26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.44 percent of the residents in 26385 has some form of health insurance. 39.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.47 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 26385 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 681 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26385. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 696 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 465 health care providers accessible to residents in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26385 and Primary Care Availability in Lost Creek**

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare resources within ZIP code 26385, focusing on primary care availability in Lost Creek, West Virginia, with specific attention to factors relevant to lung cancer detection and treatment. The objective is to assess the overall preparedness of the local healthcare landscape to address the needs of potential lung cancer patients, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and quality primary care. Early detection is crucial for improved outcomes, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. Therefore, the availability and accessibility of PCPs in Lost Creek are paramount. The analysis will delve into the density of PCPs per capita within the defined geographic area. A low physician-to-patient ratio can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more robust system with potentially shorter wait times and greater access to care.

Lost Creek, being a relatively small community, might face challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. The analysis will investigate the current physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 26385. Data sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and publicly available healthcare directories will be used to determine the number of practicing PCPs in the area. This data will be compared to the population of Lost Creek and the surrounding areas to calculate the ratio. Furthermore, the analysis will consider the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code to determine if there are any underserved areas.

Beyond the raw numbers, the analysis will evaluate the characteristics of the primary care practices in Lost Creek. This includes the types of services offered, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, and the presence of specialists who can assist in lung cancer screening and diagnosis. Practices with on-site X-ray facilities, access to CT scans, and established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists will be viewed favorably. The presence of patient navigators, who can guide patients through the complex healthcare system, will also be considered a positive factor.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Its ability to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists is particularly relevant to lung cancer care. The analysis will assess the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Lost Creek. This includes evaluating whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists through telehealth platforms. Practices that embrace telemedicine are better positioned to provide timely consultations, follow-up care, and access to specialists, which can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within Lost Creek and the surrounding areas. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and access to mental health services through primary care practices will also be considered. The integration of mental health services into the overall healthcare system is crucial for supporting patients throughout their lung cancer journey.

The analysis will identify standout practices within ZIP code 26385. These practices will be recognized for their commitment to providing comprehensive and patient-centered care. The criteria for identifying standout practices will include a high physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, and the integration of mental health services. Practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to patient education and support will also be considered.

The overall Lung Cancer Score will be determined based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will each contribute to the final score. The weighting of each factor will be determined based on its relative importance in providing quality lung cancer care. The resulting score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the preparedness of the local healthcare landscape to address the needs of potential lung cancer patients.

This analysis will also consider the potential impact of socio-economic factors on healthcare access. Lost Creek, like many rural communities, may face challenges related to poverty, transportation, and insurance coverage. These factors can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care. The analysis will consider the availability of resources to address these challenges, such as financial assistance programs, transportation services, and patient education materials.

The analysis will also consider the presence of community outreach programs and initiatives aimed at promoting lung cancer awareness and early detection. These programs can play a crucial role in educating the public about the risks of lung cancer, encouraging early screening, and connecting patients with the resources they need. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs will be viewed favorably.

The final Lung Cancer Score will provide a valuable tool for residents of Lost Creek and the surrounding areas. It will help them understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. It will also provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and work towards creating a more robust and patient-centered healthcare system.

The analysis will also consider the impact of healthcare policies and regulations on the availability and accessibility of lung cancer care. This includes evaluating the impact of the Affordable Care Act, the availability of Medicaid and Medicare coverage, and the presence of state-level initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access.

The conclusion of this analysis will synthesize the findings and provide a clear and concise summary of the Lung Cancer Score for doctors in ZIP code 26385 and primary care availability in Lost Creek. This summary will highlight the key strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and provide recommendations for improvement. The analysis will emphasize the importance of early detection, comprehensive care, and patient support in improving outcomes for lung cancer patients.

For a more detailed and interactive visualization of healthcare resources in Lost Creek and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to specialists, we encourage you to explore the CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the local healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about your healthcare needs.