25264, Mount Alto, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25264, Mount Alto, West Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.24 percent of the residents in 25264 has some form of health insurance. 42.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.91 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 25264 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 52 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25264. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 177 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 328 health care providers accessible to residents in 25264, Mount Alto, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 25264 and Primary Care Availability in Mount Alto**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area, particularly concerning a serious illness like lung cancer, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 25264, encompassing the Mount Alto area, to evaluate the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their impact on lung cancer care. The objective is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering various factors influencing early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and responsive primary care. In Mount Alto (ZIP code 25264), the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative screenings, and delays in diagnosis. Conversely, a higher ratio generally suggests better access to care. However, simply counting doctors isn't enough. The type of physicians, their specialties, and their willingness to engage in preventative care are equally important.

Standout practices within the region would be those demonstrating a proactive approach to lung cancer screening. This includes practices that actively encourage smoking cessation, offer low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screenings for eligible patients (those with a history of smoking), and adhere to the latest guidelines from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). These practices should have robust systems for patient education, risk assessment, and follow-up care. They would also maintain close relationships with pulmonologists and oncologists for timely referrals.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. In a rural area like Mount Alto, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and receive follow-up care remotely. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel burdens, and enhance overall access to care. The Lung Cancer Score would favor practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals for communication and information sharing.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals, is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being, which can positively impact treatment adherence and overall outcomes.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for a practice would consider the following: the physician-to-patient ratio in the area, the practice's adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines, the availability of telemedicine services, and the integration of mental health resources. Practices with high scores would demonstrate a commitment to early detection, comprehensive care, and patient-centered service.

The analysis would delve into the specific practices within ZIP code 25264. This would involve researching each practice's website, reviewing patient testimonials, and potentially conducting surveys to gather information on their services and practices. This research would include assessing the availability of LDCT screening, smoking cessation programs, and the practice's referral network.

The quality of care also depends on the insurance plans accepted by the practices. Patients with limited insurance coverage or those who are uninsured may face significant barriers to accessing care. The analysis would consider the insurance plans accepted by the practices and the availability of financial assistance programs.

The integration of technology is also a critical factor. Practices that use electronic health records (EHRs) effectively can improve care coordination, reduce medical errors, and enhance patient communication. The analysis would assess the extent to which practices use EHRs and the features they offer, such as patient portals and electronic prescribing.

The analysis would also consider the demographics of the patient population served by the practices. This would include assessing the age, gender, and socioeconomic status of the patients. This information can help to identify potential disparities in care and to tailor interventions to address the specific needs of the community.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 25264 would be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. The score would be presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating better access to care and higher quality of care. The score would provide a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care in the area and for healthcare providers seeking to improve their services.

The analysis would also identify areas for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of PCPs in the area, expanding access to telemedicine services, and improving the integration of mental health resources. The analysis would also identify best practices that could be replicated by other practices in the area.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of lung cancer care in ZIP code 25264. The analysis will provide valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not simply a number; it represents the culmination of a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape. It considers the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the commitment of healthcare providers to patient well-being. The goal is to provide a clear and concise picture of the healthcare environment in Mount Alto, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

The analysis would also consider the impact of social determinants of health. These factors, such as income, education, and access to transportation, can significantly affect a patient's ability to access and receive quality care. The analysis would identify any potential disparities in care related to social determinants of health and recommend strategies to address them.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is designed to be a dynamic tool. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as new guidelines, technological advancements, and changes in the availability of resources. This ongoing assessment will ensure that the score remains relevant and useful for patients and healthcare providers.

The final report would include a detailed description of the methodology used to calculate the "Lung Cancer Score," including the specific data sources and the weighting of each factor. The report would also include a summary of the key findings, recommendations for improvement, and a list of resources for patients and healthcare providers.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a valuable tool for assessing the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in ZIP code 25264. It provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, identifies areas for improvement, and empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care.

For a visual representation of this data and to explore the healthcare landscape of Mount Alto and beyond, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize physician density, practice locations, and other relevant data points.