26169, Rockport, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26169, Rockport, West Virginia is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.95 percent of the residents in 26169 has some form of health insurance. 32.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.46 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 26169 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 137 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26169. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 145 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 296 health care providers accessible to residents in 26169, Rockport, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Rockport, WV (ZIP Code 26169)**

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape in Rockport, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26169), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, specifically primary care availability and the resources accessible to patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health services. This assessment aims to highlight strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on strong primary care. Early detection is critical, and primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. The availability of PCPs directly impacts the likelihood of timely diagnosis and treatment. In Rockport, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying necessary screenings and referrals. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the US Census Bureau should be examined to determine the current ratio and compare it to state and national averages. A below-average ratio suggests a potential challenge in accessing primary care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The analysis must investigate the characteristics of practices in the area. Are there solo practitioners, or are there larger group practices? Group practices often offer a wider range of services and may have better resources for coordinating care. The presence of board-certified PCPs, specialists in internal medicine, and pulmonologists within a reasonable driving distance is also a key factor. The availability of these specialists significantly impacts the speed and quality of referrals for suspected lung cancer cases. The analysis will consider the proximity of specialists in Parkersburg and Charleston, WV, and the ease of access to these resources.

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can improve access to care, especially for patients who face geographical barriers. The analysis will assess the degree to which local practices have embraced telemedicine. Do they offer virtual consultations for initial assessments, follow-up appointments, or specialist consultations? The availability of telehealth services for lung cancer screening, such as remote interpretation of imaging results, is particularly relevant. A high degree of telemedicine adoption will positively influence the Lung Cancer Score.

The impact of mental health on cancer patients is well-documented. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within the healthcare system is crucial. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services in Rockport and the surrounding area. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who are accessible to patients? Do local practices offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals are embedded within the primary care setting? The presence of support groups, counseling services, and access to psychiatric care will significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score.

The specific practices within ZIP Code 26169 require individual examination. The analysis will identify standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This includes practices that have a high physician-to-patient ratio, offer a wide range of services, actively embrace telemedicine, and prioritize mental health support. These practices will be highlighted as models of best practice within the community. The analysis will also identify any gaps in care and areas where improvements are needed.

The analysis will also consider the availability of lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. Are these screening programs readily accessible in the area? Does the local healthcare system actively promote lung cancer screening for individuals at high risk, such as current or former smokers? The analysis will examine the screening rates and compare them to state and national benchmarks. The availability and utilization of screening programs are essential components of the Lung Cancer Score.

The financial aspects of healthcare access are also considered. The analysis will consider the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices. The presence of financial assistance programs for patients who cannot afford care will also be considered. The availability of affordable healthcare options is critical to ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Rockport, WV (ZIP Code 26169) will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The score will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of screening programs, and the financial aspects of healthcare access. The final score will provide a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare landscape in Rockport.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rockport, WV (ZIP Code 26169), and to visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for analyzing spatial data and identifying areas of need.