26534, Granville, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26534, Granville, West Virginia is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.96 percent of the residents in 26534 has some form of health insurance. 59.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.17 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 26534 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 164 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 65 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26534. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 222 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,177 health care providers accessible to residents in 26534, Granville, West Virginia.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Granville, WV (ZIP Code 26534)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 26534, encompassing Granville, West Virginia, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on factors relevant to prostate cancer care, including physician availability, access to primary care, and the integration of supportive services. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, considering the unique characteristics of this rural community.

The foundation of any prostate cancer care system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are the initial point of contact, responsible for screening, early detection, and referrals to specialists. In Granville, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. Examining the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. The national average is approximately 2.5 PCPs per 1,000 residents. If Granville falls significantly below this benchmark, access to timely care is compromised. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses and potentially worse outcomes for those at risk.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of PCPs is also crucial. Are the available physicians clustered in a single practice, or are they spread throughout the community? A centralized system might offer economies of scale, but it could also lead to longer wait times for appointments. Conversely, a decentralized system might provide greater convenience but could lack the resources of a larger practice. Investigating the geographic distribution of PCPs and their proximity to residents is essential.

A key component of this analysis is evaluating the quality of primary care. This involves assessing the practices’ commitment to preventative care, including prostate cancer screening guidelines. Do the PCPs regularly offer prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DREs) to men over 50, or those with a family history of prostate cancer? Are they up-to-date on the latest screening recommendations from organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network? The adherence to these guidelines is a significant indicator of quality.

Furthermore, understanding the referral pathways is vital. When a PCP suspects prostate cancer, how quickly can they refer a patient to a urologist? Are there specialists readily available within the community, or do patients need to travel long distances for specialized care? The efficiency of the referral process directly impacts the time it takes to receive a diagnosis and begin treatment. The presence of a well-established network of specialists is a significant positive factor.

Standout practices within Granville should be identified. These practices might excel in patient communication, offering comprehensive screening programs, or integrating innovative technologies. Identifying these practices can help patients make informed choices about their care. This includes evaluating patient reviews, practice accreditations, and the availability of educational materials.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in rural communities. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. Does the practice offer telehealth appointments for follow-up visits or consultations? This accessibility can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling. The adoption of telemedicine is a significant positive factor in the Prostate Cancer Score.

The emotional and psychological well-being of patients is often overlooked. Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Access to mental health resources is essential. Does the practice offer on-site counseling services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? This is a critical component of comprehensive care. The availability of these resources significantly impacts the Prostate Cancer Score.

Beyond the immediate medical care, the availability of support groups and patient education programs is important. Does the community offer support groups for men with prostate cancer and their families? Are there educational resources available to help patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects? The presence of these resources enhances the overall quality of care.

The integration of advanced technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, is also a factor. EHRs can improve communication between healthcare providers and patients. Patient portals allow patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their doctors online. The adoption of these technologies can enhance the patient experience and improve care coordination.

The overall Prostate Cancer Score for Granville, WV, (ZIP Code 26534) is determined by the interplay of these factors. A high score indicates a robust healthcare system with readily available PCPs, efficient referral pathways, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient support programs. A low score suggests challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive care. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

Finally, visualizing this complex data is critical. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Granville. They can highlight the geographic distribution of PCPs, specialist locations, and the availability of support services. This visualization can help patients and healthcare providers alike understand the local resources and identify areas for improvement.

**Ready to explore the healthcare landscape of Granville, WV, in a visually compelling way? Visit CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the resources available in your community.**