26422, Reynoldsville, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26422, Reynoldsville, West Virginia is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.35 percent of the residents in 26422 has some form of health insurance. 23.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.74 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 26422 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 104 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26422. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 56 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 945 health care providers accessible to residents in 26422, Reynoldsville, West Virginia.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially within a specific geographical area, is a complex interplay of factors. Analyzing the quality of care available in Reynoldsville, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26422), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will focus on assessing the availability and quality of primary care physicians, their preparedness to address lung cancer concerns, and the support systems in place. It will also explore the adoption of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care.

The first critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians, can significantly impact access to care. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying early detection and intervention for lung cancer. The analysis of Reynoldsville’s physician-to-patient ratio must be compared to state and national averages to determine the severity of any potential shortage. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the U.S. Census Bureau will be essential in this assessment.

Next, we must investigate the standout practices within the ZIP code. This involves identifying practices that consistently demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly regarding lung cancer screening and referral processes. This would involve looking at the quality of the practices, including the use of electronic health records, the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, and the promptness of referrals to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists. Patient reviews, if available, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the overall patient experience.

A key component of modern healthcare is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine can be a game-changer, particularly in rural areas like Reynoldsville, by improving access to specialists and providing convenient follow-up care. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption by primary care physicians in the area is crucial. This includes determining whether physicians offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and access to telehealth platforms for specialist referrals. The availability of reliable internet access, a common challenge in rural areas, is also a significant factor in the successful implementation of telemedicine.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical aspect of comprehensive care. The analysis must evaluate the accessibility of mental health services for patients in Reynoldsville. This includes identifying the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists within the area or through telehealth services. The integration of mental health support into primary care practices, such as offering on-site counseling or providing referrals to mental health professionals, is a significant indicator of comprehensive care.

Beyond the immediate medical infrastructure, the analysis should consider the presence of community resources that support lung cancer patients. This includes support groups, educational programs, and access to financial assistance for treatment costs. The availability of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Local hospitals, community health centers, and cancer support organizations are key sources of information about these resources.

The analysis must also consider the screening practices of the primary care physicians. Lung cancer screening, particularly with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, is a critical tool for early detection. The analysis should determine the extent to which primary care physicians are aware of and adhere to screening guidelines recommended by organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This includes assessing whether physicians are proactively discussing screening with eligible patients, ordering LDCT scans when appropriate, and following up on abnormal findings.

The referral process is another critical aspect of care. When a primary care physician suspects lung cancer, timely and appropriate referral to a specialist is essential. The analysis should evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the referral process in Reynoldsville. This includes assessing the time it takes to get a referral, the ease with which patients can access specialists, and the communication between primary care physicians and specialists.

The analysis should also consider the overall quality of the healthcare system in Reynoldsville. This includes assessing the accreditation status of local hospitals and clinics, the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment options, and the overall patient satisfaction with the healthcare services. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by healthcare facilities in the area.

Furthermore, it is important to look at the overall health of the population in Reynoldsville. Factors such as smoking rates, exposure to environmental hazards, and access to healthy food options can significantly impact the risk of lung cancer. The analysis should consider these factors and their potential impact on the burden of lung cancer in the community. Public health data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources can provide valuable insights into these factors.

Finally, the analysis must synthesize all the collected data to provide a comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' for Reynoldsville. This score should reflect the overall quality of care available, the accessibility of services, and the preparedness of the healthcare system to address lung cancer concerns. The score should be based on a clear methodology, with each factor weighted according to its importance. The score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, with recommendations for improvement.

For a comprehensive visual representation of this data, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive and insightful way to understand the healthcare landscape of Reynoldsville, West Virginia.