26101, Parkersburg, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26101, Parkersburg, West Virginia is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.51 percent of the residents in 26101 has some form of health insurance. 54.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.58 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 26101 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,516 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26101. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,860 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,006 health care providers accessible to residents in 26101, Parkersburg, West Virginia.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Parkersburg, WV (ZIP Code 26101)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of prostate cancer care within Parkersburg, West Virginia, focusing on the resources available to patients within the 26101 ZIP code. It considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health support, ultimately aiming to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment. This score is a holistic view, recognizing that effective cancer care extends beyond medical expertise to encompass accessibility, patient support, and technological integration.

The foundation of any cancer care system is the availability of qualified medical professionals. In Parkersburg, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Research is needed to determine the exact PCP-to-patient ratio within 26101, comparing it to both state and national averages. This initial assessment is crucial because PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms, and their ability to facilitate timely referrals to urologists and oncologists is paramount.

Beyond simple availability, the quality and specialization of physicians matter. The presence of board-certified urologists within the ZIP code is essential. These specialists possess the expertise to diagnose and treat prostate cancer. The analysis must investigate the number of urologists practicing in 26101, their areas of specialization (e.g., robotic surgery, radiation oncology), and their experience levels. Information on their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers is also vital. Are these urologists connected to larger, regional cancer networks that offer advanced treatment options and clinical trials?

The structure and characteristics of medical practices play a significant role in patient experience. Standout practices are those that prioritize patient-centered care. This includes factors such as appointment availability, wait times, and the overall patient satisfaction scores. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including on-site imaging, laboratory testing, and support groups, tend to score higher. The analysis will investigate the presence of these resources within the practices serving 26101. Furthermore, it will examine the practices’ commitment to patient education, providing clear and accessible information about prostate cancer, treatment options, and survivorship.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. The adoption of telemedicine by medical practices in 26101 is a key indicator of the quality of care. The analysis will assess the extent to which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate ongoing communication between patients and their healthcare providers.

The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Mental health support is an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within 26101, including therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. Does the local hospital have an oncology social worker? Are there connections to mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by prostate cancer patients and their families? The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" will also consider the availability of other supportive services. These include patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, and financial assistance programs, which can help patients manage the costs of treatment. Access to these resources can significantly reduce patient stress and improve their ability to focus on their health.

The overall assessment of the 26101 ZIP code will be a composite score, factoring in the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality and specialization of physicians, the characteristics of medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of other supportive services. Each of these factors will be weighted based on its importance in the overall patient experience. The final score will be presented as a relative ranking, allowing for comparison with other areas and highlighting areas for improvement.

This analysis, while comprehensive, is limited by the availability of public data. A more thorough assessment would require access to private practice data, patient satisfaction surveys, and detailed information on the resources available within each practice. Nevertheless, this initial analysis provides a valuable overview of the prostate cancer care landscape in Parkersburg and can be used to identify areas where improvements are needed.

The information gathered in this analysis can be visualized and explored using advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, allowing users to overlay physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability onto a map of the 26101 ZIP code. This visual representation can help patients and healthcare providers understand the local healthcare landscape and make informed decisions.

For a comprehensive and interactive view of the prostate cancer care landscape in Parkersburg, and to see how your area compares, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.