24822, Clear Fork, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24822, Clear Fork, West Virginia is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.15 percent of the residents in 24822 has some form of health insurance. 38.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.22 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 24822 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 132 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24822. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 180 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 245 health care providers accessible to residents in 24822, Clear Fork, West Virginia.

The task requires an analysis of medical resources in ZIP code 24822, focusing on lung cancer care and primary care availability, along with a call to action. The analysis should be comprehensive, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice specifics, telemedicine, mental health resources, and a concluding call to action.

**Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis of Medical Resources in ZIP Code 24822**

The evaluation of lung cancer care and primary care access in Clear Fork, West Virginia (ZIP code 24822), necessitates a multi-faceted approach. A “Lung Cancer Score” isn’t a formal metric, but rather a composite assessment based on several factors, painting a picture of the healthcare landscape. This analysis will consider the availability of primary care physicians, specialists, diagnostic tools, and supportive services, all crucial elements in the fight against lung cancer.

The foundation of any good healthcare system lies in accessible primary care. In Clear Fork, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is critical. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians serving the population of 24822, and comparing it to the population size, offers an initial gauge of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Researching the patient volume of each primary care practice is also important.

The presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is another key component. The closest specialist locations and their accessibility are vital. Travel distance and the availability of transportation options, especially for patients in a rural area like Clear Fork, are crucial considerations. A lack of local specialists necessitates travel, potentially increasing the financial and logistical burden on patients.

Diagnostic capabilities are also essential. The availability of CT scanners, PET scanners, and other imaging technologies within the ZIP code or in nearby areas directly impacts the ability to detect and stage lung cancer. Access to these technologies is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. The speed with which these tests can be scheduled and the turnaround time for results also play a role.

Telemedicine adoption is a rapidly evolving aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The availability of telemedicine consultations with specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists, can mitigate the challenges of geographical distance. Practices that offer telemedicine services can improve access to care and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine adoption among local practices and the types of services offered is part of the Lung Cancer Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, and support groups within the community or accessible through telehealth, is a significant factor. The Lung Cancer Score should reflect the availability and accessibility of these resources.

Standout practices within the ZIP code or in nearby areas deserve specific recognition. Identifying practices that excel in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, or those with a strong focus on patient-centered care, can provide valuable insights. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including support groups, patient navigation programs, and access to clinical trials, should be highlighted. This could include practices that offer smoking cessation programs, as smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.

The Clear Fork area may have specific challenges. Rural communities often face disparities in healthcare access. Factors such as poverty, lack of insurance, and limited transportation options can exacerbate these challenges. The Lung Cancer Score analysis must consider these factors and assess how local healthcare providers are addressing them. This could include the availability of financial assistance programs, patient navigation services, and outreach initiatives.

The analysis of primary care availability is equally important. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. Their ability to provide timely diagnoses and referrals is crucial. The Lung Cancer Score should reflect the ease with which patients can access primary care services, including appointment availability, wait times, and the number of primary care physicians per capita.

The analysis should also consider the quality of care. This can be assessed through factors such as patient satisfaction surveys, adherence to clinical guidelines, and outcomes data. While obtaining this data can be challenging, any available information can help paint a more complete picture of the healthcare landscape.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and policies emerging regularly. This analysis should be updated periodically to reflect these changes and provide an accurate assessment of the resources available to patients in Clear Fork.

The final assessment is a compilation of all these factors. It is a holistic view of the state of lung cancer care and primary care access in the area. The overall score is a representation of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The analysis must be transparent and provide information that is easily understandable for the public.

The process of gathering the necessary data can be complex. It may involve researching physician directories, contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing publicly available data, and consulting with healthcare experts. The analysis must be based on reliable and verifiable information.

The goal of this analysis is to provide valuable insights into the healthcare resources available in Clear Fork, West Virginia. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve access to care, enhance the quality of treatment, and ultimately, improve the outcomes for individuals affected by lung cancer.

For a comprehensive visualization of the healthcare landscape in Clear Fork (ZIP code 24822), including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, and their proximity to patients, consider exploring interactive maps from CartoChrome. These maps can offer a detailed and dynamic perspective, enhancing your understanding of the available resources and their accessibility.