26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.44 percent of the residents in 26385 has some form of health insurance. 39.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.47 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 26385 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 681 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26385. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 696 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 465 health care providers accessible to residents in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Lost Creek, WV (ZIP Code 26385)

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care within Lost Creek, West Virginia (ZIP code 26385) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis assesses the availability and quality of care, focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, innovative service adoption, and the integration of mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem and its ability to serve men facing prostate cancer.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. In Lost Creek, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Examining physician-to-patient ratios offers a crucial insight. A high ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening frequency, and potentially, later-stage diagnoses. Data on the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code, coupled with the estimated population, is essential to calculate this ratio. Public health data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and the US Census Bureau, are crucial for this calculation.

Beyond simple numbers, the geographic distribution of primary care providers within Lost Creek is significant. Are these physicians clustered in specific areas, leaving other parts of the community underserved? Examining the proximity of primary care practices to residents, especially those in more rural areas, provides insight into access challenges. Transportation limitations, common in rural settings, can further exacerbate these difficulties.

Identifying standout primary care practices within the area is vital. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including regular prostate cancer screenings (PSA tests, digital rectal exams), and patient education, are particularly valuable. These practices often have established protocols for early detection and referral to specialists. Reviewing online patient testimonials, if available, can provide insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall patient experience.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key indicator of modern healthcare practices. Telemedicine offers several benefits, particularly in rural areas. It can improve access to specialists, facilitate follow-up appointments, and allow for remote monitoring of patients. Assessing the extent to which primary care practices in Lost Creek utilize telemedicine for prostate cancer-related care, such as consultations with urologists or remote monitoring of patients undergoing active surveillance, is important.

The mental health aspect of prostate cancer care is often overlooked, but it is a critical component of overall well-being. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources within Lost Creek, and the integration of these resources into primary care practices, is essential. Do primary care physicians screen for mental health issues? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Are there local support groups or counseling services available specifically for men with prostate cancer and their families?

Furthermore, the availability of specialists, particularly urologists, is a crucial factor. While primary care physicians play a vital role in screening and initial management, access to a urologist is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing care. Assessing the proximity of urologists to Lost Creek, the ease of appointment scheduling, and the range of treatment options available (surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy) are important considerations.

Examining the insurance landscape is also crucial. Does the area have a diverse range of insurance providers, or are options limited? Are there any barriers to accessing care based on insurance coverage? The affordability of care, including the cost of screenings, treatments, and medications, is a significant factor in patient outcomes.

The quality of care is also influenced by the availability of resources. Are there local hospitals or clinics that offer advanced imaging technologies, such as MRI or PET scans, for accurate diagnosis and staging? Are there facilities for advanced treatments, such as robotic-assisted surgery or brachytherapy?

The overall assessment of prostate cancer care in Lost Creek, West Virginia, will be influenced by the interplay of these factors. A high-quality score will reflect: a low physician-to-patient ratio, readily available primary care, a commitment to preventative screenings, a focus on patient education, the integration of telemedicine, robust mental health support, access to specialist care, a diverse insurance landscape, and the availability of advanced treatment options.

A lower score would indicate the opposite: limited primary care access, a high physician-to-patient ratio, a lack of preventative screenings, limited telemedicine adoption, inadequate mental health support, and challenges in accessing specialist care and advanced treatment options. This analysis aims to provide a balanced view of the current situation.

For a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics in Lost Creek and surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide detailed visualizations and spatial analysis capabilities, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.