24816, Big Sandy, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24816, Big Sandy, West Virginia is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 0.00 percent of the residents in 24816 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 24816 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24816. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 444 health care providers accessible to residents in 24816, Big Sandy, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: 24816 and Big Sandy

This analysis provides an assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within ZIP code 24816 (likely representing a specific geographic area) and the context of primary care availability in Big Sandy (likely a town or region). The evaluation considers factors influencing patient outcomes, including physician access, technology adoption, and mental health support. It's designed to highlight strengths and weaknesses, ultimately aiming to inform healthcare navigation and potentially inspire improvements.

The core of this analysis centers on the ‘Lung Cancer Score,’ a hypothetical metric that would ideally encompass various aspects of care. For the purposes of this discussion, we'll consider the score to be a composite of factors including access to primary care, specialist availability (specifically pulmonologists and oncologists), the adoption of advanced diagnostic tools, telemedicine accessibility, and the availability of mental health support for patients.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A foundational element of the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ is the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). Early detection is crucial in lung cancer treatment, and PCPs often serve as the first point of contact, screening for risk factors and referring patients for further investigation. In ZIP code 24816, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical data point. If the ratio is low, indicating a shortage of PCPs, the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ will be negatively impacted. This impacts timely access to screening and diagnosis.

Big Sandy's primary care landscape is also vital. The availability of PCPs in Big Sandy, and the ease with which residents of 24816 can access them, directly influences the overall score. If Big Sandy experiences a shortage of PCPs or faces challenges in patient access, it creates a bottleneck that can delay diagnosis and treatment. This could be exacerbated by factors such as transportation limitations or lack of insurance coverage.

**Specialist Availability and Standout Practices:**

Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists is paramount. The presence of pulmonologists and oncologists within or near 24816 is a significant factor. A high concentration of these specialists would positively influence the ‘Lung Cancer Score.’ The proximity of specialists reduces travel time, which is particularly important for patients undergoing frequent treatments or experiencing symptoms.

Identifying standout practices within the region is also crucial. Some practices might demonstrate excellence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. These practices could be recognized for their use of advanced diagnostic technologies like low-dose CT scans or their participation in clinical trials. They may also have established multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists, working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. These practices, if they exist within or near 24816, would significantly boost the ‘Lung Cancer Score.’

**Technology Adoption and Telemedicine:**

The integration of technology significantly influences the ‘Lung Cancer Score.’ The adoption of advanced diagnostic tools, such as PET scans and minimally invasive surgical techniques, is a positive factor. Access to these technologies can lead to more accurate diagnoses and less invasive treatment options.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in 24816 to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and support groups remotely. This is especially beneficial for patients who live in rural areas or face mobility challenges. The availability of telemedicine services, particularly for pulmonology and oncology, would significantly improve the ‘Lung Cancer Score.’

**Mental Health Resources:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a vital component of the ‘Lung Cancer Score.’ Patients need access to mental health services to cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.

The integration of mental health services within the healthcare system is ideal. This could involve on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, can provide patients with a sense of community and shared experience. The availability of these resources would positively impact the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ by addressing the holistic needs of patients.

**Specific Considerations for 24816:**

To generate a truly meaningful ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for 24816, specific data is necessary. This includes the number of PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists practicing within the ZIP code or in nearby areas. Information on the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment, telemedicine services, and mental health resources is also crucial. A survey of local practices could identify standout providers and assess their commitment to lung cancer care.

**Impact of Primary Care in Big Sandy:**

The strength of primary care in Big Sandy directly impacts the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for 24816. If Big Sandy has robust primary care, with accessible and well-equipped PCPs, residents of 24816 will have a better chance of early detection and appropriate referrals. Conversely, if primary care in Big Sandy is limited, it will negatively impact the score, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

A comprehensive ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for 24816 and the surrounding area requires detailed data analysis. This assessment highlights the key factors that influence the score: access to primary care, specialist availability, technology adoption, and mental health resources. The strength of primary care in Big Sandy is a significant factor.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 24816 and the surrounding region, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the power of data visualization. Consider utilizing CartoChrome maps to visually analyze the availability of healthcare providers, assess access to care, and identify potential areas for improvement. CartoChrome can help you understand the spatial relationships between patients, providers, and resources, ultimately aiding in informed decision-making and improving healthcare outcomes.