26237, Tallmansville, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26237, Tallmansville, West Virginia is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26237 has some form of health insurance. 60.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.67 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 26237 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 95 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26237. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 92 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,163 health care providers accessible to residents in 26237, Tallmansville, West Virginia.

Analyzing healthcare quality, particularly concerning lung cancer care and primary care accessibility, within a specific geographic area demands a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 26237, encompassing the community of Tallmansville, West Virginia, to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. This score will consider various factors, including physician availability, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in the overall quality of care for individuals at risk of or battling lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon a robust primary care infrastructure. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact, crucial for early detection, screening, and referrals to specialists. In Tallmansville (ZIP Code 26237), assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. This involves determining the number of practicing PCPs within the area and comparing it to the population size. A low ratio indicates potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with local healthcare directories, can provide insights into the number of practicing physicians. The population data for Tallmansville is also readily available, allowing for the calculation of a physician-to-patient ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are the available physicians concentrated in a single clinic, or are they dispersed throughout the community? This distribution impacts accessibility, especially for individuals with limited transportation options or those residing in more remote areas of the ZIP Code. Examining the geographic locations of clinics and practices within 26237 is essential to understand the accessibility landscape.

Furthermore, the quality of primary care practices needs evaluation. This includes assessing the services offered, such as preventative screenings (including those for lung cancer), chronic disease management, and patient education programs. Identifying standout practices involves examining patient reviews, accreditation status, and the implementation of evidence-based practices. Practices that actively participate in lung cancer screening programs, offer smoking cessation support, and provide comprehensive care coordination would likely receive higher marks in this assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in evaluating the "Lung Cancer Score." Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas where specialist availability may be limited. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide educational resources via telehealth platforms can enhance the overall quality of care. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption within primary care practices in 26237 requires examining their technological capabilities, the types of services offered via telemedicine, and patient satisfaction with these services.

The mental health component is often overlooked but is a vital element in the care of lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can have a significant impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for providing comprehensive care. This assessment must include an investigation into the availability of mental health professionals in Tallmansville and the surrounding areas. It is essential to determine if primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health services. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, can also play a significant role in providing emotional support to patients and their families.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 26237 will incorporate all these elements. It is a composite measure that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care related to lung cancer. The score will be based on a weighted system, with each factor contributing to the final assessment. The physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of physicians, the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources will all be considered. The final score will provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Tallmansville, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in lung cancer care.

To identify standout practices, consider those that demonstrate a commitment to early detection through screening programs, offer comprehensive smoking cessation support, and provide care coordination services. Practices that have adopted telemedicine to expand access to care and have established referral pathways to mental health services are also likely to receive high marks.

The assessment of mental health resources involves identifying the availability of mental health professionals, the presence of support groups, and the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. The integration of mental health services is critical for addressing the emotional and psychological needs of lung cancer patients.

The development of the "Lung Cancer Score" is an ongoing process. Regular updates and refinements will be needed to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The score can be used as a tool to identify areas for improvement, advocate for resources, and ultimately improve the quality of care for individuals at risk of or battling lung cancer in Tallmansville (ZIP Code 26237).

The analysis of healthcare data, including physician locations, patient demographics, and healthcare resource availability, is often complex and requires specialized tools. To visualize and better understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Tallmansville and the surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and visual representation of the healthcare landscape, making it easier to identify areas with limited access to care and to understand the impact of geographic factors on healthcare outcomes.