26731, Lahmansville, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26731, Lahmansville, West Virginia is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.26 percent of the residents in 26731 has some form of health insurance. 38.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.31 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 26731 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 36 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26731. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 83 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 97 health care providers accessible to residents in 26731, Lahmansville, West Virginia.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Lahmansville, WV (ZIP Code 26731)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within Lahmansville, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26731), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on factors relevant to prostate cancer care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, crucial for patients facing a cancer diagnosis. The goal is to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of any healthcare analysis is understanding physician availability. In Lahmansville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Data from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) are essential to determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly urologists, per capita within the ZIP code. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, would negatively impact the Prostate Cancer Score. Conversely, a higher ratio would suggest better access to care. The analysis must also consider the age and health status of the local population, as an older demographic may require more frequent medical attention, further straining physician resources.

Primary care physicians are the gatekeepers to specialist care. Their ability to screen for prostate cancer through PSA testing and digital rectal exams is paramount. The analysis needs to identify the number of PCPs practicing within the area, their training, and their willingness to offer preventative screenings. The proximity of these PCPs to the residents of Lahmansville is also important. Are they located within the town, or do residents need to travel significant distances to access primary care? This travel time significantly affects access to care and, consequently, the Prostate Cancer Score.

Beyond physician availability, the characteristics of the medical practices themselves are important. Are practices accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for appointments? Do practices offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients' schedules? The presence of modern diagnostic equipment, such as in-office ultrasound machines, can also streamline the diagnostic process. Practices with a strong focus on patient education and preventative care will positively influence the score. Standout practices, those demonstrating exceptional patient care, should be highlighted. This might include practices with dedicated patient navigators who guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to improve healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Lahmansville. The analysis should assess the adoption of telemedicine by local practices. Do PCPs and specialists offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, or even initial consultations? The availability of telemedicine can significantly reduce travel burdens and improve access to specialists who may not be readily available in the immediate area. Practices that embrace telemedicine will receive a higher score.

Prostate cancer, like any cancer diagnosis, can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and fear are common challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the Prostate Cancer Score. The analysis must identify the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within Lahmansville or nearby communities. Are these professionals accepting new patients? Do they have experience working with cancer patients? The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, is also essential. A strong network of mental health resources will contribute positively to the overall score.

The infrastructure supporting healthcare also plays a role. The presence of a local hospital or clinic capable of providing advanced diagnostic and treatment services is crucial. The analysis should evaluate the hospital's capabilities, including its ability to perform biopsies, offer radiation therapy, and provide surgical interventions. Access to these services within a reasonable distance is essential for timely and effective care. The quality of the hospital's cancer care program, as evaluated by organizations like the American College of Surgeons, is another factor to consider.

The analysis of primary care availability in Lahmansville is a crucial aspect of this assessment. The number of PCPs, their practice locations, and their willingness to accept new patients are all critical factors. The analysis should also evaluate the PCPs' familiarity with prostate cancer screening guidelines and their commitment to preventative care. The availability of resources for patients who require specialist referrals is also important. A well-coordinated primary care network will positively influence the Prostate Cancer Score.

The financial aspects of healthcare access also need consideration. The analysis should consider the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices. The availability of financial assistance programs for patients who struggle to afford care is another factor. The cost of medications and diagnostic tests can be a significant barrier to care, and the availability of resources to mitigate these costs will improve the score.

Gathering data for this analysis requires a multi-pronged approach. Publicly available data from government agencies, such as the HHS and WVDHHR, should be utilized. Data from professional organizations, such as the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Urological Association (AUA), can also provide valuable insights. Furthermore, contacting local medical practices directly to gather information about their services and patient demographics is necessary.

The final Prostate Cancer Score will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The score will be presented as a numerical value, along with a narrative summary of the findings. The summary will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape and offer recommendations for improvement. The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare environment in Lahmansville, enabling residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, healthcare facility proximity, and demographic information, consider exploring the powerful mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. Their interactive maps can help you visualize the healthcare landscape of Lahmansville and surrounding areas, providing valuable insights into access to care and resource distribution.