26151, Mount Zion, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26151, Mount Zion, West Virginia is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.51 percent of the residents in 26151 has some form of health insurance. 65.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.63 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 26151 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 174 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26151. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 146 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 81 health care providers accessible to residents in 26151, Mount Zion, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Mount Zion, WV (ZIP Code 26151)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of factors relevant to lung cancer care within the Mount Zion, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26151) area. The goal is to assess the availability and quality of healthcare resources, particularly focusing on primary care and its impact on early detection and treatment of lung cancer. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, all of which significantly influence patient outcomes.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for this region is intrinsically linked to the availability of accessible and comprehensive primary care. Early detection is paramount in lung cancer treatment, and primary care physicians (PCPs) play a crucial role in this process. They often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms, facilitating screenings, and referring patients to specialists when necessary. Therefore, the density and quality of primary care resources directly impact the potential for early diagnosis and effective intervention.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is a fundamental step in evaluating healthcare access. In a rural area like Mount Zion, the availability of physicians, particularly PCPs, can be a significant challenge. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests a potential shortage of healthcare providers, leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), should be examined to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 26151. Furthermore, this data should be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of healthcare resources in the area.

Identifying standout practices within the region is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care and may be implementing innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes. Factors to consider include the adoption of evidence-based practices for lung cancer screening, the availability of comprehensive diagnostic services, and the presence of a multidisciplinary care team, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and specialized nurses. Reviews from patients and data on patient outcomes can also help identify practices that are particularly effective in managing lung cancer.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and receive consultations remotely. This is particularly important for lung cancer patients, who may need to consult with oncologists or pulmonologists located outside of Mount Zion. The availability of telemedicine services can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and potentially improve patient outcomes. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires examining the practices’ technology infrastructure and their willingness to embrace remote healthcare delivery.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for patients battling lung cancer. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is crucial for supporting patients through their treatment journey. The analysis should investigate the availability of mental health services within the Mount Zion area, including the presence of mental health professionals, support groups, and access to psychiatric care.

The availability of resources for smoking cessation is also an important factor. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing support for quitting smoking is a critical component of prevention and care. The analysis should assess the availability of smoking cessation programs, counseling services, and medication assistance within the community.

Furthermore, the analysis should examine the overall healthcare infrastructure within the region. This includes the presence of hospitals, diagnostic centers, and specialized cancer treatment facilities. The proximity of these resources to Mount Zion and the availability of transportation options are also important considerations.

Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can provide valuable insights into the prevalence of lung cancer in the area, as well as the rates of smoking and other risk factors. This information can help to contextualize the analysis and identify specific areas where interventions are needed.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would be a composite measure reflecting the various factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance, and the overall score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Mount Zion. The score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping them to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify areas for improvement.

Ultimately, improving the "Lung Cancer Score" requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding access to telemedicine services, increasing the availability of mental health resources, and promoting smoking cessation programs. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies is essential to achieving these goals.

The analysis should also consider the impact of social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, education level, and access to transportation. These factors can significantly influence patient outcomes and must be addressed to ensure equitable access to care.

By conducting a thorough analysis of the healthcare resources available in Mount Zion, we can identify the areas where improvements are needed and develop strategies to enhance the quality of lung cancer care. This will require a commitment to data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and a focus on patient-centered care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Mount Zion, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data, explore the CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful tool for understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and can help to identify areas where access to care is limited.