25015, Belle, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25015, Belle, West Virginia is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.21 percent of the residents in 25015 has some form of health insurance. 56.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.15 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 25015 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 508 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25015. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 875 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 246 health care providers accessible to residents in 25015, Belle, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Belle, WV (ZIP Code 25015)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care resources in Belle, West Virginia (ZIP code 25015), specifically focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. We will evaluate the local healthcare landscape, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. The ultimate goal is to provide a 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment for the area, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Belle, a small town in Kanawha County, faces unique healthcare challenges. Like many rural communities, it likely grapples with physician shortages and limited access to specialized medical services. This analysis will highlight these challenges and identify potential areas for improvement.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Access:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and readily available primary care. Early detection through screening programs, such as those recommended for individuals at high risk due to smoking history or other factors, is paramount. However, the effectiveness of these programs hinges on the ability of patients to see their primary care physicians (PCPs) regularly.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Belle, and more broadly in Kanawha County, is a critical indicator. A low ratio (i.e., a high number of patients per physician) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Research into the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 25015 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can provide valuable insights. A higher ratio suggests potential barriers to accessing timely primary care, which could negatively impact lung cancer screening and early intervention efforts.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout primary care practices in Belle is crucial. These practices, which may be characterized by their commitment to patient-centered care, proactive screening protocols, or strong community outreach, can serve as models for improving the overall healthcare landscape. Researching the specific practices in the area, examining their patient reviews, and assessing their adoption of best practices in lung cancer screening (e.g., low-dose CT scans for eligible patients) is necessary.

Practices that actively participate in patient education programs, offer smoking cessation support, and have established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists are particularly valuable. These practices contribute significantly to improving the chances of early detection and successful treatment for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. Their impact can be measured by factors like patient satisfaction scores, rates of screening adherence, and the timeliness of specialist referrals.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role:**

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to address geographical barriers to healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Belle. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices can significantly improve patient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations.

Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption in the area requires examining the technological infrastructure available to practices and the willingness of physicians to embrace telehealth platforms. The availability of reliable internet access is a prerequisite for successful telemedicine implementation. Practices that utilize telehealth platforms can improve patient convenience, reduce travel time, and potentially increase the frequency of patient interactions. The impact of telemedicine on lung cancer care can be measured by assessing the number of virtual consultations, the timeliness of follow-up care, and patient satisfaction with telehealth services.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Importance:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common among individuals facing this disease. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care.

Assessing the availability of mental health services in Belle involves identifying local therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. Examining the referral pathways between primary care practices and mental health providers is crucial. Practices that integrate mental health screening into their routine patient care and provide access to counseling services contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes. The presence of support groups, educational resources, and access to psychiatric care are all important factors to consider. The availability of mental health support can directly impact a patient's ability to cope with the challenges of lung cancer, adhere to treatment plans, and maintain a high quality of life.

**Lung Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis of the factors outlined above, a 'Lung Cancer Score' can be assigned to the healthcare landscape in Belle, WV. This score would reflect the overall strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem in relation to lung cancer care. The score would be based on a composite of the factors discussed: physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

A high score would indicate a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to support early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. This environment would be characterized by accessible primary care, proactive screening programs, the utilization of telemedicine, and readily available mental health support. Conversely, a low score would suggest significant challenges in accessing and receiving comprehensive lung cancer care, highlighting the need for improvements in the healthcare system.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

Understanding the nuances of the healthcare landscape in Belle, WV, is crucial for improving lung cancer outcomes. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The findings can inform efforts to address any identified gaps in care, such as physician shortages, limited access to screening programs, or insufficient mental health support.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources in Belle, WV, and the surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and mental health providers, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize the healthcare landscape and identify resources in your community. Visit CartoChrome today to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available to you.