26264, Durbin, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26264, Durbin, West Virginia is 4 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.72 percent of the residents in 26264 has some form of health insurance. 46.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.31 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 26264 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 157 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26264. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 119 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 20 health care providers accessible to residents in 26264, Durbin, West Virginia.

The analysis below assesses prostate cancer care quality in and around Durbin, West Virginia (ZIP code 26264), focusing on primary care availability and related factors. This is not a definitive ranking, but rather an informed overview based on publicly available data and general healthcare trends.

Durbin, a small rural community, faces inherent challenges in healthcare access. The sparse population distribution, coupled with geographic limitations, impacts the availability of specialized medical services, including those directly related to prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Primary care serves as the crucial entry point into the healthcare system, and its strength significantly influences prostate cancer outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access. In rural areas like Durbin, the ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) to the population is likely lower than the national average. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Public health data, such as that compiled by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can offer insights into these ratios, although specific ZIP code data may be limited.

The presence of standout primary care practices is crucial. These practices, often characterized by a patient-centered approach, proactive screening programs, and strong referral networks, can significantly improve prostate cancer outcomes. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into local healthcare networks. This includes examining patient reviews, assessing the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (such as PSA testing), and evaluating the practice’s commitment to continuing medical education and staying current with prostate cancer treatment guidelines.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in Durbin to access specialists and receive consultations remotely. This is particularly important for prostate cancer care, where access to urologists and oncologists may be limited locally. Telemedicine can facilitate timely diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care, improving patient outcomes. Examining the availability of telemedicine services within primary care practices in the area is crucial.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of prostate cancer, but they are essential. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who are familiar with the psychological impact of cancer, is crucial. This includes assessing the availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referral networks.

The impact of these factors on a "Prostate Cancer Score" is complex. A higher score would reflect a stronger primary care base, good physician-to-patient ratios, proactive screening programs, telemedicine availability, and robust mental health support. Conversely, a lower score would indicate challenges in these areas, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and poorer patient outcomes.

Specific practices within the 26264 ZIP code would need to be individually evaluated. This would involve a combination of desk research (reviewing practice websites, online reviews, and insurance provider directories) and potentially direct inquiries to the practices themselves. The goal would be to assess their screening protocols, referral networks, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health support services.

The analysis should also consider the broader healthcare landscape in the region. This includes the proximity of hospitals and specialty clinics, the availability of transportation services for patients, and the presence of community support groups for cancer patients and their families. These factors contribute to the overall quality of care and can significantly impact patient outcomes.

The lack of specific data regarding physician-to-patient ratios and practice-specific information makes a precise ranking challenging. However, a general assessment can be made by examining publicly available data, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. This data, combined with information from online healthcare directories and patient reviews, can provide a preliminary understanding of the healthcare landscape in the area.

It is important to remember that this analysis is based on available information and general healthcare trends. A comprehensive assessment would require more detailed data and direct engagement with local healthcare providers. The information provided should not be considered medical advice. Patients should always consult with their physicians regarding their health concerns.

The “Prostate Cancer Score” for Durbin (26264) would likely be impacted by the rural nature of the community. The limited number of primary care physicians, the potential for longer appointment wait times, and the challenges in accessing specialized care could negatively impact the score. However, the adoption of telemedicine and the presence of dedicated primary care practices could potentially mitigate these challenges.

Further research should focus on identifying specific primary care practices in the area, assessing their screening protocols, and evaluating their telemedicine capabilities. The availability of mental health resources and the presence of community support groups should also be considered.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Durbin and surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent geographic data, including the locations of healthcare providers, population density, and other relevant factors. This can help identify areas with limited access to care and highlight opportunities for improvement.