25846, Glen Jean, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 25846, Glen Jean, West Virginia is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.62 percent of the residents in 25846 has some form of health insurance. 76.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 12.99 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 25846 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25846. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 41 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,774 health care providers accessible to residents in 25846, Glen Jean, West Virginia.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Glen Jean, WV (ZIP Code 25846)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of prostate cancer care within the Glen Jean, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25846) area, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility and related resources. It aims to provide a “Prostate Cancer Score” assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing management of this prevalent disease. The score is not a single number but rather a composite evaluation based on various contributing elements.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer management rests upon accessible and proactive primary care. In Glen Jean, the assessment begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric, crucial for gauging access, involves determining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the total population. A low ratio can indicate potential challenges in securing timely appointments, leading to delays in crucial screenings like the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams (DRE). The analysis will identify the specific practices and their patient load, which is critical in identifying potential bottlenecks in the healthcare system.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by these PCPs is paramount. This involves examining the practices' adherence to established guidelines for prostate cancer screening, including the frequency of PSA testing, the age at which screening begins, and the criteria used to determine when a patient should be referred to a urologist. The analysis will evaluate the availability of patient education materials, which are essential for empowering men to make informed decisions about their health. This includes assessing whether practices provide information on risk factors, signs and symptoms, and the benefits and limitations of various screening and treatment options.

Standout practices within the area will be identified based on their commitment to these best practices. This evaluation considers factors such as the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for tracking patient data, the implementation of reminder systems for screening appointments, and the availability of patient navigators or care coordinators to assist patients through the healthcare process. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to patient education and screening are likely to receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the assessment. The ability to access healthcare services remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations, can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals in rural areas like Glen Jean. The analysis will identify which practices offer telemedicine services and the extent to which they are utilized for prostate cancer-related care. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, urologists, and other specialists.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant emotional impact on patients, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within the Glen Jean area and the degree to which these services are integrated into the healthcare system. This includes assessing whether PCPs screen patients for mental health issues, whether they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, and whether support groups or counseling services are available for prostate cancer patients and their families.

Primary care availability in Glen Jean is significantly influenced by the broader healthcare landscape of the region. This analysis will consider the presence of hospitals, specialist clinics, and other healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance. The proximity of these facilities can impact access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and biopsy, as well as access to specialized treatments like radiation therapy and surgery. The analysis will also evaluate the availability of urologists in the area and the efficiency of referral processes from PCPs to these specialists.

The assessment will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on prostate cancer care. This includes evaluating the prevalence of health insurance coverage within the community, as well as the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may struggle to afford the cost of care. The analysis will also consider the level of health literacy within the community and the efforts made by healthcare providers to communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Glen Jean (ZIP Code 25846) is not a single quantifiable number. It is an assessment based on the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare system with accessible PCPs, adherence to screening guidelines, telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health resources, and a supportive environment for patients. A lower score would indicate areas where improvements are needed to ensure that men in Glen Jean have access to the best possible prostate cancer care. The final score will be a qualitative assessment, informed by quantitative data and expert analysis.

This analysis reveals the complexities of healthcare access and quality in a rural setting. It highlights the importance of a strong primary care foundation, the need for proactive screening practices, and the critical role of mental health support. The findings will be useful for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members seeking to improve prostate cancer care in Glen Jean and similar communities.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Glen Jean and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of PCPs, specialists, and healthcare facilities, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with high and low access to care and to make informed decisions about healthcare planning and resource allocation. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and improve healthcare outcomes.