25882, Mullens, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25882, Mullens, West Virginia is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.46 percent of the residents in 25882 has some form of health insurance. 43.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.19 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 25882 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 507 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25882. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 485 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 242 health care providers accessible to residents in 25882, Mullens, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Mullens, WV (ZIP Code 25882)**

This analysis provides a nuanced assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer care within Mullens, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25882). The focus is on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the presence of supporting services crucial for patients navigating a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. We will evaluate the landscape of care, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to understand the potential impact on patient outcomes.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer management is early detection and prompt access to specialized care. This begins with a robust primary care infrastructure. In Mullens, assessing the availability of primary care physicians is critical. We must consider the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and reduced opportunities for preventative screenings and early diagnosis. Researching the population of Mullens and comparing it to the number of active primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code will provide the foundation for this ratio. Publicly available data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with U.S. Census Bureau information, will be crucial for calculating this metric.

Beyond sheer numbers, the accessibility of primary care is equally important. Are physicians accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for an appointment? Are evening or weekend hours available? These factors significantly impact a patient's ability to seek timely care. We will need to investigate local practices and their appointment scheduling processes. Information gathered from practice websites, patient reviews, and direct phone calls to local clinics will help create a more accurate picture of access.

The presence of standout practices within the Mullens area is a key consideration. We will evaluate practices based on several criteria, including their adoption of evidence-based practices for lung cancer screening and management. Do they offer or readily refer patients for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals? Do they have established protocols for managing patients with suspected or confirmed lung cancer, including timely referrals to specialists? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these practices will be highlighted.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in evaluating the healthcare landscape. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists, especially for patients in rural areas like Mullens. The availability of telehealth consultations for primary care visits, specialist appointments, and mental health support can significantly improve patient convenience and care coordination. We will assess which local practices offer telemedicine services and the types of services available through these platforms.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Mental health support is an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the Mullens area is essential. We will investigate the presence of mental health providers and the availability of counseling services specifically tailored to cancer patients. Are there support groups or resources for patients and their families? Information on local mental health clinics, hospitals, and community organizations will be gathered to assess the mental health support infrastructure.

Furthermore, we will investigate the availability of social work services. Social workers can assist patients with navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, accessing financial assistance, and connecting with community resources. Their support is invaluable in alleviating the practical and emotional burdens associated with a cancer diagnosis.

The proximity of specialized cancer care facilities is also a critical factor. While Mullens might not have its own comprehensive cancer center, the distance to nearby hospitals or clinics offering oncology services, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology is crucial. We will identify the closest facilities and assess the travel time and accessibility for patients in the Mullens area.

The analysis will also consider the availability of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. It is an essential component of lung cancer care, improving the quality of life for patients at all stages of the disease. We will investigate the availability of palliative care specialists and services within the local healthcare system.

Patient education and empowerment are also crucial. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about lung cancer, treatment options, and support resources are more likely to lead to better patient outcomes. We will assess the availability of patient education materials, such as brochures, websites, and educational programs, within local practices.

Finally, the analysis will consider the overall healthcare infrastructure in Mullens. This includes the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as CT scans and PET scans, as well as access to laboratory services for blood tests and other diagnostic procedures.

In conclusion, this Lung Cancer Score analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare resources available to patients in Mullens, WV (ZIP Code 25882). By examining primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of specialized cancer care services, we can assess the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement. This information will be valuable for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders in working towards improving lung cancer outcomes in the Mullens area.

To further explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data points within the Mullens area, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can visualize complex data, providing a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and its impact on the community.