26215, Cleveland, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26215, Cleveland, West Virginia is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26215 has some form of health insurance. 48.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.14 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 26215 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26215. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 43 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 117 health care providers accessible to residents in 26215, Cleveland, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Cleveland, WV (ZIP Code 26215)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 26215 (Cleveland, WV) and its surrounding areas, focusing on primary care accessibility and physician resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the available support for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis, considering factors beyond basic medical care. The analysis will then culminate in a call to action for utilizing CartoChrome maps to visualize these insights.

The foundation of effective lung cancer treatment lies in early detection and consistent primary care. In Cleveland, WV, the availability of primary care physicians is a crucial determinant of the overall lung cancer score. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced access to preventative screenings, and challenges in managing ongoing treatment. This scarcity can be particularly problematic in rural areas, where healthcare infrastructure may already be strained. Data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be essential to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code and its surrounding counties. This data would then be compared to national averages to determine the relative availability of primary care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and characteristics of the available primary care practices are important. Are there any standout practices in the area that are known for their expertise in cancer prevention and early detection? Do these practices actively promote lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals, such as those with a history of smoking or exposure to other carcinogens? Do they have established referral pathways to specialists like pulmonologists and oncologists? Identifying these standout practices and their specific strengths is crucial for understanding the overall quality of care. This requires examining patient reviews, physician credentials, and the availability of advanced diagnostic tools within these practices.

Telemedicine adoption presents another important factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Does the primary care infrastructure in Cleveland, WV, embrace telemedicine? Are virtual consultations readily available for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations? The extent of telemedicine adoption can significantly impact the lung cancer score by facilitating timely access to care and reducing the burden of travel for patients. Information on telemedicine adoption would be gathered from practice websites, insurance provider directories, and potentially through direct outreach to local medical providers.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis can be immense. Mental health resources are therefore an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, readily accessible to patients in Cleveland, WV? Are these resources integrated into the primary care practices or readily available through referral networks? The availability of mental health support can profoundly affect a patient's ability to cope with their diagnosis and treatment. This aspect of the analysis would involve researching local mental health providers, assessing their capacity to serve cancer patients, and determining the extent to which they collaborate with primary care physicians and oncologists.

The availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is also crucial. While primary care physicians often serve as the initial point of contact, timely access to specialists is essential for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. The analysis would need to identify the location of these specialists, their availability, and the ease with which patients can access their services. This includes assessing waiting times for appointments, the availability of advanced diagnostic procedures, and the integration of these specialists into a cohesive care network.

Furthermore, the presence of support groups and patient advocacy organizations is another positive factor. These resources provide patients with emotional support, information, and a sense of community. The analysis would identify any such groups operating in or near Cleveland, WV, and assess their accessibility and the services they offer.

The presence of community resources like smoking cessation programs also improves the lung cancer score. These programs can help individuals quit smoking, thereby reducing their risk of developing lung cancer. The analysis would assess the availability and effectiveness of these programs in the area.

Finally, the overall lung cancer score for Cleveland, WV (ZIP code 26215) would be a composite metric, incorporating all the factors discussed above. The score would reflect the availability of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the accessibility of specialists, the presence of support groups, and the availability of smoking cessation programs. This score would then serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The analysis would also incorporate any available data on lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in the area. These rates would provide a crucial context for understanding the impact of the healthcare infrastructure on patient outcomes.

In conclusion, the lung cancer score analysis reveals a complex interplay of factors that affect the quality of care available to individuals in Cleveland, WV (ZIP code 26215). The availability of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the accessibility of specialists all play a crucial role in determining the overall score. The analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to cancer care, one that addresses not only the medical needs of patients but also their emotional and psychological well-being.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of these resources, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the factors discussed in this analysis, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the landscape of lung cancer care in Cleveland, WV, and its surrounding areas. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps today to gain a clearer perspective on healthcare accessibility.