26351, Glenville, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26351, Glenville, West Virginia is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.22 percent of the residents in 26351 has some form of health insurance. 35.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.42 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 26351 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 765 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26351. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 396 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 83 health care providers accessible to residents in 26351, Glenville, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score: Analyzing Healthcare in Glenville, WV (ZIP Code 26351)

Glenville, West Virginia, a small town nestled in the Appalachian foothills, presents a unique challenge when considering healthcare access, especially concerning a disease as serious as lung cancer. This analysis aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for the area, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and identifying potential areas for improvement. The analysis will use ZIP Code 26351 as its geographic parameter.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care is early detection and prompt treatment. This begins with accessible and quality primary care. Evaluating the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Glenville is crucial. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and ultimately, potentially poorer outcomes for patients at risk of or diagnosed with lung cancer. Publicly available data, such as those from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state health departments, can provide insights into the number of PCPs practicing within the 26351 ZIP code and the estimated population they serve. This data is vital for establishing a baseline understanding of access.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the presence of board-certified physicians, the availability of extended hours or weekend appointments, and the integration of preventative screening programs, such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals. These factors directly influence the likelihood of early lung cancer detection, which significantly improves treatment success rates. Assessing these qualitative aspects requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles, patient reviews, and potentially, interviews with local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to improve healthcare access in rural areas like Glenville. Telehealth consultations can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists, receive follow-up care, and participate in educational programs without traveling long distances. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption among PCPs in the 26351 ZIP code is a critical component of the "Lung Cancer Score." This involves determining which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technology infrastructure in place to support these services.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, is therefore a crucial factor in the overall well-being of lung cancer patients. Assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" necessitates an examination of the mental health resources available within Glenville and the surrounding areas. This includes identifying mental health providers, their specialties, their acceptance of insurance, and their capacity to serve the local population. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is also essential to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.

Identifying standout practices within the 26351 ZIP code is a key aspect of this analysis. These practices may demonstrate exemplary performance in areas such as patient communication, preventative screening, or the integration of telemedicine. Recognizing and highlighting these practices can serve as a model for other providers and contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare quality in the region. This involves examining patient satisfaction scores, reviewing practice websites, and potentially conducting site visits to assess the quality of care firsthand.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Glenville, WV (26351) is more than just a numerical rating. It is a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, considering factors that impact the early detection, treatment, and overall well-being of lung cancer patients. This score must be regularly updated, reflecting changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other relevant factors.

Data sources for this analysis include publicly available information from HRSA, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the American Medical Association, and online directories of healthcare providers. Patient reviews and testimonials, when available, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

This assessment is designed to provide a snapshot of the current healthcare environment in Glenville. The goal is to identify areas of strength and weakness, and to inform strategies for improving healthcare access and quality for individuals at risk of or diagnosed with lung cancer. The ultimate aim is to improve outcomes for those impacted by this devastating disease.

The "Lung Cancer Score" analysis will be most useful when viewed through a spatial lens. Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient populations, and disease prevalence is critical for effective planning and intervention. To visualize this information and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Glenville and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps.