26175, Sistersville, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26175, Sistersville, West Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.68 percent of the residents in 26175 has some form of health insurance. 53.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.01 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 26175 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 798 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26175. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 688 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 318 health care providers accessible to residents in 26175, Sistersville, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Sistersville, WV (ZIP Code 26175)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources in Sistersville, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26175), specifically focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care. The goal is to provide a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and the presence of supportive services crucial for patients facing this challenging disease. The analysis centers on primary care access, as it forms the crucial first point of contact for screening, diagnosis, and referral.

The primary challenge in Sistersville, and similar rural areas, is the limited number of healthcare providers. Physician-to-patient ratios are likely unfavorable compared to urban centers. This scarcity necessitates a careful examination of existing resources and their capacity to meet the needs of the community. The analysis will assess the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their ability to provide timely screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, for high-risk individuals. Early detection is paramount in lung cancer treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is another critical factor. Given the rural setting, it's probable that residents of Sistersville must travel to larger cities, like Parkersburg or Morgantown, for specialized care. This travel burden can present significant logistical and financial challenges for patients, impacting their ability to adhere to treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments. The distance factor necessitates an evaluation of how well the existing primary care infrastructure can bridge this gap.

Standout practices within the Sistersville area, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive patient care. This includes practices that actively participate in lung cancer screening programs, offer patient education, and provide robust care coordination. The presence of certified tobacco treatment specialists within a practice would be a significant advantage, given the strong link between smoking and lung cancer. These specialists can provide crucial support for smoking cessation, a vital step in both preventing and managing the disease.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element to assess. The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely can mitigate the challenges of geographic isolation. Practices that utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and even behavioral health services are better positioned to serve their patients effectively. Evaluating the availability of telehealth platforms, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with these services will be central to the analysis.

Beyond clinical care, the availability of mental health resources is essential. A lung cancer diagnosis is often accompanied by significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The analysis will investigate the accessibility of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the community or through telehealth options. Integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices would be a particularly positive indicator.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of support groups, patient navigators, and other resources that can assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system. Patient navigators play a vital role in coordinating care, helping patients understand their treatment options, and providing emotional support. The presence of these resources can significantly improve the patient experience and outcomes.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be based on a weighted system, assigning points to various factors. Higher scores will be awarded to areas with:

* **High PCP availability:** Measured by physician-to-patient ratio and ease of appointment scheduling.
* **Active lung cancer screening programs:** Including adherence to screening guidelines and utilization of LDCT scans.
* **Telemedicine adoption:** Offering consultations with specialists and behavioral health services.
* **Integrated mental health resources:** Availability of therapists and counselors.
* **Access to specialized care:** Including pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, either locally or within a reasonable travel distance.
* **Patient support services:** Presence of patient navigators, support groups, and smoking cessation programs.

The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure in Sistersville, WV, concerning lung cancer care. It will highlight areas where improvements are needed and identify potential opportunities for collaboration and resource allocation.

The assessment of primary care availability will involve researching local physician directories, insurance provider networks, and online appointment scheduling platforms. Data on physician-to-patient ratios will be sourced from publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and other relevant organizations. Information on screening programs and telemedicine adoption will be gathered through practice websites, direct phone calls to medical practices, and potentially through interviews with local healthcare providers.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the population in Sistersville. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage rates, and rates of smoking will be factored into the assessment, as these can significantly impact access to care and patient outcomes. The analysis will aim to provide a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities facing lung cancer patients in this rural community.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be more than just a numerical rating. It will provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations. It will identify areas where resources can be directed to improve access to care, enhance patient support, and ultimately, improve outcomes for individuals battling lung cancer in Sistersville, WV. The goal is to foster a more informed and responsive healthcare environment, capable of meeting the unique needs of this rural community.

The analysis will also address the potential for community-based interventions, such as public health campaigns to promote smoking cessation and lung cancer awareness. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies is crucial for improving lung cancer outcomes in Sistersville. The "Lung Cancer Score" will serve as a valuable tool for facilitating these collaborations and driving positive change.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" report will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders, including local healthcare providers, hospitals, community health centers, and public health officials. The findings will be used to inform decision-making, guide resource allocation, and track progress over time. The ultimate goal is to create a more supportive and effective healthcare system for individuals affected by lung cancer in Sistersville, WV.

To visualize the healthcare landscape and identify potential areas for improvement, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other critical data points, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available in Sistersville and the surrounding areas.