24818, Brenton, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24818, Brenton, West Virginia is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.83 percent of the residents in 24818 has some form of health insurance. 68.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.46 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 24818 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 230 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24818. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 307 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 264 health care providers accessible to residents in 24818, Brenton, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24818 and Primary Care Availability in Brenton**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians, their practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all within the context of lung cancer care for the population served by ZIP Code 24818, specifically focusing on the town of Brenton. The goal is to provide a 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment, acknowledging the limitations of a purely quantitative approach and emphasizing the need for qualitative data.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care strategy rests on the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Brenton, assessing PCP availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio provides a crucial metric, indicating the potential workload each doctor carries. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per doctor, can potentially translate to less time per patient, impacting preventative care, early detection efforts, and the ability to navigate complex diagnostic processes. To determine this, we need to consider the population of Brenton and the number of practicing PCPs within the 24818 ZIP Code. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can provide the population figures, while professional directories and insurance provider listings help identify the number of PCPs.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of these PCPs are critical. Are they board-certified in internal medicine or family practice? Do they have experience managing chronic respiratory conditions, a significant risk factor for lung cancer? Do they actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) related to lung cancer screening and treatment? These factors influence their ability to provide informed care and guide patients through the diagnostic and treatment pathways.

Identifying standout practices within the 24818 ZIP Code is crucial. This involves looking beyond the individual physician and assessing the overall infrastructure and resources of the practice. Does the practice offer same-day appointments for acute illnesses, facilitating prompt evaluation of respiratory symptoms? Does the practice have a dedicated nurse or care coordinator to assist patients in navigating the healthcare system? Do they have established protocols for lung cancer screening, adhering to guidelines from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive care coordination, and actively engage in preventative measures will likely contribute to improved outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, especially in rural areas like Brenton, providing access to specialists and facilitating follow-up appointments. The adoption rate of telemedicine among PCPs in 24818 needs evaluation. Do they offer virtual consultations? Do they utilize remote monitoring technologies for patients with chronic respiratory conditions? Are they equipped to share medical records electronically with specialists and other healthcare providers? Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients, especially those undergoing lung cancer treatment.

The integration of mental health resources is equally important. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Assessing the availability of mental health services within the 24818 ZIP Code and the practices' integration of these services is essential. Do PCPs screen patients for mental health concerns? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Do they collaborate with mental health providers to provide comprehensive care? Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and actively support their patients' emotional well-being are better positioned to provide holistic care.

To formulate a 'Lung Cancer Score', we would need to combine the data gathered from the above analysis. This score wouldn't be a single number but a composite of different factors. A high score would indicate a strong primary care infrastructure, including a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, experienced and well-equipped PCPs, widespread telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would signal potential challenges in accessing quality lung cancer care.

The analysis needs to consider the specific challenges faced by the Brenton community. Rural areas often face unique barriers to healthcare access, including transportation limitations, limited internet connectivity, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Any 'Lung Cancer Score' needs to be interpreted within the context of these challenges. Furthermore, this is not a static assessment. Healthcare landscapes evolve, and the 'Lung Cancer Score' should be updated periodically to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

The process of gathering and analyzing this data can be complex and time-consuming. It involves accessing and interpreting data from various sources, including public databases, physician directories, and practice websites. The analysis also requires a deep understanding of healthcare systems, lung cancer care, and the specific challenges faced by rural communities.

For a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Brenton and 24818, and to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient populations, consider utilizing advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visualization platform, allowing you to overlay data on a map, identify areas of high need, and assess the accessibility of healthcare services. This visual representation can enhance the understanding of the 'Lung Cancer Score' and inform strategies for improving healthcare access and quality.