26750, Piedmont, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26750, Piedmont, West Virginia is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.92 percent of the residents in 26750 has some form of health insurance. 50.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.66 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 26750 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 243 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26750. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 164 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 390 health care providers accessible to residents in 26750, Piedmont, West Virginia.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Piedmont, WV (ZIP Code 26750)**

Analyzing the breast cancer landscape in Piedmont, West Virginia, requires a nuanced approach. Simply assessing the quality of medical care demands a deep dive into the available resources, the accessibility of those resources, and the overall health infrastructure within the community. This analysis focuses on the doctors practicing within ZIP code 26750, specifically evaluating their capacity to address breast cancer concerns and the availability of primary care services in Piedmont.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can significantly impact access to care, especially for preventative screenings and timely diagnosis. While precise physician counts fluctuate, understanding the general trend is crucial. Public health data, such as that provided by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, often provides this information. We must investigate the number of primary care physicians, general practitioners, and specialists (particularly those with expertise in oncology and radiology) serving the Piedmont area. A low physician-to-patient ratio may necessitate patients seeking care outside the immediate ZIP code, potentially creating barriers related to transportation, time off work, and financial constraints.

Accessibility is further complicated by the geographical challenges inherent in rural areas. Piedmont, like many communities in the Appalachian region, faces hurdles related to distance to care, limited public transportation options, and the availability of specialized services. Patients may need to travel to larger cities like Cumberland, Maryland, or Morgantown, West Virginia, for advanced imaging (mammograms, MRIs), surgical consultations, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This travel burden can significantly impact treatment adherence and overall patient outcomes.

Identifying standout practices within the 26750 ZIP code requires a closer look. Are there any primary care practices that have demonstrated a commitment to breast cancer screening and early detection? Do they offer patient education programs, reminders for mammograms, and a streamlined referral process for specialists? Evaluating the practices’ patient satisfaction scores, as reported by sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Furthermore, research into the practices' affiliations with larger healthcare systems or hospitals can reveal access to advanced resources and specialized expertise.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, can significantly improve access to care for patients in rural areas. Investigating which practices in Piedmont offer telemedicine services and the types of services offered (e.g., general consultations, post-operative follow-ups, mental health therapy) is essential. The availability of reliable internet connectivity within the community will also influence the effectiveness of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The emotional toll of a diagnosis, treatment, and recovery can be significant. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Piedmont area is crucial. This includes assessing the availability of support groups, individual therapy sessions, and access to psychiatric medications. Investigating whether primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers is also important. The presence of community-based organizations that provide mental health support can further enhance the resources available to patients.

The availability of financial assistance programs is another critical element. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and the financial burden can create significant stress for patients. Investigating the availability of programs that provide financial assistance for screenings, treatment, and medications is essential. This includes programs offered by the state, national organizations, and local charities. Understanding the eligibility requirements for these programs and the ease of access is also important.

Examining the availability of specialized services is paramount. Are there any oncologists or breast surgeons practicing within a reasonable distance of Piedmont? If not, what are the referral pathways to these specialists? The proximity of radiation therapy centers and the availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as MRI and PET scans, are also critical. The presence of a multidisciplinary team approach to breast cancer care, involving surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and nurses, is highly desirable.

Assessing the level of patient education and awareness is another key consideration. Do local healthcare providers actively promote breast cancer awareness and early detection through educational programs, community outreach events, and informational materials? The availability of culturally sensitive educational resources is also important, particularly in a diverse community. Investigating the presence of support groups and patient navigation services can further enhance the patient experience.

Finally, the overall community health environment plays a role. Factors such as access to healthy food options, opportunities for physical activity, and exposure to environmental risk factors can influence breast cancer risk and outcomes. Investigating the availability of community resources that promote healthy lifestyles can provide a more holistic view of the healthcare landscape in Piedmont.

In conclusion, evaluating the breast cancer care landscape in Piedmont, WV, requires a comprehensive assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of specialized services. The geographical challenges, the socioeconomic factors, and the overall health infrastructure of the community must also be considered.

To visualize these complex data points and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Piedmont and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, identifying areas of need, and making informed decisions about healthcare resource allocation.