25936, Thurmond, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 25936, Thurmond, West Virginia is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25936 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 25936 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 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25936. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 440 health care providers accessible to residents in 25936, Thurmond, West Virginia.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 25936 & Primary Care in Thurmond

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially concerning prostate cancer, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 25936 and the primary care landscape in the Thurmond area, aiming to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" by evaluating various factors. This score is not a single number but a composite understanding derived from physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the presence of supportive mental health services.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment is physician availability. In ZIP code 25936, a rural area, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely a critical indicator. A low ratio, reflecting fewer doctors per capita, presents a significant challenge. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances to specialists, and potentially delayed diagnoses. The analysis would need to consider the number of primary care physicians, urologists, and oncologists serving the area. Data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, the American Medical Association (AMA), and state medical boards would be essential to establish a baseline physician-to-patient ratio. Comparing this ratio to national or state averages provides context, highlighting the relative scarcity or abundance of medical professionals.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are vital. In Thurmond, assessing the availability of primary care physicians is paramount. Are there adequate practices accepting new patients? Do these practices offer comprehensive services, including routine checkups, screenings, and referrals to specialists? The presence of certified family medicine physicians and internal medicine specialists is crucial. Furthermore, the analysis would need to investigate the insurance acceptance policies of these practices. Do they accept Medicare, Medicaid, and a range of private insurance plans? Limited insurance coverage can create significant barriers to care, particularly for those at higher risk of prostate cancer.

Standout practices within the area would be identified based on several criteria. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to preventative care, including proactive prostate cancer screening programs, would receive higher scores. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer detection and treatment, such as the use of PSA testing and digital rectal exams, is a key indicator. Practices that utilize patient portals for communication, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records would also be considered favorably. Practices that offer patient education materials and support groups for men diagnosed with prostate cancer would demonstrate a commitment to holistic care.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in improving access to care, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially shortening wait times. The analysis would assess which practices in ZIP code 25936 and the surrounding area offer telemedicine services. Are these services available for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management? The availability of telemedicine for specialist consultations, such as with a urologist or oncologist, would be particularly beneficial for prostate cancer patients. Practices that integrate telemedicine into their workflow effectively, ensuring secure and reliable video conferencing and data transmission, would be recognized.

The psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Mental health resources are therefore an essential component of a comprehensive healthcare system. The analysis would evaluate the availability of mental health services in the area. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers available to provide counseling and support? Do primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? The presence of support groups specifically for men with prostate cancer and their families is a positive indicator. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and proactively address the psychological needs of their patients would be highly regarded.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" would be a qualitative assessment, not a simple numerical rating. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality and accessibility of primary care, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score would reflect the overall strength and weaknesses of the healthcare system in ZIP code 25936 and the Thurmond area concerning prostate cancer care. A higher score would indicate a more robust and patient-centered system, while a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement.

The analysis would also consider the demographic characteristics of the population served. Factors such as age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can influence prostate cancer risk and access to care. Understanding these demographics would provide context for the assessment and help identify potential disparities in care. For instance, a higher proportion of African American men, who are at increased risk of prostate cancer, would necessitate a greater emphasis on culturally sensitive screening and treatment programs.

The final analysis would not only provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" but also offer actionable recommendations. These recommendations could include strategies for improving physician recruitment and retention, expanding telemedicine services, increasing access to mental health resources, and promoting patient education and awareness. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify opportunities to improve the quality and accessibility of prostate cancer care for residents of ZIP code 25936 and the Thurmond area.

To visualize this complex data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 25936 and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and visually compelling representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources. Explore the possibilities and unlock valuable insights with CartoChrome maps.