26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.70 percent of the residents in 26170 has some form of health insurance. 38.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.64 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 26170 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,300 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26170. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,077 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 380 health care providers accessible to residents in 26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Saint Marys, WV (ZIP Code 26170)

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare, specifically concerning lung cancer care within Saint Marys, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26170), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician availability, quality of care, access to resources, and the integration of modern healthcare technologies. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem and identify areas for potential improvement.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care is the availability of qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). In Saint Marys, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced access to preventative screenings, and ultimately, poorer outcomes. Determining the precise ratio requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the West Virginia Board of Medicine. This data will reveal the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the estimated population they serve.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are physicians concentrated in specific areas of Saint Marys, leaving other areas underserved? Understanding the geographic distribution helps identify potential healthcare deserts and areas where patients face greater challenges in accessing care. This spatial analysis is vital for understanding the true accessibility of primary care.

Furthermore, the quality of care provided by PCPs is paramount. This encompasses their expertise in recognizing early signs of lung cancer, their adherence to established screening guidelines (e.g., for individuals with a history of smoking), and their ability to effectively communicate with patients about their risks and options. Data on physician qualifications, board certifications, and patient satisfaction scores (when available) can provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is another crucial factor. Lung cancer often requires a multidisciplinary approach, and timely access to these specialists is essential for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. The presence of specialists within Saint Marys or the proximity to specialized centers in neighboring cities (e.g., Parkersburg) significantly impacts the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Standout practices within the ZIP code warrant specific attention. Are there any primary care practices that demonstrate exceptional commitment to lung cancer screening and prevention? Do any practices have a demonstrated track record of early detection and positive patient outcomes? Identifying and highlighting these practices can serve as models for other providers and contribute to the overall improvement of care in the community. This could include practices that offer comprehensive wellness programs, smoking cessation support, or actively participate in community outreach initiatives.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in modern healthcare. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas who may face transportation challenges. The extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education is a key indicator of their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, reducing the need for frequent travel.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to comprehensive cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and other resources can help patients cope with the psychological challenges of their illness. The availability of these resources within Saint Marys, or through referral networks, is a crucial component of the Lung Cancer Score analysis.

The presence of smoking cessation programs and resources also impacts the score. Lung cancer is strongly linked to smoking, and providing patients with support to quit smoking is a critical preventative measure. The availability of these programs, their accessibility, and their effectiveness in helping patients quit smoking are all important considerations.

The overall Lung Cancer Score is not a single number but a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. It reflects the combined strength and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem within Saint Marys. A high score would indicate strong physician availability, high-quality care, good access to specialists and telemedicine, and robust mental health and smoking cessation resources. A low score would indicate the opposite, highlighting areas that require improvement.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Saint Marys, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care and encouraging healthcare providers to strive for continuous improvement. This analysis is a starting point for a deeper investigation, which would involve gathering more specific data from various sources, including patient surveys, physician interviews, and healthcare facility assessments.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and the location of support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, highlighting areas with high and low access to care, and enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Saint Marys.