26554, Fairmont, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26554, Fairmont, West Virginia is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.86 percent of the residents in 26554 has some form of health insurance. 41.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.40 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 26554 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,820 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 49 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26554. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,976 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,857 health care providers accessible to residents in 26554, Fairmont, West Virginia.

The following analysis explores the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 26554, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians in Fairmont, West Virginia, and assessing key factors that influence patient outcomes. This analysis does not provide medical advice.

Fairmont, West Virginia, and its surrounding areas, including the 26554 ZIP code, face unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The prevalence of lung cancer, often linked to historical and ongoing environmental factors, necessitates a robust and accessible healthcare system. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, a critical entry point for early detection and management, alongside other factors influencing patient care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Fairmont is a crucial indicator of access. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Assessing this ratio requires data from various sources, including the West Virginia Board of Medicine and national databases tracking physician distribution. A shortage of primary care physicians can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, increasing the risk of late-stage diagnoses and poorer outcomes.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the 26554 ZIP code is important. Are physicians clustered in specific areas, leaving other areas underserved? This geographic analysis helps identify potential health disparities and areas where resources need to be directed. Furthermore, the age and experience of the physicians are factors. Experienced physicians may have a deeper understanding of the local health challenges and a greater ability to diagnose and manage complex cases.

Standout practices in Fairmont can be identified through several criteria. These practices may demonstrate excellence in areas such as patient satisfaction, early detection rates, adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment, and patient education. They might also have strong partnerships with specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, to ensure seamless care coordination. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research initiatives demonstrate a commitment to advancing lung cancer care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Fairmont. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel time and costs, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. It also allows for remote consultations with specialists, improving access to expertise that might not be readily available locally. The availability of telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education resources, should be evaluated.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in cancer care, but they are critical for patient well-being. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential. Integrated care models, where mental health services are provided within the primary care setting or in close collaboration with oncology specialists, are particularly beneficial. Support groups, patient navigators, and other supportive services also play a vital role in providing comprehensive care.

The quality of the healthcare infrastructure also influences patient outcomes. This includes the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment, such as CT scanners and PET scanners, as well as the presence of radiation therapy facilities. Access to these resources within a reasonable distance is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The efficiency of the referral process, the availability of patient education materials, and the use of electronic health records also impact the quality of care.

Assessing the quality of care also requires an understanding of the health insurance landscape in Fairmont. The percentage of insured patients, the types of insurance plans accepted by local providers, and the availability of financial assistance programs for uninsured or underinsured patients are all relevant factors. The ability of patients to access affordable care is a significant determinant of their health outcomes.

The analysis of lung cancer care in Fairmont, WV, must consider the social determinants of health. These factors, such as socioeconomic status, education level, access to healthy food, and environmental exposures, can significantly impact a patient's risk of developing lung cancer and their ability to access and benefit from treatment. Addressing these social determinants is essential for improving health equity and reducing disparities in lung cancer outcomes.

The analysis of lung cancer care in Fairmont, WV, requires a multifaceted approach. It needs to consider the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided, the availability of mental health resources, the adoption of telemedicine, and the influence of social determinants of health. By examining these factors, it is possible to create a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fairmont, WV, including physician distribution, access to care, and the impact of social determinants of health, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive visualizations that allow you to explore the data and identify patterns and trends.