26238, Volga, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26238, Volga, West Virginia is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.44 percent of the residents in 26238 has some form of health insurance. 55.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.18 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 26238 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26238. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 251 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,477 health care providers accessible to residents in 26238, Volga, West Virginia.

Please be aware that providing specific rankings of doctors and practices, especially based on complex criteria like "Prostate Cancer Score," is beyond the capabilities of a language model. This response will provide a hypothetical analysis framework and discuss relevant factors, but it will not generate actual rankings.

Here’s an analysis framework for evaluating prostate cancer care and primary care access in Volga, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26238), incorporating the requested elements:

The evaluation of healthcare access and quality, especially regarding a complex condition like prostate cancer, requires a multi-faceted approach. Focusing on Volga, WV, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities. The analysis will consider several key areas: physician availability, the quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support. This is not a ranking but an analytical framework.

The cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is the availability of medical professionals. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. In ZIP Code 26238, we would need to determine the number of primary care physicians, urologists, and oncologists actively practicing. This data would then be compared to the population of the area to determine the ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, would signal a potential access issue. Further analysis would examine the age and experience of the physicians, as well as their board certifications, all of which contribute to the overall quality of care.

Primary care is the foundation of effective healthcare, especially in managing chronic conditions like prostate cancer. The analysis would investigate the quality of primary care practices in Volga. This involves looking at the number of patients each practice serves, the range of services offered (e.g., preventative screenings, chronic disease management), and the availability of extended hours and weekend appointments. Patient reviews and satisfaction scores would be considered, as these offer valuable insights into the patient experience. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability would be crucial, as this facilitates communication and care coordination among different healthcare providers.

Standout practices would be those demonstrating excellence in several areas. These might include practices with a strong focus on preventative care, high patient satisfaction ratings, and a commitment to using technology to improve patient outcomes. They may have a dedicated nurse navigator for cancer patients, ensuring patients are guided through their treatment plans and have access to support services. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials and offer cutting-edge treatment options would also be considered. The presence of specialized equipment, such as advanced imaging technology for early detection, would be another factor.

Telemedicine offers a significant opportunity to improve healthcare access in rural areas like Volga. The analysis would assess the adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and the use of telehealth platforms for delivering educational resources. The availability of reliable internet access in the area is a critical factor, as telemedicine relies on a stable connection. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, providing convenient and accessible care, would be viewed favorably.

The emotional and psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is essential. The analysis would investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, in the area. It would also assess the availability of support groups, counseling services, and other resources that can help patients cope with the emotional challenges of cancer. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or close collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals, would be considered a positive factor.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" framework, if it were a real metric, would likely consider several factors. It would consider the availability of early detection programs, such as PSA testing and prostate exams. It would assess the availability of advanced treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The score would also consider the expertise of the medical professionals involved in the care, including the urologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The score would also evaluate the patient’s access to supportive care services, such as physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and pain management.

The analysis would require data from various sources, including public health records, physician directories, insurance providers, and patient surveys. It would be crucial to protect patient privacy and adhere to all relevant regulations. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Volga, identifying strengths and weaknesses and highlighting areas for improvement.

The data collected would be compiled to present a clear picture of the healthcare resources available in Volga. The analysis would provide insights into the physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support. This information can be used to inform healthcare planning, improve patient access to care, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of the community.

In conclusion, understanding the complexities of healthcare access and quality in a rural community like Volga, WV, requires a comprehensive and data-driven approach. By considering physician availability, primary care quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can gain valuable insights into the healthcare landscape. This analysis, while not a definitive ranking, provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare resources available to residents of ZIP Code 26238.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Volga, WV, and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, clinic locations, and other relevant data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of healthcare access in the area.