25559, Salt Rock, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25559, Salt Rock, West Virginia is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.87 percent of the residents in 25559 has some form of health insurance. 55.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.96 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 25559 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 379 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25559. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 379 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,255 health care providers accessible to residents in 25559, Salt Rock, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Salt Rock, WV (ZIP Code 25559)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care access within the 25559 ZIP code, encompassing Salt Rock, West Virginia, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment for individuals facing lung cancer or at high risk within this specific geographic area.

Salt Rock, a relatively rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The availability of timely and comprehensive lung cancer care is crucial, and this analysis aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

**Primary Care Availability in Salt Rock:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for patients exhibiting symptoms or at risk. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 25559 ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. The analysis considers factors like appointment wait times, acceptance of new patients, and the breadth of services offered, including routine screenings and referrals.

In a rural setting like Salt Rock, the geographical distribution of PCPs is critical. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, leaving some residents with limited access? Public transportation options and the availability of reliable personal vehicles are also significant factors affecting access to care. The analysis must consider these elements to paint a complete picture of primary care accessibility.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of healthcare access. A lower ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can indicate potential challenges such as longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and increased physician workload. Conversely, a higher ratio may signify better access to care.

Accurately calculating physician-to-patient ratios requires data on the number of practicing physicians, the total population within the service area, and the scope of practice of each physician (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine). The analysis will compare the physician-to-patient ratio in 25559 to state and national averages to determine whether the community faces a shortage or surplus of primary care providers.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the adoption of best practices in lung cancer screening and management. This analysis considers factors such as:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Does the practice hold accreditation from recognized healthcare organizations?
* **Technology Adoption:** Does the practice utilize electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient patient management and data sharing?
* **Screening Protocols:** Does the practice adhere to established guidelines for lung cancer screening, including low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients?
* **Referral Networks:** Does the practice have established referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** What is the patient experience like, as measured by patient surveys and online reviews?

Practices that excel in these areas are more likely to provide high-quality lung cancer care.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing barriers to care. The analysis assesses the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in 25559, focusing on:

* **Availability of Telemedicine Services:** Do practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or other telemedicine services?
* **Technology Infrastructure:** Does the practice have the necessary technology, such as secure video conferencing platforms and remote monitoring devices?
* **Patient Education and Training:** Does the practice provide patients with the necessary education and training to effectively utilize telemedicine services?
* **Reimbursement Policies:** Are telemedicine services adequately reimbursed by insurance providers?

The level of telemedicine adoption directly impacts the accessibility and convenience of lung cancer care.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common. The analysis considers the availability of mental health resources within the 25559 area, including:

* **Mental Health Providers:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors available to provide mental health services?
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Does the practice integrate mental health services into its care model, such as offering on-site counseling or providing referrals to mental health professionals?
* **Support Groups:** Are there support groups for lung cancer patients and their families?
* **Availability of Behavioral Health Specialists:** Are there behavioral health specialists who are able to provide support to patients and their families?

Access to mental health resources is an essential component of comprehensive lung cancer care.

**Overall Assessment:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 25559 will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. Each factor will be weighted according to its importance in providing quality lung cancer care. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare environment in Salt Rock, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. This analysis will provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to improve lung cancer care access and outcomes.

The analysis will also consider how the healthcare landscape has changed since the last time the area was assessed. This will provide a sense of how care has improved or declined over time.

**Conclusion:**

Understanding the healthcare landscape in Salt Rock, West Virginia, is critical for ensuring timely and effective lung cancer care. This analysis provides a foundation for assessing the current state of affairs, identifying areas for improvement, and ultimately, improving the lives of individuals affected by this disease.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 25559 and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice demographics, and access to care indicators, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and make informed decisions about your health and the health of your community.