25857, Josephine, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25857, Josephine, West Virginia is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25857 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.28 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 25857 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25857. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 29 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 278 health care providers accessible to residents in 25857, Josephine, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 25857 & Josephine, WV**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, especially concerning lung cancer, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the specific parameters of ZIP Code 25857 (likely encompassing a portion of or all of the town of Mabscott, WV) and the broader context of primary care availability in Josephine, WV. This geographical focus is crucial for understanding the specific challenges and opportunities for lung cancer care within these communities. The objective is to generate a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, indirectly, through evaluation of factors that impact early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

The first element to consider is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a baseline understanding of access to care. A low ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can create significant barriers to timely appointments, preventative screenings, and ongoing care. In ZIP Code 25857, determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires specific data acquisition, including a comprehensive list of practicing physicians (primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists) within the zip code and the population of the area. Publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau provides population figures, which can be cross-referenced with physician directories. However, a precise calculation requires up-to-date information, often obtained through professional medical databases or local health authorities. A similar analysis should be conducted for Josephine, WV, to assess the availability of primary care physicians who could serve as the initial point of contact for patients.

Standout practices within the region, if any, would be identified through a combination of factors. These include the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment (CT scanners, bronchoscopy suites), adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening (particularly for high-risk individuals), and the presence of a multidisciplinary team (pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and support staff). Identifying practices with a proven track record of early detection and successful treatment outcomes is vital. This information can be gleaned from hospital websites, physician reviews, and potentially from publicly available data regarding patient outcomes (although privacy regulations often limit the availability of this data). The presence of a dedicated lung cancer screening program, offering low-dose CT scans for eligible individuals, would be a significant positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical gaps, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and access educational resources. The availability of telemedicine services for lung cancer-related care (pulmonology consultations, oncology follow-ups, support group meetings) would contribute positively to the "Lung Cancer Score." Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires examining the services offered by local healthcare providers, including hospitals and clinics, and evaluating the technological infrastructure available to support these services (reliable internet access, patient portals).

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical in cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can cause significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is a crucial component of comprehensive cancer care. Assessing mental health resources involves identifying local mental health providers, evaluating the availability of cancer-specific support groups, and determining whether mental health services are integrated into the overall cancer care plan. The presence of oncology social workers or mental health professionals specifically trained in cancer care would be a significant asset.

The “Lung Cancer Score” is not a single, definitive number. It is an assessment based on the evaluation of the factors mentioned above. A higher score would indicate better access to care, greater availability of resources, and a more comprehensive approach to lung cancer management. Conversely, a lower score would indicate potential challenges in accessing care and a need for improvements in various areas.

In ZIP Code 25857, the presence of a local hospital or clinic is crucial. Assessing the services offered at these facilities, including the availability of diagnostic equipment, the presence of specialists, and the implementation of lung cancer screening programs, is a primary focus. In Josephine, WV, the availability of primary care physicians is essential. The primary care physician is often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or who are at high risk.

Factors like the demographics of the population (age, smoking history, socioeconomic status) also impact the overall risk profile for lung cancer. This information can be obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. These factors influence the need for screening programs and targeted interventions.

The data collection process for this analysis would involve a combination of desk research (online searches, review of hospital websites, and physician directories), contacting local healthcare providers, and potentially consulting with local health authorities. The data would need to be current and accurate to ensure the validity of the analysis.

The assessment of the “Lung Cancer Score” is dynamic. It is not a static measurement. Healthcare services and resources change over time. Regular updates and re-evaluations are necessary to maintain an accurate understanding of the healthcare landscape. This is particularly important in rural areas, where healthcare access can be subject to fluctuations.

The analysis should also consider the impact of health insurance coverage. The availability of affordable health insurance is a critical factor in accessing care. The percentage of the population with health insurance coverage, as well as the acceptance of various insurance plans by local healthcare providers, would be assessed.

This analysis, while not providing a single number, offers a framework for understanding the availability of lung cancer care resources in ZIP Code 25857 and the surrounding area. By evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and evaluating mental health resources, a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape can be generated. This information can be used to inform policy decisions, improve healthcare access, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

To further explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and clinics, and to visualize the data collected in this analysis, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you create interactive maps to visualize the data, identify areas with limited access to care, and plan for improvements.