24740, Princeton, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24740, Princeton, West Virginia is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.28 percent of the residents in 24740 has some form of health insurance. 52.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.11 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 24740 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,684 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24740. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,765 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,397 health care providers accessible to residents in 24740, Princeton, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Princeton, WV (ZIP Code 24740)**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within Princeton, West Virginia, specifically focusing on ZIP code 24740, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess their potential preparedness to address lung cancer concerns, and examine the broader healthcare ecosystem, including telemedicine adoption and mental health resources. This is not a ranking in the traditional sense, but rather an assessment of the existing infrastructure and its capacity to support patients facing lung cancer challenges.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access. In areas with lower ratios, patients may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 24740 requires accessing data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau. This data would reveal the number of active primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code and the total population. A low ratio would indicate potential challenges in accessing timely primary care, which is the first line of defense in lung cancer detection.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is equally important. While PCPs often initiate screenings and referrals, specialists are essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The presence of these specialists within or in close proximity to 24740 is a key factor in determining the overall quality of lung cancer care available. Assessing the proximity of hospitals and cancer centers offering advanced treatments like radiation therapy and surgery is also vital.

Identifying standout practices within the community requires a deeper dive. This involves evaluating factors like patient reviews, the use of electronic health records (EHRs), and the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and management. Practices that actively promote lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals, and have established referral pathways to specialists would be considered more proactive in addressing this disease. Practices that have a strong focus on patient education and support services, such as smoking cessation programs, are also highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of modern healthcare delivery. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Princeton. Assessing the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered and the technology platforms used, is crucial. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow can potentially provide more convenient and accessible care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a crucial component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Assessing the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, within the community is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals are better equipped to support the holistic needs of their patients.

The presence of smoking cessation programs is another important consideration. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are a critical tool in preventing the disease and improving outcomes for those diagnosed. Evaluating the availability and effectiveness of these programs within the community, including the types of services offered and the success rates, is crucial. Practices that actively promote and support smoking cessation are contributing to a healthier community and potentially reducing the burden of lung cancer.

Furthermore, understanding the insurance landscape in 24740 is important. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, can impact access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans are more accessible to a diverse patient population. The affordability of healthcare services, including the cost of screenings, treatments, and medications, is also a critical factor.

The quality of care is also impacted by the availability of diagnostic tools. The presence of advanced imaging technology, such as CT scanners, is essential for lung cancer screening and diagnosis. The availability of these tools within local hospitals or imaging centers is a key factor in ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses. The expertise of radiologists in interpreting these scans is equally important.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape in Princeton, WV (24740) requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the integration of smoking cessation programs. While this analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of lung cancer care, a more detailed investigation, incorporating data from various sources, is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Princeton, WV, and to gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, specialist availability, and the proximity of healthcare facilities, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data and gaining valuable insights into the accessibility and availability of care in your community.