24845, Ikes Fork, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24845, Ikes Fork, West Virginia is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24845 has some form of health insurance. 81.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.48 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 24845 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 172 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24845. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 66 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 531 health care providers accessible to residents in 24845, Ikes Fork, West Virginia.

The analysis of lung cancer care within ZIP code 24845, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care in Ikes Fork, requires a nuanced understanding of several factors. A "Lung Cancer Score" is a hypothetical construct, a composite metric designed to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the healthcare ecosystem in addressing lung cancer, from prevention and early detection to treatment and support. This analysis will consider various aspects, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, recognizing the limitations inherent in publicly available data and the inherent complexities of healthcare delivery.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and high-quality primary care. Ikes Fork, a small community within 24845, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: limited physician availability and potentially longer travel times to access specialized services. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. The national average provides a benchmark, but the specific ratio within 24845, and particularly in Ikes Fork, is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate preventative care, and increased strain on existing providers. Publicly available data from sources like the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the American Medical Association (AMA) can provide some insights, though these figures often lag and may not reflect real-time conditions.

Standout practices within the area, if any, would be those demonstrating excellence in several key areas. These include proactive screening programs, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, and a commitment to patient education and support. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to lung cancer would also score favorably. Identifying these "standout" practices requires reviewing patient reviews, assessing the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (such as low-dose CT scans), and evaluating the practice's commitment to multidisciplinary care. This might include pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists, all working collaboratively. Further, the availability of certified smoking cessation programs within these practices is paramount, considering the strong link between smoking and lung cancer.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in Ikes Fork to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health services without extensive travel. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms and integrated them seamlessly into their workflow would likely receive a higher score. The effectiveness of telemedicine, however, depends on factors such as internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the ability of providers to conduct thorough examinations remotely. The presence of telehealth services within primary care practices in Ikes Fork can significantly improve access to care.

The mental health component is often overlooked, yet it is vital. A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for patients' well-being. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through in-house providers or referrals to external specialists, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The Lung Cancer Score would reflect the availability of these resources, recognizing their importance in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Specific examples of practices in 24845, and their performance, are difficult to provide without access to detailed, proprietary data. However, a hypothetical scenario can illustrate the scoring process. A primary care practice in Ikes Fork that has a low physician-to-patient ratio, offers telemedicine appointments, participates in a local smoking cessation program, and provides access to a mental health counselor would receive a higher score than a practice with none of these features. The score would also consider the practice's adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment. This requires access to data regarding the practice's patient volume, demographics, and the types of services offered.

The challenges facing healthcare providers in rural areas are significant. Limited resources, geographical isolation, and a potential lack of access to specialized care can all impact the quality of care. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including efforts to increase physician recruitment, expand telemedicine capabilities, and promote collaboration among healthcare providers. The Lung Cancer Score, as a hypothetical metric, can serve as a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of these efforts and identifying areas for improvement.

The data used to calculate a Lung Cancer Score would ideally come from multiple sources. These include public health data, insurance claims data, patient surveys, and practice-level data. The complexity of the healthcare system makes it difficult to gather all the necessary information. Publicly available data, such as physician directories and hospital quality reports, can provide a starting point. However, a comprehensive analysis would require access to more granular data, which is often proprietary.

For example, the availability of low-dose CT scans, a crucial tool for early lung cancer detection, is a significant factor. Practices that offer this screening, or readily refer patients for it, would score higher. The same applies to the availability of advanced treatment options, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The Lung Cancer Score would reflect the practice's ability to provide these services or to facilitate access to them.

The overall goal of this analysis is to highlight the importance of accessible, high-quality primary care in the fight against lung cancer. The availability of resources, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health services are all critical factors. While a specific score for 24845 cannot be provided without access to detailed data, the framework outlined here can be used to evaluate the healthcare ecosystem and identify areas for improvement.

The Lung Cancer Score, as a concept, serves as a reminder of the importance of a comprehensive approach to cancer care. It underscores the need for collaboration among healthcare providers, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and a commitment to patient-centered care. The score, if implemented, would be a dynamic measure, constantly evolving as healthcare practices and technologies advance.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 24845, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data, identifying areas with high or low physician-to-patient ratios, and highlighting the availability of specialized services. Use CartoChrome maps to see the bigger picture.