25107, Hernshaw, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25107, Hernshaw, West Virginia is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25107 has some form of health insurance. 44.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.22 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 25107 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 88 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25107. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 114 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 603 health care providers accessible to residents in 25107, Hernshaw, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 25107 & Hernshaw Primary Care**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, especially concerning lung cancer care, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 25107, encompassing Hernshaw, West Virginia, evaluating primary care availability and related factors crucial for early detection and treatment of lung cancer. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon robust primary care. Early detection significantly improves survival rates. In Hernshaw, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of this early detection. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a crucial starting point. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per PCP, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 25107 is essential. This information should be sourced from reliable databases, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or state medical boards.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the geographic area matters. Are the physicians clustered in one location, or are they spread out to serve the community's needs? This spatial analysis is vital. It determines if all residents of Hernshaw have equal access to care. Factors like transportation infrastructure and the presence of underserved populations further complicate the picture. Rural areas often face challenges in healthcare access due to geographical limitations.

Identifying standout practices within the area is also important. This involves assessing practices based on several criteria. Do they offer comprehensive services, including preventative care, diagnostic screenings, and referrals to specialists? Are they actively involved in patient education regarding lung cancer risk factors, such as smoking cessation programs? Do they participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes? Examining patient reviews and satisfaction surveys can provide valuable insights into the quality of care offered by these practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine offers a potential solution to overcome geographical barriers and increase access to healthcare. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can improve patient convenience and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. Examining the extent of telemedicine adoption among PCPs in 25107 is essential. Are they utilizing telehealth platforms? Do they have the necessary infrastructure and technical support? Are they actively promoting telehealth services to their patients?

Mental health resources are critical components of comprehensive lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, is essential for providing support and managing the psychological effects of the disease. Evaluating the availability of mental health services in Hernshaw is crucial. Are there mental health professionals practicing in the area? Are they integrated into the primary care system? Do they offer specialized services for cancer patients?

Another vital aspect to consider is the presence of support groups and patient advocacy organizations. These organizations provide invaluable support to patients and their families, offering emotional support, educational resources, and advocacy services. Examining the presence of these resources in Hernshaw is essential. Do they have support groups for lung cancer patients? Are they affiliated with national or regional organizations? Do they provide access to information about clinical trials and treatment options?

Furthermore, the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as CT scans, is critical for early detection of lung cancer. The presence of these services within the area is a significant factor. Are there imaging centers in Hernshaw? Are they equipped with the latest technology? Do they have qualified radiologists to interpret the scans? The proximity of specialized cancer centers is also important. Are there cancer centers within a reasonable distance from Hernshaw? Do they offer comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy?

To accurately assess the lung cancer care landscape in Hernshaw, a comprehensive data collection process is necessary. This involves gathering information from various sources, including healthcare providers, hospitals, insurance companies, and government agencies. Data should be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to identify trends and patterns. The analysis should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare system.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence healthcare access and outcomes. These factors include income levels, education levels, and access to health insurance. Disparities in healthcare access and outcomes can exist among different populations. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable access to care.

The final lung cancer score should be a composite measure that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in Hernshaw. The score should be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to diagnostic imaging and cancer specialists. The score should be presented in a clear and concise format, such as a numerical score or a letter grade.

This analysis is a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Hernshaw. It highlights the importance of primary care, early detection, and access to specialized services. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, it can help guide efforts to improve lung cancer care in the community. The information gathered and the score calculated can then be used to inform decision-making, allocate resources, and develop targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Hernshaw and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and access to specialized services, consider utilizing the powerful mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. This tool provides a comprehensive view of healthcare resources, enabling data-driven decisions to improve lung cancer care.