The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26866, Upper Tract, West Virginia is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 94.85 percent of the residents in 26866 has some form of health insurance. 38.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.98 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 26866 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 196 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26866. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 210 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 103 health care providers accessible to residents in 26866, Upper Tract, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26866, Upper Tract, West Virginia
Breast Cancer Score | 67 |
---|---|
People Score | 86 |
Provider Score | 32 |
Hospital Score | 66 |
Travel Score | 32 |
26866 | Upper Tract | West Virginia | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
The following analysis assesses breast cancer care within ZIP code 26866, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, with a particular emphasis on Upper Tract, West Virginia. This evaluation considers several critical factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment in this rural area.
The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible and competent primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the initial point of contact, providing preventative screenings, referring patients to specialists, and coordinating overall care. In assessing the quality of breast cancer care, the availability of PCPs becomes paramount.
Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial first step. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and potentially reduced access to timely screenings. While precise physician-to-patient ratios require access to proprietary data, publicly available information from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can offer insights. Areas classified as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) often indicate a scarcity of healthcare professionals, including PCPs.
Upper Tract, being a rural community, may face challenges in physician recruitment and retention. This geographical remoteness can exacerbate the impact of any physician shortage. The presence of a robust primary care infrastructure is critical for ensuring that women have access to regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms, and can receive prompt referrals to specialists if needed.
Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is another crucial element. These practices may demonstrate excellence in several areas, including patient education, early detection programs, and patient-centered care. Practices that actively promote breast cancer awareness, offer convenient screening options, and prioritize patient communication are often considered leaders in this field. Researching online reviews, patient testimonials, and professional recognitions can help identify these exemplary practices.
Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources remotely. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve access to care for women in Upper Tract, reducing the need for lengthy travel to receive specialized services. The ability to connect patients with oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists via telehealth platforms can significantly enhance the overall quality of breast cancer care.
The integration of mental health resources into breast cancer care is essential. A breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support can significantly impact a patient's well-being and treatment outcomes. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, referrals to mental health professionals, or support groups demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Screening for depression and anxiety, coupled with appropriate interventions, can improve patients' quality of life and adherence to treatment plans.
The specific practices within ZIP code 26866 need to be investigated to determine their individual approaches to patient care. Researching practices' websites, calling them directly, and reviewing patient feedback can reveal their commitment to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This research must be conducted to assess their adoption of telemedicine and their integration of mental health services.
Access to breast cancer screening, particularly mammography, is a key indicator of care quality. Assessing the availability of mammography services within the ZIP code is crucial. This includes identifying the number of imaging centers, their hours of operation, and the types of mammography technology available (e.g., 3D mammography). The proximity of these services to Upper Tract residents and the ease of scheduling appointments are also significant factors.
The availability of support services for breast cancer patients is another important consideration. These services may include patient navigators, support groups, and educational resources. Patient navigators can assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and accessing financial assistance. Support groups provide a valuable forum for patients to connect with others who have similar experiences. Educational resources empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.
The overall assessment of breast cancer care in ZIP code 26866, with a focus on Upper Tract, requires a comprehensive approach. This includes evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, examining mental health resource integration, and evaluating access to screening and support services. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape, enabling residents to make informed decisions about their care.
The quality of care is not solely determined by the presence of resources but also by their accessibility and utilization. Even if resources are available, barriers to access, such as transportation challenges, financial constraints, or lack of insurance, can impede patients from receiving the care they need. Addressing these barriers is critical for ensuring equitable access to breast cancer care for all residents of Upper Tract and the surrounding areas.
This analysis serves as a starting point for understanding the breast cancer care landscape in ZIP code 26866. Further in-depth investigation, including direct engagement with healthcare providers and community members, is necessary to gain a complete understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this area. This will lead to improved healthcare outcomes for women in this rural community.
To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in this region, including the location of practices, access to screening services, and proximity to support resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data discussed in this analysis, helping you to identify areas with high and low access to care and make informed decisions about your healthcare.
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