26257, Coalton, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26257, Coalton, West Virginia is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.22 percent of the residents in 26257 has some form of health insurance. 50.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.32 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 26257 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 218 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26257. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 163 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 521 health care providers accessible to residents in 26257, Coalton, West Virginia.

The task is to analyze healthcare access and resources, focusing on lung cancer care, within the context of a specific ZIP code (26257, Coalton, West Virginia). This analysis will incorporate data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, culminating in a call to action for a mapping resource.

Coalton, West Virginia (ZIP code 26257), presents a unique challenge for healthcare access. Rural communities often face disparities in medical resources compared to urban centers. Lung cancer, a significant health concern, demands timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Assessing the availability and quality of care in this area necessitates a detailed examination of its healthcare landscape.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer health outcomes. In Coalton, the primary care physician (PCP) to patient ratio is likely a critical factor. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) should be consulted to ascertain the precise ratio for this ZIP code. This ratio will be a foundational element in understanding the overall healthcare environment. A low ratio necessitates exploring alternative solutions like telemedicine.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of preventative care and early detection. The number of PCPs, including family doctors, internal medicine specialists, and general practitioners, within and immediately surrounding Coalton directly impacts access. Furthermore, the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is vital for lung cancer treatment. Assessing the geographic distribution of these specialists, and their willingness to accept new patients, is paramount. The distance patients must travel for specialized care significantly impacts treatment outcomes.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. Patient reviews, available through online platforms such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Examining the quality of care, including diagnostic accuracy, treatment protocols, and patient satisfaction, is essential. Accreditation by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the Joint Commission can also indicate a commitment to quality. Investigating practices that offer comprehensive lung cancer screening programs, including low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, is particularly relevant.

Telemedicine adoption is a potential solution to address the challenges of rural healthcare access. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within Coalton is crucial. This includes determining which practices offer telehealth appointments, the types of services offered (e.g., consultations, follow-up appointments), and the technological infrastructure available to support these services. Examining the availability of remote monitoring technologies, which allow for continuous monitoring of patients' health, is also important.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Assessing the availability of mental health services within Coalton is essential. This includes identifying mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who are accepting new patients. Investigating the availability of support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric services, particularly those specializing in oncology, is vital. The integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan is crucial for patient well-being.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for doctors in ZIP code 26257 would be a composite metric reflecting the availability and quality of care. This score would incorporate data on physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score would be a relative ranking, comparing Coalton's healthcare resources to other similar rural communities. The methodology for calculating this score would involve weighting each factor based on its importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and specialist access might be given higher weightings than telemedicine adoption, depending on the local context.

The analysis would also consider the impact of social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, education levels, and access to transportation. These factors can significantly influence health outcomes. A comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' would account for these variables to provide a more accurate assessment of the healthcare landscape in Coalton.

The data used to generate this score would come from various sources, including the West Virginia DHHR, HRSA, online physician directories, and patient reviews. The analysis would require a thorough investigation of the healthcare practices within and surrounding Coalton, including their staffing, services offered, and technological capabilities.

The final 'Lung Cancer Score' analysis would provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Coalton, allowing for targeted interventions to improve access to care and patient outcomes. This analysis would also inform future planning efforts, such as the recruitment of healthcare professionals, the development of telemedicine programs, and the expansion of mental health services.

To visualize and understand the healthcare landscape in Coalton, West Virginia, and to identify the locations of doctors, specialists, and healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a visual representation of the data analyzed, enabling you to see the distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas of need.