25978, Nimitz, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25978, Nimitz, West Virginia is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.59 percent of the residents in 25978 has some form of health insurance. 57.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.92 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 25978 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 126 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25978. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 129 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 151 health care providers accessible to residents in 25978, Nimitz, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Nimitz, WV (ZIP Code 25978)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of healthcare resources in Nimitz, West Virginia (ZIP code 25978), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care. The aim is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and mental health support. This score is not a single number but a holistic understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The primary consideration is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are the initial point of contact for patients, crucial for early detection and referral for lung cancer screening. The analysis will examine the physician-to-patient ratio within the Nimitz area. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per resident, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely care. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates better access. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources will be utilized to estimate population size and cross-referenced with physician directories to determine the number of practicing PCPs in the area.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is essential. This includes factors like accreditation status, patient satisfaction scores (if available), and the range of services offered. Practices that adhere to national standards of care, such as those set by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), are generally considered to provide higher quality care. Furthermore, practices with integrated services, like on-site lab testing or radiology, can streamline the diagnostic process, potentially leading to earlier lung cancer detection.

The analysis will also investigate the adoption of telemedicine within primary care practices in Nimitz. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for residents in rural areas. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and the ability to connect patients with specialists located outside of the immediate area. Practices actively using telemedicine are likely to score higher in this assessment.

Another critical aspect of the "Lung Cancer Score" is the availability of mental health resources. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is vital for patients' well-being and adherence to treatment plans. The analysis will examine the presence of mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the Nimitz area or readily accessible to its residents. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric medication management will be considered.

The analysis will also examine the availability of lung cancer screening programs. These programs, often involving low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, are crucial for early detection of lung cancer, which significantly improves treatment outcomes. The presence of screening programs, and the ability to easily access them, will be a key factor in the assessment.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the proximity to and availability of specialized cancer care. This includes the presence of oncologists, pulmonologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists within a reasonable driving distance. The availability of specialized cancer treatment centers, such as those accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), is a significant indicator of the quality of care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will not only consider the availability of resources but also the coordination of care. Practices that have established referral pathways to specialists and actively participate in care coordination initiatives are more likely to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care. The ability of practices to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and ensure seamless transitions between different providers is critical.

The analysis will also look at the presence of community outreach programs. These programs, which may include educational initiatives, smoking cessation programs, and lung cancer awareness campaigns, play a vital role in promoting early detection and prevention. Practices that actively engage in community outreach are likely to score higher in this assessment.

The analysis will not provide a ranking of individual doctors. Instead, it will provide a general overview of the healthcare landscape in Nimitz, WV, and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This information can be used by residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be subjective, based on the available data and the analyst's interpretation. The score is intended to be a starting point for further investigation and should not be considered a definitive assessment of the quality of care. The analysis will rely on publicly available data, and the accuracy of the information is dependent on the quality of the data sources.

The analysis will consider the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare. Rural areas often have fewer healthcare providers, longer travel times, and limited access to specialized services. The analysis will take these factors into account when assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" for Nimitz.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will be a qualitative assessment, not a quantitative one. The score will be based on a combination of factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialized cancer care. The score will provide a general overview of the healthcare landscape in Nimitz, WV, and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The information presented in this analysis is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Residents of Nimitz should consult with their primary care physician or other healthcare providers for personalized medical advice.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Nimitz, WV, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points, providing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment.