26327, Berea, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26327, Berea, West Virginia is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.68 percent of the residents in 26327 has some form of health insurance. 44.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.05 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 26327 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 39 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26327. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 30 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 87 health care providers accessible to residents in 26327, Berea, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26327 and Primary Care in Berea

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment within ZIP code 26327, focusing specifically on primary care access in the Berea area. We will evaluate factors crucial for early detection and comprehensive patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and responsive primary care. In Berea, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) significantly impacts the likelihood of early diagnosis. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening rates, and ultimately, poorer patient outcomes. Conversely, a favorable ratio facilitates timely access to care, enabling PCPs to conduct regular screenings, educate patients about risk factors, and refer individuals with suspected lung cancer promptly to specialists. Data on the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 26327 and the surrounding Berea area is essential for a comprehensive evaluation. Publicly available resources, such as data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide valuable insights into this critical metric.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices plays a crucial role. Identifying standout practices within the Berea area requires evaluating several factors. These include the practice’s commitment to preventative care, particularly lung cancer screening protocols. Do these practices adhere to guidelines established by organizations like the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? Do they offer low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients? Furthermore, the patient experience is paramount. Practices with a strong reputation for patient satisfaction, as reflected in online reviews and patient testimonials, are likely to provide a higher standard of care. Investigating the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to coordinate care with specialists are also vital considerations. Practices that effectively utilize EHRs to track patient data, manage referrals, and communicate with specialists contribute to a more streamlined and efficient healthcare experience.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Berea. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in the area is crucial. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education and follow-up care. Practices that embrace telemedicine can enhance access to specialists, provide convenient follow-up appointments, and improve patient adherence to treatment plans.

The impact of mental health on cancer patients is profound. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is therefore essential. This includes the availability of on-site mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, and the ability to refer patients to external mental health services. Practices that prioritize mental health support can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of their illness, improving their overall well-being and potentially enhancing treatment outcomes. Assessing the availability and accessibility of these resources is a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score analysis.

Specific practices within the Berea area warrant closer scrutiny. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to lung cancer screening, patient education, and comprehensive care is essential. This requires a detailed review of their services, patient outcomes, and adherence to best practices. For example, a practice that actively promotes lung cancer screening for eligible patients, provides smoking cessation counseling, and offers comprehensive support services would likely receive a higher score. Publicly available data, such as practice websites, patient reviews, and information from healthcare directories, can be used to identify these standout practices.

Furthermore, the presence of specialists within a reasonable distance is a key factor. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The proximity of hospitals and cancer centers that offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, also impacts patient outcomes. Evaluating the referral pathways from primary care practices to these specialists is a crucial aspect of the overall assessment.

The Lung Cancer Score analysis also needs to consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence access to care. Factors such as insurance coverage, transportation options, and the socioeconomic status of the population can significantly impact a patient’s ability to access healthcare services. Practices that are sensitive to these factors and offer services to address these barriers, such as financial assistance programs or transportation support, are more likely to provide equitable care. Understanding the demographics of the population within ZIP code 26327 and the surrounding Berea area is essential for a comprehensive assessment.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment within ZIP code 26327 requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to identify areas of strength and weakness within the healthcare system and to provide insights that can inform efforts to improve access to care and enhance patient outcomes. This analysis, though detailed, is only a starting point.

To gain a comprehensive, visually driven understanding of the healthcare landscape in Berea and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, we encourage you to explore the power of **CartoChrome maps**. They provide a dynamic and interactive platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to gain deeper insights and make more informed decisions.