26137, Big Springs, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26137, Big Springs, West Virginia is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.15 percent of the residents in 26137 has some form of health insurance. 48.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.56 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 26137 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 138 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26137. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 176 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 108 health care providers accessible to residents in 26137, Big Springs, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Big Springs, WV (ZIP Code 26137)

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 26137, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" perspective, evaluating the availability and quality of care for individuals in Big Springs, WV. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources.

Big Springs, West Virginia, is a small, rural community. Its healthcare infrastructure is likely to be significantly different from urban centers. The availability of specialized medical care, including pulmonologists and oncologists, is a critical factor in this assessment.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In a rural area like Big Springs, the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial metric. A low PCP-to-population ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. The analysis must consider the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. It is also important to consider the age and health status of the population. A community with a higher proportion of elderly residents or individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions may require a higher concentration of healthcare providers.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is even more critical for lung cancer care. The analysis needs to determine the distance patients must travel to access these specialists. Travel time and transportation limitations are significant barriers to care in rural areas. A low specialist-to-population ratio, coupled with long travel times, will negatively impact the "Lung Cancer Score."

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care offered by local healthcare providers. This requires research into patient reviews, accreditations, and the adoption of evidence-based practices. Practices that actively participate in cancer screening programs, such as those recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), will be viewed favorably. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for lung cancer screening, is also a key factor.

Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education and support will also be highlighted. This includes providing educational materials about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. The presence of patient navigators or care coordinators can significantly improve the patient experience by guiding individuals through the complexities of the healthcare system.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge the healthcare gap in rural communities. Its adoption by local healthcare providers is a critical factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel. This is particularly important for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations with oncologists and pulmonologists.

The analysis will investigate the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate telemedicine. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to receive a higher score.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. Access to mental health resources is therefore an essential component of comprehensive cancer care. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the community, including therapists, counselors, and support groups.

The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices is also an important factor. This allows patients to access mental health support in a familiar setting. The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families.

**Overall "Lung Cancer Score" Perspective:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Big Springs, WV (ZIP code 26137) will reflect the aggregate of these factors. The score will be a relative measure, comparing the healthcare landscape of Big Springs to other similar rural communities. The score will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

The score will likely be lower than that of urban areas due to the inherent challenges of providing healthcare in a rural setting. However, the analysis will highlight areas of strength and weakness, providing insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape in Big Springs, WV, presents unique challenges and opportunities. Improving access to care, particularly for lung cancer patients, requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes increasing the number of healthcare providers, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and ensuring access to mental health resources.

For a comprehensive visual representation of healthcare access, physician locations, and other relevant data points within ZIP code 26137, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.