26270, Harman, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26270, Harman, West Virginia is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.63 percent of the residents in 26270 has some form of health insurance. 69.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.72 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 26270 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 66 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26270. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 141 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 426 health care providers accessible to residents in 26270, Harman, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26270 and Primary Care Availability in Harman, West Virginia**

The assessment of healthcare resources within a specific geographic area, particularly concerning a disease as serious as lung cancer, demands a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the quality of care and accessibility for residents of ZIP Code 26270, encompassing the town of Harman, West Virginia, with a specific focus on primary care availability and its impact on lung cancer outcomes. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, considering factors such as 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 lies in early detection and comprehensive management. This begins with accessible and high-quality primary care. In Harman, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the ability of residents to receive regular checkups, screenings, and timely referrals to specialists. A low physician-to-patient ratio in the area would indicate a potential bottleneck in access to care. This could lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, ultimately affecting survival rates and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer.

Evaluating the existing primary care infrastructure requires examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within ZIP Code 26270, or within a reasonable commuting distance for residents. This includes family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and general practitioners. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the West Virginia Board of Medicine, and local healthcare providers would be essential for determining the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, would negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. Are the existing practices well-equipped to handle the complexities of lung cancer prevention and early detection? This involves assessing the availability of services like smoking cessation programs, which are critical for reducing lung cancer risk. Do primary care practices offer or readily facilitate access to lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, for eligible individuals? The presence of these preventative measures would enhance the Lung Cancer Score.

The identification of “standout practices” is another critical aspect of this analysis. This involves looking for primary care clinics or individual physicians that demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly in the context of lung cancer. This can be determined through patient reviews, peer recognition, and the adoption of best practices. Are there any practices known for their commitment to patient education, proactive screening, or coordinated care with specialists? These practices would contribute positively to the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. In rural areas like Harman, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to healthcare. The availability of virtual consultations with primary care physicians and specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, can be a game-changer. Telemedicine allows patients to receive timely advice, follow-up care, and even remote monitoring, potentially reducing the need for travel and improving patient outcomes. A higher level of telemedicine adoption would positively influence the Lung Cancer Score.

The impact of mental health resources cannot be overlooked. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound emotional impact on patients and their families. Access to mental health support, including counseling and support groups, is essential for coping with the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany this disease. The availability of mental health services within the community, or readily accessible through referrals, is a crucial component of holistic care. The presence of these resources would positively influence the Lung Cancer Score.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, is not a simple numerical value. It's a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare resources related to lung cancer within the specified geographic area. It would incorporate the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of preventative services, the existence of standout practices, the degree of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support. Each of these factors would be weighted based on their relative importance in influencing lung cancer outcomes.

In the context of ZIP Code 26270 and Harman, the Lung Cancer Score would likely be influenced by the challenges of rural healthcare, including potential shortages of physicians and limited access to specialized services. However, the score could be improved by identifying and promoting the strengths of the existing healthcare infrastructure, such as any exemplary practices, and by encouraging the adoption of innovative solutions like telemedicine. The score would also be sensitive to initiatives that improve access to mental health support and smoking cessation programs.

Understanding the healthcare landscape in this area requires a detailed analysis of data, including physician availability, the presence of specialized services, and the utilization of telemedicine. This analysis highlights the importance of primary care and its role in early detection and management of lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Score is a tool that can be used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and to identify areas for improvement.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in this area, including the location of primary care practices, the availability of specialists, and the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing the mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data, enabling a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and its impact on the community.