25917, Scarbro, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25917, Scarbro, West Virginia is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.70 percent of the residents in 25917 has some form of health insurance. 53.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.38 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 25917 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 392 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25917. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 258 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 373 health care providers accessible to residents in 25917, Scarbro, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Scarbro, WV (ZIP Code 25917)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within Scarbro, West Virginia (ZIP code 25917), requires a nuanced understanding of the region's specific challenges. This analysis aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score," a hypothetical metric reflecting the availability of resources crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. This score will consider factors like physician availability, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), access to diagnostic tools, mental health support, and telemedicine adoption. It will also highlight potential areas for improvement and identify standout practices within the community.

Scarbro, like many rural communities, faces significant hurdles in healthcare access. The primary challenge is the scarcity of medical professionals, especially PCPs. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely a critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score. A low ratio suggests a shortage, potentially delaying crucial preventative care and diagnostic screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, which are vital for early lung cancer detection in high-risk individuals (current or former smokers). Delays in diagnosis can significantly impact survival rates.

Furthermore, the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is crucial. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer require specialized care, including access to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions. The distance patients must travel to receive this specialized care will significantly influence the Lung Cancer Score. Areas with limited access to specialists will inevitably receive a lower score.

The presence of established primary care practices is a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. These practices are often the first point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, screening recommendations, and referrals to specialists. The quality of these practices, including their commitment to patient education and proactive screening programs, will also be assessed. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs and offer LDCT screenings to eligible patients will likely receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in remote areas to access specialist consultations and follow-up care. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine for lung cancer-related services, such as virtual consultations with pulmonologists, remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and access to educational resources. Practices that embrace telemedicine will enhance the score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score will assess the availability of mental health support services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models will be viewed favorably.

The economic landscape of Scarbro also plays a significant role. The affordability of healthcare, including insurance coverage and access to financial assistance programs, can impact a patient's ability to receive timely care. The Lung Cancer Score will consider factors like the percentage of the population with health insurance, the availability of financial assistance programs for cancer patients, and the cost of healthcare services within the community.

Standout practices within the community deserve recognition. These practices demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, even in the face of significant challenges. They may have implemented innovative programs, such as proactive screening initiatives, telemedicine services, or integrated mental health support. Identifying these practices and highlighting their successes can serve as a model for other healthcare providers in the region.

The analysis will also consider the availability of diagnostic tools, such as CT scanners and other imaging equipment. Timely access to these tools is crucial for early detection and accurate diagnosis of lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Score will assess the presence of these resources within the community and the waiting times for diagnostic procedures.

Smoking prevalence rates within the community are another important factor. High smoking rates increase the risk of lung cancer, making preventative care and early detection even more critical. The Lung Cancer Score will consider the prevalence of smoking in Scarbro and the availability of smoking cessation programs.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Scarbro (ZIP code 25917) will be a composite of these factors. It will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in the region, providing a valuable assessment of its capacity to address the challenges of lung cancer. It will also offer insights into areas where improvements are needed.

This analysis is a starting point. A comprehensive assessment would require gathering data from various sources, including healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations. It would also involve conducting interviews with patients and healthcare professionals to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape in Scarbro and to identify opportunities to improve access to care and ultimately, improve outcomes for those affected by lung cancer.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Scarbro, and to understand the geographical distribution of resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. Explore the area, analyze the data, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the community.