25203, Turtle Creek, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25203, Turtle Creek, West Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.61 percent of the residents in 25203 has some form of health insurance. 16.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.61 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 25203 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 23 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25203. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 19 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 85 health care providers accessible to residents in 25203, Turtle Creek, West Virginia.

The analysis below provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within the 25203 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to patient care and early detection. This score is a hypothetical construct designed to highlight key areas for improvement and should not be interpreted as a definitive ranking. The analysis also considers the availability of primary care in the Turtle Creek area.

The core of a strong Lung Cancer Score hinges on the proactive approach primary care physicians take towards early detection. This starts with a robust screening program. Within the 25203 ZIP code, the availability and utilization of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, recommended for high-risk individuals, are crucial. The score would assess the percentage of eligible patients screened annually, comparing this against national benchmarks and local demographic data, like smoking prevalence and age distribution. Practices that actively identify and refer eligible patients for LDCT scans would receive a higher score.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical factor. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can impact the time a doctor has available for each patient. This, in turn, can affect the thoroughness of initial assessments and the time spent discussing preventative care, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening guidelines. The analysis would investigate the average patient load for primary care physicians within 25203, comparing these figures to regional and national averages. Areas with favorable ratios, allowing for more individualized patient attention, would contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score.

Standout practices, those demonstrating exceptional commitment to lung cancer prevention and early detection, would be identified. These practices would be recognized for their proactive outreach to high-risk patients, their seamless integration of screening protocols into routine check-ups, and their patient education initiatives. For example, a practice that consistently provides smoking cessation resources and actively encourages patients to quit would receive a higher score. Another standout characteristic would be the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient risk factors and screening compliance.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in improving access to care, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The Lung Cancer Score would evaluate the extent to which primary care physicians in 25203 offer telehealth services. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, potentially improving access to care for patients who might face transportation challenges or other barriers to in-person visits. Practices offering telehealth services, particularly those that utilize it for lung cancer-related consultations, would receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer, or even the risk of developing it, can have a significant impact on a patient's mental well-being. The Lung Cancer Score would assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through referral networks. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health professionals, or that offer on-site counseling services, would be viewed favorably. The score would also consider the practice’s approach to addressing patient anxiety and depression related to lung cancer risk.

The availability of primary care in Turtle Creek is a critical factor in the overall health of the community. The analysis would assess the density of primary care physicians in the area, the accessibility of their offices, and the wait times for appointments. Areas with limited access to primary care, particularly those with long wait times or a shortage of physicians, would negatively impact the overall Lung Cancer Score for the region. The analysis would consider the number of primary care physicians per 1,000 residents in Turtle Creek and compare this ratio to state and national averages.

Specific examples of how the Lung Cancer Score would be applied would include an evaluation of individual practices. For instance, a practice with a high percentage of eligible patients screened for lung cancer, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, and a strong telehealth program would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with limited screening efforts, a high patient load, and no telehealth options would receive a lower score. The analysis would also consider the availability of language services for non-English speaking patients, and the practice’s commitment to cultural sensitivity.

The analysis would also consider the presence of patient navigators or care coordinators within the primary care practices. These individuals play a vital role in guiding patients through the screening process, coordinating appointments, and providing support. Practices that employ patient navigators would be recognized for their commitment to patient-centered care. The score would also consider the practice’s participation in community outreach programs aimed at raising awareness about lung cancer and promoting early detection.

The score would also assess the availability of smoking cessation programs offered by the primary care physicians. These programs are crucial for reducing the risk of lung cancer. The score would assess the types of programs offered, the success rates of the programs, and the resources available to patients. Practices that offer comprehensive smoking cessation programs would be recognized for their commitment to preventing lung cancer. The score would also consider the practice’s collaboration with local hospitals and cancer centers.

The assessment of mental health resources would go beyond just the availability of services. It would also consider how primary care physicians integrate mental health screening into their practice. Practices that routinely screen patients for anxiety and depression, and that have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, would receive a higher score. The score would also consider the practice’s approach to addressing the emotional needs of patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

The final Lung Cancer Score for primary care physicians in 25203 and the primary care availability in Turtle Creek would be a composite of these various factors, weighted according to their relative importance. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in the area, and to identify areas for improvement. This score is intended to be a dynamic tool, constantly updated as new data becomes available and as best practices evolve.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the landscape of primary care and lung cancer screening in the 25203 ZIP code and Turtle Creek, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare access and resource allocation.