26362, Harrisville, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26362, Harrisville, West Virginia is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.34 percent of the residents in 26362 has some form of health insurance. 59.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.07 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 26362 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 601 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26362. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 768 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 75 health care providers accessible to residents in 26362, Harrisville, West Virginia.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Harrisville, WV (ZIP Code 26362)

This analysis delves into the prostate cancer care landscape within Harrisville, West Virginia (ZIP code 26362), assessing the availability of primary care, the quality of physician services, and the supporting resources available to patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, effective treatment, and overall patient well-being. The analysis will also explore the potential for CartoChrome maps to enhance patient access to care.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. In Harrisville, primary care availability is a critical factor. A robust primary care network acts as the first line of defense, facilitating early screenings, providing patient education, and coordinating referrals to specialists when necessary. Assessing the primary care landscape involves evaluating the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code, the patient-to-physician ratio, and the types of services offered. A low patient-to-physician ratio generally indicates better access, allowing PCPs to dedicate more time to each patient and potentially improving the likelihood of early detection through regular check-ups and screenings.

The quality of primary care practices is also paramount. This includes factors like the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer screening, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and coordination of care, and the availability of on-site diagnostic services. Practices that proactively offer prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal exams (DREs), and risk assessments are better positioned to identify potential issues early. The presence of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as basic lab work, can streamline the diagnostic process and reduce the time it takes for patients to receive results.

Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists, particularly urologists, is crucial. While Harrisville may have limited access to specialized urology services directly within the ZIP code, the proximity of larger medical centers in surrounding areas, such as Clarksburg or Parkersburg, becomes a significant factor. Assessing the travel time and ease of access to these specialist centers is essential. Furthermore, understanding the referral pathways between primary care physicians in Harrisville and urologists in neighboring cities is vital for ensuring seamless care coordination.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Harrisville. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to second opinions, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists serving the area is a key component of the Prostate Cancer Score. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals are better equipped to serve the needs of their patients.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of prostate cancer care. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can have a significant emotional impact on patients, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for supporting patients throughout their journey. Assessing the availability of these resources in Harrisville and the surrounding areas, and understanding how primary care practices connect patients with these services, is a crucial element of the overall score.

Standout practices in the region demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive prostate cancer care. These practices often excel in multiple areas, including proactive screening protocols, patient education, care coordination, and mental health support. Identifying these standout practices and highlighting their best practices can provide valuable insights for other providers and help patients make informed decisions about their care. These practices often utilize EHRs efficiently, integrate telemedicine effectively, and actively participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about prostate cancer.

The overall Prostate Cancer Score for Harrisville (26362) will be influenced by the interplay of these factors. A high score indicates a strong primary care foundation, readily accessible specialist care, proactive screening protocols, the integration of telemedicine, and readily available mental health resources. A lower score suggests potential challenges in one or more of these areas, requiring targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

To improve the accessibility and understanding of this information, CartoChrome maps can be a powerful tool. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the location of primary care practices, specialists, diagnostic facilities, and mental health resources within and around Harrisville. They can also display data on patient-to-physician ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and other relevant metrics. By integrating these data points into interactive maps, CartoChrome can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care, identify the most accessible resources, and navigate the healthcare system more effectively. The maps can also be used by healthcare providers to identify gaps in care and develop strategies to improve patient access and outcomes.

This analysis provides a framework for assessing the prostate cancer care landscape in Harrisville, WV. While specific data points are crucial for a definitive score, the factors discussed highlight the key elements that contribute to a positive patient experience. The ultimate goal is to improve early detection, ensure access to effective treatment, and provide comprehensive support for patients facing this challenging disease.