26149, Middlebourne, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26149, Middlebourne, West Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.49 percent of the residents in 26149 has some form of health insurance. 46.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.47 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 26149 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 502 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26149. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 501 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 345 health care providers accessible to residents in 26149, Middlebourne, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Middlebourne, WV (ZIP Code 26149)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within ZIP Code 26149, Middlebourne, West Virginia, and evaluates the availability of primary care resources. The LCS considers factors crucial for early detection and management of lung cancer, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, all within the context of a rural Appalachian community. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the fight against lung cancer.

Middlebourne, and the surrounding area encompassed by ZIP Code 26149, presents unique challenges. The population is relatively small, and the demographics reflect a higher prevalence of risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking and exposure to environmental hazards. This necessitates a proactive and well-resourced healthcare system. The LCS, therefore, considers the ability of the local healthcare infrastructure to address these specific needs.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and ultimately, late-stage diagnoses. While precise physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to determine without access to specific practice data, public health data and regional averages suggest a potential shortage of PCPs in this rural area. This scarcity impacts access to routine checkups, which are crucial for early detection through screening and the identification of potential symptoms. This is a significant negative factor in the LCS.

Identifying “standout practices” involves evaluating the quality of care offered by individual clinics and providers. This assessment considers several factors. First, does the practice actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screening, especially for high-risk individuals? Second, does the practice have established protocols for referring patients with suspicious findings to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists? Third, what is the patient satisfaction with the practice, as measured by surveys and online reviews? Fourth, is the practice involved in any community outreach or education programs related to lung cancer prevention and awareness? The presence of even one practice demonstrating excellence in these areas would positively impact the LCS. However, in a small rural setting, finding multiple such practices might be challenging.

The adoption of telemedicine is another vital component of the LCS. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, provide remote monitoring, and offer educational resources can significantly improve patient outcomes. Specifically, telemedicine can facilitate access to specialists, provide smoking cessation support, and address mental health concerns, all of which are crucial in the fight against lung cancer. The degree of telemedicine adoption, including the availability of virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, is a key factor in the LCS. The lack of robust broadband infrastructure in the area might limit the potential of telemedicine, which would negatively affect the score.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health services, including counseling and support groups, is essential for patients' well-being and can improve their adherence to treatment plans. The LCS considers the availability of mental health providers, the accessibility of mental health services, and the integration of mental health support within the primary care setting. The presence of readily available mental health resources, integrated into the primary care system, would significantly improve the LCS. The absence of such resources would negatively impact the score.

The overall LCS for primary care in ZIP Code 26149 is likely to be moderate. The challenges of a rural setting, including potential physician shortages and limited access to specialized care, will likely weigh the score down. However, the potential for improvement exists. Increased investment in telemedicine infrastructure, the establishment of lung cancer screening programs, and the integration of mental health services within primary care can all contribute to a higher LCS. The commitment of local healthcare providers to these improvements will be crucial.

The analysis must also consider the context of the community. Middlebourne, like many rural areas, faces socioeconomic challenges that can impact health outcomes. Poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthy food options can all contribute to increased risk factors for lung cancer. The LCS must, therefore, consider the broader social determinants of health and the efforts of local healthcare providers to address these challenges. The presence of community health initiatives, such as smoking cessation programs and health education campaigns, would positively influence the score.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for primary care in Middlebourne, WV (ZIP Code 26149) is a complex evaluation reflecting the interplay of various factors. The score will be influenced by physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. The score also reflects the broader social determinants of health in the community. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and to support efforts to enhance lung cancer prevention, early detection, and management in this rural community.

For a more detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in Middlebourne, WV, including the location of practices, access to specialists, and other relevant data, explore the power of **CartoChrome maps**.