26836, Moorefield, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26836, Moorefield, West Virginia is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.86 percent of the residents in 26836 has some form of health insurance. 59.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.57 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 26836 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,139 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26836. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,393 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 208 health care providers accessible to residents in 26836, Moorefield, West Virginia.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Moorefield, WV (ZIP Code 26836)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning prostate cancer care, within a specific geographical area necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the potential for prostate cancer screening and treatment, and the overall healthcare infrastructure in Moorefield, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26836). This assessment is not a definitive ranking, but rather an evaluation of the factors that contribute to a patient's ability to receive timely and effective prostate cancer care.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care rests upon robust primary care. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact, providing preventative screenings, early detection, and referrals to specialists. Assessing PCP availability in Moorefield is crucial. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can offer insight into these ratios. Furthermore, examining the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is important. Are they concentrated in a single location, or are they dispersed throughout the community, ensuring accessibility for residents in various areas of Moorefield?

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care matters. Evaluating the practices themselves is essential. Do they offer comprehensive services, including routine physical exams, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, and digital rectal exams (DREs)? Are they equipped with the latest diagnostic tools? Do they have established referral pathways to urologists and oncologists? Researching local practices, reading patient reviews (while acknowledging their limitations), and examining the credentials and specializations of the physicians can provide valuable insights. Standout practices might be those that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, offer extended hours, or have a strong track record of patient satisfaction.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to consult with a physician remotely can be particularly beneficial in rural areas like Moorefield, where access to specialists may be limited. Telemedicine can facilitate initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management, potentially reducing the need for patients to travel long distances. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among local PCPs and specialists is an important part of the analysis. Are telehealth options offered for prostate cancer screenings, consultations, and post-treatment follow-up?

Prostate cancer care extends beyond physical health. The emotional and psychological impact of a diagnosis can be significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of a comprehensive healthcare system. Assessing the availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential. Are there local mental health clinics or therapists who specialize in oncology or related fields? Are there support groups for men diagnosed with prostate cancer? The presence of these resources can significantly improve a patient's overall well-being and their ability to cope with the challenges of treatment and recovery.

The presence of specialists, particularly urologists and oncologists, is vital for prostate cancer treatment. Analyzing the availability of these specialists in or near Moorefield is critical. Are there urologists and oncologists within the immediate area, or do patients need to travel to larger cities for specialized care? Travel distance and access to specialized expertise are crucial considerations. If specialist care is limited locally, the efficiency of referral pathways and the coordination of care between PCPs and specialists become even more important.

The availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as MRI and CT scans, is also a key factor. These imaging modalities are often used to diagnose and stage prostate cancer. Assessing the availability of these services in the local hospitals or clinics can affect the efficiency of the diagnostic process. Delays in obtaining these scans can potentially delay treatment.

Furthermore, the availability of treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, needs to be assessed. Are these treatments available locally, or do patients need to travel to other facilities? The availability of these treatment options and the expertise of the medical professionals who administer them are crucial for successful outcomes.

The overall healthcare infrastructure of Moorefield, including the quality of local hospitals, the availability of support services, and the overall healthcare environment, also plays a role. Assessing the quality of the local hospital, the availability of support services such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, and the overall healthcare environment can provide valuable insights into the quality of care that patients can expect to receive.

In summary, evaluating prostate cancer care in Moorefield (ZIP Code 26836) requires a thorough assessment of PCP availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist access, diagnostic imaging, treatment options, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. This assessment, while not a definitive ranking, provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in relation to prostate cancer care.

To further enhance your understanding of healthcare access and the geographical distribution of medical resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent data related to physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant factors, providing a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape in Moorefield and beyond. This can facilitate more informed decision-making for patients and healthcare providers alike.