25920, Slab Fork, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25920, Slab Fork, West Virginia is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25920 has some form of health insurance. 53.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.63 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 25920 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 143 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25920. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 61 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 177 health care providers accessible to residents in 25920, Slab Fork, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Slab Fork, WV (ZIP Code 25920)

This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare within ZIP Code 25920, Slab Fork, West Virginia, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This assessment aims to offer insights into the accessibility and quality of care for individuals in this community, particularly those at risk or affected by lung cancer.

Slab Fork, a small community in Raleigh County, presents unique challenges in healthcare delivery. Rural areas often face shortages of medical professionals, limited access to specialized services, and difficulties in attracting and retaining healthcare providers. These factors can significantly impact the early detection and effective management of lung cancer, a disease where timely intervention is critical.

**Primary Care Availability:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and robust primary care. This includes regular check-ups, screenings, and the ability to establish a strong patient-physician relationship. Assessing primary care availability in Slab Fork requires evaluating the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita. The national average physician-to-patient ratio serves as a benchmark. A significantly higher ratio in Slab Fork would indicate a shortage, potentially hindering access to timely and preventative care.

Furthermore, the geographical distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is crucial. Are practices concentrated in one area, leaving other residents with limited options? Travel time to access a PCP is a significant barrier, particularly for elderly individuals or those with mobility limitations. The availability of same-day or next-day appointments, a key indicator of access, also needs consideration.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Beyond the overall number of PCPs, the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is paramount in lung cancer care. A low ratio of specialists to patients can lead to longer wait times for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This delay can negatively impact patient outcomes.

Researching the presence of specialists within the ZIP code or nearby areas is essential. If specialists are unavailable locally, the analysis must consider the distance patients must travel to receive specialized care. The availability of transportation assistance programs for patients is another factor to consider.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying practices that excel in lung cancer care is crucial. This involves assessing the quality of care provided, patient outcomes, and the adoption of best practices. Key indicators include:

* **Early Detection Programs:** Does the practice actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, for high-risk individuals?
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Does the practice employ a multidisciplinary team, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care?
* **Adherence to Guidelines:** Does the practice adhere to established guidelines for lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, as recommended by organizations like the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)?
* **Patient Education and Support:** Does the practice provide patients with educational resources, support groups, and access to social workers to address their emotional and practical needs?

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption in Slab Fork is a critical factor in this analysis.

* **Teleconsultations:** Are PCPs and specialists offering virtual consultations for initial assessments, follow-up appointments, and medication management?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Are patients with lung cancer able to utilize remote monitoring devices to track their vital signs and symptoms, enabling timely intervention by their healthcare providers?
* **Patient Portal Access:** Does the practice offer a patient portal where individuals can access their medical records, communicate with their healthcare team, and schedule appointments?

The presence of telemedicine capabilities can mitigate the challenges of geographic isolation and transportation limitations, improving access to care for individuals in Slab Fork.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Integrating mental health resources into the care plan is crucial.

* **Mental Health Professionals:** Is there access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community or nearby areas?
* **Counseling and Support Groups:** Are counseling services and support groups available to help patients cope with the emotional challenges of lung cancer?
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Does the practice integrate mental health services into the overall care plan, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive support?

The availability of mental health resources can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals affected by lung cancer.

**Overall "Lung Cancer Score" Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed above, a "Lung Cancer Score" can be developed. This score would reflect the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals in Slab Fork, WV (ZIP Code 25920). A higher score would indicate better access to primary care, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A lower score would indicate areas where improvements are needed to enhance lung cancer care in the community.

This analysis provides a framework for assessing the healthcare landscape in Slab Fork, WV, focusing on lung cancer care. It highlights the importance of addressing challenges related to access, physician shortages, and the integration of comprehensive support services.

**Call to Action:**

For a detailed visual representation of healthcare resources in Slab Fork and surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and hospital locations, we encourage you to explore the power of data visualization. Visit CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify potential gaps in care within ZIP Code 25920.