26266, Upperglade, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26266, Upperglade, West Virginia is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 0.00 percent of the residents in 26266 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 26266 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 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26266. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 107 health care providers accessible to residents in 26266, Upperglade, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26266 and Upperglade Primary Care

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 26266, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians in Upperglade, West Virginia, and their capacity to address the complexities of lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. The analysis considers factors relevant to a "Lung Cancer Score," including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible primary care. In Upperglade, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is critical. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can hinder timely screenings, early detection, and prompt referrals to specialists. Conversely, a higher ratio, indicating more readily available PCPs, is a positive indicator for the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis will attempt to determine the precise PCP-to-patient ratio within Upperglade. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and local hospital systems will be examined to determine this ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The analysis will investigate the presence of standout practices within the region. These practices may distinguish themselves through several factors. One crucial aspect is the implementation of evidence-based screening protocols, particularly for individuals at high risk of lung cancer. This includes adherence to guidelines from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for eligible individuals. Practices that proactively offer and promote LDCT screenings will receive a higher rating.

Another key element is the integration of patient education and smoking cessation programs. Lung cancer is strongly linked to smoking, and effective cessation programs can significantly improve patient outcomes. Practices that offer comprehensive smoking cessation support, including counseling, medication management, and referral to specialized programs, will be viewed favorably. Furthermore, the analysis will consider the practice’s ability to coordinate care and facilitate seamless referrals to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists involved in lung cancer treatment.

Telemedicine adoption represents another crucial aspect of the Lung Cancer Score. The ability to provide remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists via telehealth can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Upperglade. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments for appropriate cases, will receive a higher score. This is especially important for follow-up appointments and consultations with specialists who may be located outside of the immediate geographical area.

Mental health resources play a significant role in the overall well-being of lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is essential for coping with the challenges of treatment and recovery. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices and the broader community. This includes examining whether practices have integrated mental health professionals into their care teams or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. The presence of support groups, counseling services, and access to psychiatric care will be considered.

The analysis will also consider the availability of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. For lung cancer patients, palliative care can improve quality of life by managing pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. The presence of palliative care specialists or programs within the local healthcare system will be a positive factor in the Lung Cancer Score.

Furthermore, the analysis will explore the availability of financial assistance programs and resources. Lung cancer treatment can be expensive, and financial burdens can add to the stress and anxiety experienced by patients. Practices that assist patients in accessing financial aid, such as grants, patient assistance programs, and insurance navigation services, will be viewed favorably.

The analysis will also assess the level of community outreach and education efforts undertaken by primary care practices. Practices that actively engage in community education about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment will receive a higher score. This includes participation in health fairs, educational seminars, and the distribution of informational materials.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for ZIP code 26266 and Upperglade will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the availability, quality, and accessibility of lung cancer-related care within the region. The analysis will provide a detailed assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in addressing the needs of lung cancer patients. The final score will reflect the degree to which the local healthcare system provides access to quality care, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive services.

This comprehensive analysis aims to provide a valuable assessment of the lung cancer care landscape in ZIP code 26266 and the primary care availability in Upperglade. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system can help patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers improve the quality of care and outcomes for individuals affected by lung cancer.

For a visual representation of the data and insights gained from this analysis, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, physician-to-patient ratios, and other relevant data points within ZIP code 26266. These maps can provide a clearer understanding of the healthcare landscape and help identify areas where improvements are needed. **Visit CartoChrome today to visualize your data and gain a deeper understanding of the lung cancer care landscape in your area.**