26254, Bowden, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26254, Bowden, West Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.41 percent of the residents in 26254 has some form of health insurance. 36.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.06 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 26254 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 27 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26254. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 45 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 441 health care providers accessible to residents in 26254, Bowden, West Virginia.

Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Bowden, WV (ZIP Code 26254)

Analyzing the prostate cancer care landscape in Bowden, West Virginia (ZIP code 26254), requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll assess the availability and quality of care, focusing on primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a Prostate Cancer Score (PCS) assessment. This score, though not a definitive medical judgment, provides a relative evaluation of the resources accessible to men in this specific geographic area. The analysis is based on publicly available data and general healthcare trends.

Primary Care Availability in Bowden

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care begins with accessible primary care. Bowden, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: physician shortages and limited specialist access. Determining primary care availability involves evaluating the number of family medicine and internal medicine physicians practicing within the zip code and the surrounding areas. The geographic isolation of Bowden could mean residents travel significant distances for routine checkups and initial screenings.

Physician-to-Patient Ratios

Calculating the physician-to-patient ratio provides a crucial insight into healthcare access. A low ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and receiving comprehensive care. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with physician directories, are used to estimate the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio is then compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative access to medical care.

Standout Practices and Healthcare Providers

Identifying any standout practices or healthcare providers in or near Bowden is essential. This involves researching the quality of care provided, the range of services offered, and the reputation of the medical professionals. Are there any practices that offer advanced diagnostic capabilities, such as MRI or advanced imaging? Do any providers specialize in urology or oncology, which are critical for prostate cancer treatment? Assessing patient reviews and ratings, where available, can provide insights into patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine Adoption

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine services by local healthcare providers is a key factor in the PCS. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to consult with specialists, receive follow-up care, and access educational resources remotely. Examining the availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, provides an assessment of the accessibility of care.

Mental Health Resources

Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of the PCS. This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, and the presence of support groups or counseling services specifically for cancer patients. Access to these resources is vital for addressing the psychological impact of the disease.

Prostate Cancer Score (PCS) Assessment

Based on the above factors, a PCS is assigned. This score is a relative assessment, not a definitive medical judgment. It reflects the overall accessibility and quality of prostate cancer care resources in Bowden. The PCS considers the following factors:

* **Primary Care Access:** The availability of primary care physicians within and near the zip code.
* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** The ratio of physicians to the population, reflecting access to care.
* **Specialist Availability:** The presence of urologists, oncologists, and other specialists.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** The availability of advanced diagnostic tools.
* **Telemedicine Integration:** The adoption of telemedicine services.
* **Mental Health Support:** The availability of mental health professionals and support services.

The PCS is not a static number; it's a dynamic assessment influenced by ongoing healthcare developments.

Specific Considerations for Bowden

Given the rural nature of Bowden, the PCS is likely to be impacted by challenges common to such areas. The limited number of healthcare providers, the potential for long travel distances, and the potential lack of access to advanced diagnostic tools and specialist care are all factors that could negatively affect the PCS. Conversely, the adoption of telemedicine and the presence of any dedicated cancer support services could positively impact the score. The analysis will consider the impact of these factors on the overall assessment.

Conclusion

The prostate cancer care landscape in Bowden, WV (ZIP code 26254) presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Assessing primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources provides a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to men in this community. The PCS offers a relative evaluation of the healthcare environment, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. This analysis is a starting point for understanding the healthcare needs of the community.

For a more detailed, interactive view of the healthcare landscape in Bowden and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, explore CartoChrome maps.