25183, Sharples, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25183, Sharples, West Virginia is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25183 has some form of health insurance. 25.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 25183 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25183. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 111 health care providers accessible to residents in 25183, Sharples, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Sharples, WV (ZIP Code 25183)**

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 25183, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support, with a particular emphasis on primary care availability in the Sharples area. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure, ultimately informing residents about access to crucial services.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon early detection and prompt intervention. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers to this process, often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. A robust primary care network is, therefore, paramount. In Sharples, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a baseline understanding. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer patient outcomes. This analysis will delve into the actual ratio within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, comparing it to state and national averages to gauge relative accessibility.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are equally important. This includes the range of services offered, the adoption of modern technologies, and the overall patient experience. Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in patient care, proactive screening, and patient education, deserve recognition. Identifying these practices, their specific approaches to lung cancer risk assessment, and their patient communication strategies will be crucial. The analysis will consider factors such as the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and patient communication, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, and the availability of patient education materials.

Telemedicine is transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption by PCPs in Sharples can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who face geographical barriers or mobility limitations. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The analysis will investigate the extent of telemedicine adoption among local PCPs, the types of services offered virtually, and the technological infrastructure supporting these services. This will include an assessment of internet connectivity in the area, a critical factor in the successful implementation of telemedicine.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is, therefore, an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within Sharples and the surrounding areas, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. It will examine the integration of mental health services into the primary care setting, as this can facilitate early identification and intervention for patients struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. The analysis will also consider the availability of resources for caregivers, who often bear a significant emotional burden.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine the presence of ancillary services that support lung cancer care, such as diagnostic imaging facilities (CT scans, PET scans), pulmonologists, and oncologists. The proximity of these specialists and facilities to Sharples residents directly impacts the timeliness and convenience of accessing necessary care. The analysis will map the locations of these resources and assess the travel times for residents. It will also consider the availability of transportation assistance for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

The evaluation will extend to the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are a critical element of prevention and risk reduction. The analysis will identify the smoking cessation resources available in the area, including counseling services, medication options, and support groups. It will assess the accessibility and affordability of these programs.

The analysis will also consider the role of community health initiatives and outreach programs. These programs can play a vital role in raising awareness about lung cancer, promoting early detection, and connecting patients with needed resources. The analysis will identify any existing community health programs in the area and evaluate their effectiveness.

In conclusion, a comprehensive assessment of lung cancer care in Sharples (ZIP code 25183) requires a multi-faceted approach. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, primary care quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, access to specialists and diagnostic facilities, smoking cessation programs, and community health initiatives. This detailed evaluation will provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure and inform residents about the resources available to them. The findings will be synthesized to provide a Lung Cancer Score, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of care.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Sharples and gain a deeper understanding of the factors discussed in this analysis, we recommend exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to explore physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points in a user-friendly and informative way. Visit CartoChrome today to gain a comprehensive view of the healthcare resources available in your community.