25442, Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25442, Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.60 percent of the residents in 25442 has some form of health insurance. 31.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.53 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 25442 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 885 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25442. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 432 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,517 health care providers accessible to residents in 25442, Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Shenandoah Junction, WV (ZIP Code 25442)**

This analysis assesses the landscape of healthcare accessibility and resources relevant to lung cancer care within the Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia (ZIP code 25442) area. The focus is on primary care physician availability, a crucial factor in early detection and management of lung cancer, as well as the broader healthcare ecosystem supporting patient well-being. This analysis considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on the availability of accessible primary care. Early detection through regular screenings, typically initiated by a primary care physician, significantly improves treatment outcomes. In the Shenandoah Junction area, the physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of access. Determining the precise ratio requires accessing and analyzing publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could potentially pose a challenge for residents seeking timely appointments and preventative care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices matters. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, potentially creating geographic disparities in access for residents of Shenandoah Junction? Do these practices accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, which are particularly relevant to a population often at higher risk for lung cancer? Assessing the geographic distribution and insurance acceptance policies of local practices is essential to understanding the practical challenges faced by patients.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves examining factors like the quality of care provided, patient satisfaction scores (if available), and the integration of evidence-based practices. Do any practices in the area actively promote lung cancer screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scanners, which are crucial for early detection? Furthermore, are they part of a larger network that includes specialists like pulmonologists and oncologists, facilitating seamless referrals and coordinated care?

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Shenandoah Junction. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel time and enabling remote consultations. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption among local primary care practices is crucial. Do practices offer virtual appointments for routine check-ups, medication management, or follow-up care? Do they utilize remote monitoring technologies to track patient health metrics? Examining the availability and utilization of telemedicine platforms can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of care.

Lung cancer treatment and survivorship often have a significant impact on mental health. The stress of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, in the Shenandoah Junction area is important. Do primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health services? Are there support groups or counseling services specifically tailored to cancer patients and survivors? Evaluating the integration of mental health services into the overall healthcare system is essential.

The evaluation of lung cancer care in Shenandoah Junction also necessitates considering the broader healthcare environment. This includes the presence of hospitals and specialty clinics within a reasonable distance. Are there hospitals equipped to handle lung cancer diagnoses and treatment, including surgical and radiation oncology services? Are there pulmonologists and oncologists available to provide specialized care? Assessing the proximity and capabilities of these resources is important for understanding the comprehensive care available to patients.

Furthermore, community-based resources play a role. Are there local chapters of organizations like the American Cancer Society or the Lung Cancer Research Foundation that provide support, education, and advocacy? Are there programs to help patients navigate the healthcare system, access financial assistance, and connect with support groups? Understanding the availability and accessibility of these community resources is critical for patients.

The analysis of lung cancer care in Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates a detailed evaluation of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the broader healthcare ecosystem. By gathering and analyzing data from multiple sources, a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system can be developed. This information can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for better access to care for residents of Shenandoah Junction.

The availability of data is a crucial factor. The more comprehensive the data, the more accurate the assessment. Publicly available data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine, the U.S. Census Bureau, and other sources can provide valuable insights. However, some information, such as patient satisfaction scores or specific details about practice operations, may be more difficult to obtain.

The ongoing nature of this analysis is also important. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of resources. Regular updates and reassessments are needed to ensure that the analysis remains relevant and accurate.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare resources available to residents of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, related to lung cancer care. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers can work together to improve access to care and improve outcomes for those affected by lung cancer. The analysis should be a living document, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shenandoah Junction, WV (ZIP code 25442) and visualize the data discussed, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data and identifying patterns and trends in healthcare access. Visit CartoChrome today to see a visual representation of the healthcare resources available in your area.