26362, Harrisville, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26362, Harrisville, West Virginia is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.34 percent of the residents in 26362 has some form of health insurance. 59.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.07 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 26362 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 601 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26362. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 768 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 75 health care providers accessible to residents in 26362, Harrisville, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Harrisville, WV (ZIP Code 26362)

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape in and around Harrisville, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26362), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the available resources, accessibility, and potential areas for improvement. This assessment considers physician availability, particularly primary care, as a crucial first point of contact, along with the adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health services, all vital components in a comprehensive approach to lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The foundation of any strong healthcare system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In the context of lung cancer, PCPs play a critical role in early detection through screening recommendations, risk assessment, and initial symptom management. Assessing PCP availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric, while not a perfect indicator, provides a baseline understanding of the potential burden on existing providers. A high patient-to-physician ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Research into the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 26362, and the surrounding areas, is crucial. This data should be compared to both state and national averages to determine if Harrisville faces a shortage of primary care providers. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the US Census Bureau, and the American Medical Association can provide the necessary information.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care services are paramount. This includes factors like the acceptance of various insurance plans, the availability of evening and weekend appointments, and the physical accessibility of offices. The presence of practices that are considered "standout" is also important. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, utilizing evidence-based guidelines, and proactively addressing patient needs. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive, potentially involving patient reviews, peer recommendations, and an examination of the services offered. Are there practices that actively promote lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals? Do they have established protocols for referring patients to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, promptly?

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in assessing healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Harrisville. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with specialists and receive care remotely. This is especially valuable for individuals who may have difficulty traveling long distances for appointments. The analysis should investigate the extent to which primary care practices in the area utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. Are virtual visits offered? Are patients able to access remote monitoring services? The availability of reliable internet connectivity in the region is also a crucial consideration, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked, yet it is a critical aspect of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis should explore the availability of mental health services in the area, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. Are there partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers? Do practices offer on-site mental health services or readily available referrals? The availability of support groups and educational resources for patients and their families should also be assessed.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of specialized services related to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This includes access to pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. The presence of a local hospital with advanced diagnostic capabilities, such as CT scanners and PET scanners, is also essential. The analysis should determine the proximity of these specialists and facilities to Harrisville, and assess the ease with which patients can access them. This involves evaluating travel times, appointment availability, and the overall coordination of care between primary care providers and specialists.

The assessment should also explore the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are crucial for prevention and early intervention. The analysis should identify the availability of smoking cessation counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and other support services in the area. Are these services readily accessible to patients, and are they integrated into the care provided by primary care practices?

Finally, the analysis should consider the overall healthcare infrastructure in the area. This includes the presence of community health centers, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and other organizations that provide healthcare services to underserved populations. These organizations often play a vital role in ensuring access to care for individuals who may face financial or other barriers. The analysis should assess the role of these organizations in providing lung cancer-related services and their collaboration with other healthcare providers in the area.

In conclusion, a comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' for Harrisville, WV (ZIP Code 26362) requires a multi-faceted assessment. It must consider physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of specialized services. While this analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape, a deeper dive into the specific data is essential to provide a truly informed assessment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources in Harrisville, WV, and the surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and hospitals, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can help you visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare providers and assess the accessibility of services in your community.