25517, Genoa, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25517, Genoa, West Virginia is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.70 percent of the residents in 25517 has some form of health insurance. 68.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.47 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 25517 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 277 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25517. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 248 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 261 health care providers accessible to residents in 25517, Genoa, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Genoa, WV (25517)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment within the ZIP Code 25517, encompassing Genoa, West Virginia. We will examine the landscape of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health support, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score assessment. This score aims to provide an informed perspective on the healthcare environment for individuals potentially facing a lung cancer diagnosis in this specific area.

Genoa, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The success of lung cancer treatment hinges on early detection, which necessitates readily available primary care physicians (PCPs) who can perform screenings and refer patients to specialists. A critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio indicates a potential shortage of PCPs, leading to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) will be utilized to estimate this ratio within the defined geographic area.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in patient care, offer comprehensive services, and embrace innovative approaches. Identifying these practices requires analyzing factors such as patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., by the Joint Commission), and the range of services offered. Practices that integrate smoking cessation programs, offer on-site imaging services (X-rays, CT scans), and have established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists are considered highly valuable in the context of lung cancer. These are the practices that should be recognized for their dedication to patient well-being.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. In rural areas, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists, especially for consultations and follow-up care. Practices that offer telehealth services for primary care visits, specialist consultations, and even mental health support are considered more accessible and patient-centered. The ability to connect with specialists remotely can significantly impact the speed and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment planning, which is vital for lung cancer patients.

Mental health resources are also essential. A lung cancer diagnosis and its treatment can be incredibly stressful, causing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is crucial for supporting patients' emotional well-being. Practices that integrate mental health services or have strong referral networks to mental health providers are better equipped to provide holistic care. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, also plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community and providing emotional support.

Based on the available data, the Lung Cancer Score for Genoa (25517) will be assessed. This score will be a composite measure, considering the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will be categorized into levels (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) to provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape.

The analysis will identify the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Genoa. Potential challenges might include a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialists, and a lack of mental health resources. Opportunities for improvement could include increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, and establishing partnerships with mental health providers.

The primary care availability in Genoa is a crucial factor. The number of PCPs directly impacts the accessibility of preventative screenings, early diagnosis, and timely referrals. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delays in diagnosis, potentially impacting the prognosis of lung cancer patients. The assessment will evaluate the distribution of PCPs within the area and the ease with which residents can access primary care services.

The assessment will also consider the presence of any specialist physicians within or near Genoa. The availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists is critical for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of lung cancer. The analysis will evaluate the proximity of these specialists and the ease with which patients can access their services.

The analysis will also consider the presence of any smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and smoking cessation programs are essential for preventing new cases and improving the outcomes of patients already diagnosed with the disease. The analysis will assess the availability of these programs within the community and their accessibility to residents.

The analysis will consider the availability of any support groups for lung cancer patients. Support groups provide a valuable source of emotional support, information, and encouragement for patients and their families. The analysis will assess the presence of these groups within the community and their accessibility to residents.

The overall Lung Cancer Score will reflect the comprehensive assessment of all these factors. It will provide a valuable tool for residents of Genoa to understand the healthcare resources available to them and to make informed decisions about their health. The score will also be useful for healthcare providers and policymakers to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies for enhancing the quality of care.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weights will reflect the relative importance of each factor in determining the overall quality of care. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, with an explanation of the methodology used and the rationale for the weighting system.

For a more detailed, interactive, and geographically-specific understanding of the healthcare landscape in Genoa (25517), including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your area.