25817, Bolt, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25817, Bolt, West Virginia is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25817 has some form of health insurance. 79.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.03 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 25817 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 19 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25817. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 199 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,623 health care providers accessible to residents in 25817, Bolt, West Virginia.

The analysis below aims to assess the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 25817, focusing specifically on primary care availability in Bolt, West Virginia, and its surrounding areas. This evaluation considers several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which play a crucial role in the overall quality of care for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon accessible and competent primary care. Bolt, a small community, likely faces challenges in this regard. Rural areas often experience shortages of primary care physicians, leading to higher patient-to-physician ratios. This means each doctor is responsible for a larger patient population, potentially limiting the time available for comprehensive care, including preventative screenings for lung cancer, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals. Early detection is paramount in lung cancer treatment, significantly improving survival rates.

The availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the likelihood of early diagnosis. A patient with limited access to a primary care provider might delay seeking medical attention, leading to a later stage of diagnosis when treatment options are often more limited. Moreover, a robust primary care system facilitates the necessary referrals to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Within the context of ZIP code 25817, identifying standout medical practices requires a deeper dive into local healthcare providers. This includes assessing their capabilities in lung cancer screening, diagnostic procedures, and treatment protocols. Do these practices offer LDCT scans on-site? Do they have established referral pathways to oncology specialists? Are they actively participating in programs that promote smoking cessation, a crucial preventative measure?

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor to evaluate. Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the challenges of geographical isolation often encountered in rural settings like Bolt. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. This is particularly relevant for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations with specialists who might be located further away. The level of telemedicine integration within local practices can significantly impact the accessibility of care for lung cancer patients.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but they are vital. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in cancer care, is essential for providing comprehensive support to patients and their families. Does the local healthcare system offer these resources? Are there partnerships with mental health organizations in the area?

The analysis of mental health resources should also consider the integration of these services into the broader healthcare system. Ideally, primary care physicians and oncologists should be able to easily refer patients to mental health professionals. Furthermore, the availability of support groups and educational programs can provide valuable emotional support and practical information for patients and their loved ones.

Evaluating the specific practices within ZIP code 25817 requires a detailed investigation. This should involve examining their websites, reviewing patient testimonials, and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their services and capabilities. This will help to determine the quality of care provided. Are the practices accredited by relevant organizations? Do they have a strong track record in lung cancer treatment?

A critical element of a comprehensive analysis is the assessment of physician-to-patient ratios. This can be challenging to determine precisely, as data on physician distribution and patient demographics can be difficult to access. However, utilizing publicly available data from organizations like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the West Virginia Board of Medicine can provide valuable insights. This data can be used to estimate the number of primary care physicians available in the area and compare it to the population size, providing a rough estimate of the physician-to-patient ratio.

The quality of care is not solely determined by the number of physicians. It also hinges on the adoption of evidence-based practices, the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, and the overall patient experience. Does the local healthcare system adhere to the latest guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment? Are the physicians knowledgeable about the latest advancements in cancer care?

The overall goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the lung cancer care landscape in and around Bolt, West Virginia. This involves evaluating the availability of primary care, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The findings will provide a valuable insight into the quality of care available to individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis in this area.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 25817 and the surrounding areas, including the locations of medical practices, physician availability, and the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that visualize geographic data, allowing you to analyze the distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.