26435, Simpson, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26435, Simpson, West Virginia is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.85 percent of the residents in 26435 has some form of health insurance. 64.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 26.92 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 26435 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 49 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26435. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 23 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 543 health care providers accessible to residents in 26435, Simpson, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Simpson, WV (ZIP Code 26435)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of lung cancer care accessibility and quality within ZIP code 26435, focusing on primary care physician availability, resource utilization, and overall healthcare landscape. The goal is to establish a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease with which individuals in Simpson, WV, can access timely and effective lung cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This score will be determined by evaluating several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. Within Simpson, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is the first step. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. The quality of primary care is also crucial. Are PCPs actively promoting smoking cessation programs? Are they adhering to the latest guidelines for lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals? Assessing these factors is essential for a thorough evaluation. Data sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and publicly available health statistics will be utilized to determine the physician-to-patient ratio and gauge the degree of primary care practice adherence to best practices.

Beyond simple availability, the presence of specialized services within or near Simpson is vital. Does the area have access to pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists? The proximity to these specialists significantly impacts the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment. The Lung Cancer Score will consider the travel time to these specialists, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools like low-dose CT scans, and the presence of comprehensive cancer centers. The absence of these specialists and facilities will negatively impact the score, while their proximity and accessibility will improve it.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, especially in rural areas like Simpson, by offering virtual consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring. The Lung Cancer Score will assess the extent to which local primary care practices and specialists utilize telemedicine platforms. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, the ease of use of these platforms, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care process. The more robust the telemedicine infrastructure, the higher the score.

Mental health support is often overlooked but is an integral part of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within Simpson and the surrounding areas. This includes assessing the presence of therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer care. The integration of mental health services into the overall treatment plan, such as offering counseling during chemotherapy or radiation therapy, will positively influence the score.

Identifying standout practices within the 26435 ZIP code is a key component of the analysis. These practices may demonstrate excellence in several areas, such as high patient satisfaction, adherence to best practices, and innovative approaches to care. The Lung Cancer Score will highlight these practices, recognizing their contributions to improving lung cancer care in the community. This could involve practices that have implemented robust smoking cessation programs, actively promote lung cancer screenings, or provide exceptional patient support.

The analysis will also incorporate data on health insurance coverage rates within Simpson. Access to affordable healthcare is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. The Lung Cancer Score will consider the percentage of residents with health insurance and the availability of financial assistance programs for those who need it. High rates of uninsured individuals will negatively impact the score, as it can create barriers to care.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be a composite metric reflecting the weighted average of all these factors. Each factor will be assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance in determining the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care. The score will range from a low value, indicating poor access and quality, to a high value, indicating excellent access and quality. This score will serve as a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Simpson, WV, and to identify areas for improvement.

Data gathering will involve a combination of public records, healthcare provider surveys, and patient feedback. Public records, such as those from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, will provide information on physician-to-patient ratios, health insurance coverage rates, and the prevalence of lung cancer in the area. Healthcare provider surveys will gather information on the availability of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Patient feedback will be collected through surveys and interviews to assess patient satisfaction, access to care, and the overall patient experience.

The analysis will also consider the impact of social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, education level, and access to transportation. These factors can significantly influence an individual's risk of developing lung cancer and their ability to access care. The Lung Cancer Score will incorporate these factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Simpson.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, along with recommendations for improving lung cancer care in Simpson. These recommendations may include increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding access to specialized services, promoting telemedicine adoption, and improving mental health support. The goal is to empower residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to improve the health and well-being of the community.

The Lung Cancer Score analysis will be a dynamic process, and the score will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This ongoing monitoring will ensure that the analysis remains relevant and useful in guiding efforts to improve lung cancer care in Simpson, WV.

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