.

**Conclusion**

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the breast cancer care landscape in ZIP code 26572 and the four-state region. By examining physician availability, technology adoption, and access to mental health resources, we can identify strengths and weaknesses in the system. This information can be used to improve patient outcomes and ensure that all individuals have access to high-quality breast cancer care.

Are you interested in visualizing these data points and uncovering even more insights? Explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of the breast cancer care landscape by using our interactive mapping tools.