24945, Greenville, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24945, Greenville, West Virginia is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24945 has some form of health insurance. 94.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.59 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 24945 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 54 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24945. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 150 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 812 health care providers accessible to residents in 24945, Greenville, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 24945 & Greenville Primary Care

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP Code 24945 and the broader context of primary care availability in Greenville, aiming to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. This score, though not a single, quantifiable number, represents a qualitative evaluation of factors crucial for effective lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital components in the patient journey.

ZIP Code 24945, representing a specific geographic area, requires a localized perspective. Assessing the quality of lung cancer care necessitates understanding the concentration of primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists within the area. The physician-to-patient ratio for each specialty is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of specialists relative to the population, can lead to delayed diagnoses, prolonged wait times for appointments, and ultimately, poorer patient outcomes. Data on the number of physicians practicing in the area, coupled with population demographics, is essential for calculating these ratios. Publicly available databases, hospital directories, and potentially, data from insurance providers can be utilized to gather this information.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of individual practices must be evaluated. Identifying "standout practices" involves assessing factors like physician experience, board certifications, affiliations with leading hospitals or cancer centers, and patient reviews. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to early detection, such as implementing robust screening programs, are particularly valuable. Examining the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scans, is also crucial. Moreover, the practice's approach to multidisciplinary care, involving pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists working collaboratively, significantly impacts patient outcomes.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key element of the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages, particularly in rural or underserved areas. It can improve access to specialists, facilitate remote consultations, and provide ongoing support for patients undergoing treatment. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within the practices in 24945, and their integration into patient care pathways, is critical. This includes evaluating the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), the technological infrastructure in place, and the training provided to both physicians and patients.

Furthermore, the Lung Cancer Score must incorporate an assessment of mental health resources. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is therefore essential. Assessing whether practices have integrated mental health services, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, is vital. Evaluating the availability of support groups, counseling services, and access to palliative care services also contribute to the overall score.

Shifting the focus to Greenville and its primary care availability, the analysis broadens to consider the broader context of healthcare access. Greenville, as a larger metropolitan area, likely has a different distribution of resources compared to the more specific ZIP Code. The focus here is on the overall availability of primary care physicians and the impact this has on early detection and referral pathways. A strong primary care network is crucial for lung cancer screening and timely referrals to specialists.

The analysis should examine the PCP-to-patient ratio across Greenville. Are there sufficient PCPs to meet the needs of the population? Are there underserved areas with limited access to primary care? Data from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other sources can be used to identify areas with physician shortages. Examining the types of primary care practices available (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine) and their accessibility (e.g., accepting new patients, insurance coverage) is also essential.

The strength of the referral pathways from primary care to specialists is also a key consideration. Do PCPs have established relationships with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists? Are referrals timely and efficient? The analysis should investigate the communication and coordination between primary care practices and specialist providers.

The availability of lung cancer screening programs within Greenville is another critical factor. Are there initiatives to promote lung cancer screening among high-risk individuals? Do primary care practices actively screen patients who meet the eligibility criteria? The analysis should assess the awareness and implementation of screening guidelines within the primary care community.

Telemedicine's role in Greenville's primary care landscape needs evaluation, too. Are primary care practices adopting telemedicine to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility issues? Are virtual consultations and remote monitoring being used to support patients with chronic conditions or those undergoing treatment?

Finally, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting must be considered. Are PCPs trained to identify and address mental health concerns? Do they have access to mental health specialists for referrals and consultation?

The Lung Cancer Score for both 24945 and Greenville is thus a multifaceted assessment. It's not just about the availability of specialists, but also about the quality of care, the integration of telemedicine, the availability of mental health support, and the overall accessibility of healthcare services. By considering these factors, a more comprehensive understanding of the lung cancer care landscape can be achieved. This understanding can then inform efforts to improve access to care, enhance patient outcomes, and ultimately, save lives.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 24945 and Greenville, including physician locations, hospital affiliations, and other relevant data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare environment.