24828, Davy, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24828, Davy, West Virginia is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.76 percent of the residents in 24828 has some form of health insurance. 75.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 18.69 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 24828 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 278 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24828. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 90 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 527 health care providers accessible to residents in 24828, Davy, West Virginia.

The analysis below assesses the quality of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within ZIP code 24828, encompassing Davy, West Virginia, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, and resource allocation. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and highlight areas of strength and potential improvement.

Davy, nestled within the Appalachian region, faces unique healthcare challenges due to its rural setting and socioeconomic factors. These challenges necessitate a careful evaluation of the available resources and the ability of the local healthcare system to meet the needs of its population, particularly concerning a disease as serious as lung cancer.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. In Davy, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists, directly impacts the speed and quality of care. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer outcomes. The analysis will consider the number of active physicians within the ZIP code, factoring in their specialties and patient load capacity. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the West Virginia Board of Medicine will be examined, though specific physician counts are often proprietary and difficult to obtain precisely. The analysis will, therefore, rely on available data and inferences based on regional averages.

Standout practices within the area will be assessed based on several factors. These include the availability of comprehensive diagnostic services, such as CT scans and bronchoscopies, crucial for early lung cancer detection. Practices that offer advanced treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials, will be given higher consideration. Patient reviews, where available, will be analyzed to gauge patient satisfaction and the quality of care provided. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, bringing together pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists, is a significant advantage, as it facilitates a more holistic and coordinated approach to patient care. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems often have access to more resources and specialized expertise, which will be considered.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, reduce travel burdens for patients, and facilitate remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education will be recognized for their efforts to enhance access to care. The availability of telehealth services, especially for lung cancer patients, can significantly improve the quality of life and outcomes.

Mental health resources are a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the practice or through referral networks is essential. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established partnerships with mental health providers will be viewed favorably. Support groups and patient education programs also play a vital role in supporting patients and their families.

The analysis will consider the availability of smoking cessation programs, as smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation and offer evidence-based interventions will be recognized for their commitment to preventative care. This includes providing access to nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and other resources to help patients quit smoking.

The assessment will also consider the presence of patient navigators, who can guide patients through the complex healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and provide emotional support. Patient navigators can be particularly helpful for lung cancer patients, who often face multiple appointments, treatments, and challenges.

The availability of palliative care services is another important factor. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, providing symptom management, and addressing emotional and spiritual needs. Practices that offer palliative care services or have established partnerships with palliative care providers will be seen as providing more comprehensive care.

The overall 'Lung Cancer Score' will be a composite of these factors, reflecting the availability, accessibility, and quality of lung cancer care and primary care resources within ZIP code 24828. The score will not be a single numerical value but a qualitative assessment based on the factors described above. The analysis will identify areas of strength and weakness within the local healthcare system, providing insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The analysis will acknowledge the limitations of the data. Specific physician counts and detailed practice information can be difficult to obtain. The analysis will, therefore, rely on publicly available data, inferences based on regional averages, and the available information. The analysis is intended to provide a general overview of the healthcare landscape in Davy and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.

The healthcare landscape in Davy, West Virginia, presents unique challenges and opportunities. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including increasing physician availability, expanding access to specialized services, promoting telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health resources. By focusing on these areas, the local healthcare system can improve the quality of lung cancer care and the overall health and well-being of the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare resources in Davy, West Virginia, and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful way to visualize and analyze geographic data, helping you to better understand the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions.