26175, Sistersville, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26175, Sistersville, West Virginia is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.68 percent of the residents in 26175 has some form of health insurance. 53.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.01 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 26175 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 798 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26175. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 688 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 318 health care providers accessible to residents in 26175, Sistersville, West Virginia.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Sistersville, WV (ZIP Code 26175)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within Sistersville, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26175) requires a nuanced approach, particularly when assessing factors relevant to prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient well-being. This analysis aims to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score," considering various aspects of healthcare accessibility and quality, with a focus on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The score, while not a precise numerical value, will reflect the relative strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare environment within this specific geographic area.

Primary care availability is a critical starting point. The ability to secure timely appointments with a primary care physician (PCP) is paramount for early detection and management of prostate cancer. PCPs are often the first point of contact, initiating screenings, providing referrals to specialists, and coordinating overall care. In Sistersville, the availability of PCPs likely presents a challenge. Rural areas often face shortages, impacting appointment wait times and potentially delaying crucial diagnostic procedures. The proximity of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, also influences accessibility. A limited number of providers can translate into longer travel distances for patients, adding to the burden of seeking care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Physician-to-patient ratios are another crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can exacerbate the challenges associated with primary care availability. The specifics of the ratio in 26175 are essential. If the ratio is unfavorable, it places significant strain on existing providers, potentially leading to longer patient wait times, reduced time spent with each patient, and a decreased capacity to manage chronic conditions like prostate cancer effectively. This strain can impact the quality of care and the patient experience.

Standout practices, if any, can significantly improve the Prostate Cancer Score. Identifying practices within or near Sistersville that demonstrate excellence in prostate cancer care is important. This includes practices with experienced urologists, advanced diagnostic capabilities (such as MRI and advanced biopsy techniques), and a commitment to patient-centered care. Factors such as the use of evidence-based guidelines, participation in clinical trials, and positive patient satisfaction scores would all contribute to a higher score. Practices that actively promote prostate cancer awareness and offer educational programs for patients and the community would also be considered positively.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly relevant, especially in rural settings. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and follow-up care without requiring patients to travel long distances. The extent of telemedicine adoption among healthcare providers in 26175 is a key factor. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups would contribute to a higher score. This is especially important for follow-up appointments after treatment, allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial in cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within or near Sistersville is essential. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would be viewed favorably. The presence of support groups and educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of prostate cancer would also contribute to a higher score.

The overall "Prostate Cancer Score" for Sistersville, WV (26175) is likely to be moderate, leaning towards the lower end. The challenges of rural healthcare, including potential shortages of primary care physicians and specialists, are likely to impact accessibility and the overall quality of care. The physician-to-patient ratio, if unfavorable, would further exacerbate these challenges. The lack of readily available data on specific practices and their performance in prostate cancer care makes it difficult to identify standout providers. However, the increasing adoption of telemedicine and the growing awareness of the importance of mental health services could potentially improve the score.

To improve the score, several actions are needed. Efforts to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, particularly PCPs and urologists, are crucial. Promoting telemedicine adoption and ensuring access to mental health services are also essential. Public health initiatives focused on prostate cancer awareness and early detection would also be beneficial.

The data limitations inherent in this analysis should be acknowledged. Publicly available data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, and telemedicine adoption may be limited. A more comprehensive assessment would require access to detailed healthcare data, including patient outcomes, provider performance metrics, and patient satisfaction surveys.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a static value. It is subject to change based on developments in the healthcare landscape, including changes in physician availability, technological advancements, and policy initiatives. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

To gain a more visual and data-driven understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sistersville and surrounding areas, including the location of providers, access to care, and relevant demographic data, explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for analyzing and understanding healthcare data, helping to identify areas of need and inform strategies for improving access to care.