25557, Ranger, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25557, Ranger, West Virginia is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.62 percent of the residents in 25557 has some form of health insurance. 66.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.20 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 25557 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 225 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25557. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 252 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 299 health care providers accessible to residents in 25557, Ranger, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Ranger, WV (ZIP Code 25557)**

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within the Ranger, West Virginia area, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in ZIP code 25557. Lung cancer survival rates are intrinsically linked to early detection and effective treatment, both of which are significantly influenced by the accessibility and quality of primary care. This report will assess several key factors, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" perspective for the area.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer management is early detection. This begins with a proactive primary care physician who is vigilant in screening high-risk patients, such as those with a history of smoking or exposure to environmental carcinogens. The presence of a robust primary care network is therefore critical. The availability of PCPs in Ranger, WV, is a crucial first step. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit the time a physician can dedicate to each patient, impacting screening and early diagnosis. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insight into these ratios, offering a baseline understanding of the local healthcare capacity.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care delivered by these physicians is paramount. This includes their adherence to established lung cancer screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Are physicians actively recommending low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients? Do they provide comprehensive counseling on smoking cessation? These are vital components of effective preventative care. Researching the practices of individual physicians, including their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers, can provide valuable insights into their approach to lung cancer screening and management.

Standout practices within the area deserve recognition. These practices might be characterized by their commitment to patient education, their integration of technology to improve care, or their demonstrable success in early detection and referral. Identifying these practices, and understanding their operational models, could offer valuable lessons for other providers in the region. A review of patient testimonials, online reviews, and practice websites can provide clues to these standout performances.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the modern healthcare landscape. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Ranger. It can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances. This is particularly important for patients undergoing cancer treatment, who may face mobility challenges or live far from specialized care centers. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among local PCPs, including the types of services offered and the technologies employed, provides an important perspective on accessibility.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked, yet they are an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for patients' well-being. Examining the referral pathways from PCPs to mental health professionals and the availability of such resources in the community is essential.

The integration of these factors – physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to screening guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices – allows for a holistic "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. This score, though not a single quantifiable number, provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in its ability to address lung cancer.

The score would be a composite evaluation. A high score would indicate a robust primary care network with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a strong commitment to screening and early detection, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health support. A lower score would indicate areas needing improvement, such as a shortage of PCPs, limited screening practices, a lack of telemedicine options, or inadequate mental health resources.

The assessment of this score would require gathering data from various sources. This includes publicly available data on physician availability, information from local hospitals and clinics, and potentially surveys of local PCPs. A comprehensive analysis would also involve reviewing patient testimonials and online reviews to gain a better understanding of the patient experience.

The findings of this analysis can inform targeted interventions to improve lung cancer care in Ranger, WV. This could include initiatives to recruit more PCPs to the area, provide training and support to existing physicians on lung cancer screening guidelines, promote the adoption of telemedicine, and increase the availability of mental health resources.

For a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of PCPs, hospitals, and cancer centers, and to visualize the data discussed in this report, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can reveal patterns and insights that are difficult to discern from raw data alone.