26560, Baxter, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26560, Baxter, West Virginia is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.67 percent of the residents in 26560 has some form of health insurance. 78.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 26560 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 62 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26560. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,391 health care providers accessible to residents in 26560, Baxter, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26560 & Primary Care in Baxter

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians practicing within ZIP code 26560, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The analysis also considers the availability of primary care services in the broader context of Baxter, where ZIP code 26560 is located. This score aims to offer insights into the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the context of lung cancer care.

The Lung Cancer Score considers several key indicators. These include the physician-to-patient ratio, which impacts access to care and the potential for timely screenings. Early detection is crucial in lung cancer, and a higher ratio of patients per primary care physician could lead to delayed screenings. The analysis also examines the adoption of telemedicine, which can enhance access to specialists and follow-up care, particularly for patients in rural areas. Mental health resources are also critical, as a lung cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient’s emotional well-being. The availability of these resources is integrated into the scoring. Finally, the analysis considers the presence of standout practices, which are those demonstrating excellence in patient care, screening protocols, and patient support.

In ZIP code 26560, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise data on the exact ratio within this specific ZIP code is difficult to obtain without extensive primary source research, the broader context of rural healthcare shortages suggests a potentially concerning ratio. Baxter County, and by extension, ZIP code 26560, likely faces challenges in recruiting and retaining primary care physicians. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventive care, and potentially delayed lung cancer screenings. The score will reflect the likely constraints on patient access.

Telemedicine adoption is another area for assessment. The utilization of telehealth services can mitigate some of the challenges posed by a limited number of physicians. Telemedicine allows patients to access specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and participate in virtual support groups. A high Lung Cancer Score will reflect practices that have embraced telemedicine to improve patient access and convenience. The analysis will examine if local practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources.

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial element in the Lung Cancer Score. A lung cancer diagnosis is often accompanied by significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, referrals to qualified therapists, or access to support groups will score favorably. The analysis will investigate the presence of integrated behavioral health services or partnerships with mental health professionals in the area.

Identifying standout practices is a key aspect of this analysis. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care. This includes practices that proactively offer lung cancer screenings, adhere to evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, and provide comprehensive patient support. The score will highlight practices that have implemented robust screening protocols, patient education programs, and readily available support services. The analysis will look for practices that are actively participating in continuing medical education related to lung cancer.

Primary care availability within Baxter, the broader geographic area, is also a consideration. While this analysis focuses on ZIP code 26560, the overall healthcare landscape in Baxter influences the accessibility of care for residents of the ZIP code. The analysis will consider the number of primary care physicians serving the county, the geographic distribution of these physicians, and the presence of any federally qualified health centers or other safety-net providers.

The Lung Cancer Score will also factor in the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and primary care physicians play a vital role in helping patients quit. Practices that offer smoking cessation programs, counseling, and medication assistance will receive a higher score. The analysis will investigate the availability of these resources within the primary care practices in ZIP code 26560.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the integration of patient navigation services. Patient navigators can assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and providing emotional support. Practices that employ patient navigators will be viewed favorably, as these services can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. The analysis will assess the presence of patient navigation programs within the primary care practices.

The Lung Cancer Score is not simply a numerical rating. It is a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 26560, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in the context of lung cancer care. The score will reflect the challenges posed by physician shortages, the opportunities presented by telemedicine, and the importance of mental health support. It also will highlight the importance of smoking cessation resources, and the role of patient navigation.

The final score will be a composite of all these factors, providing a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care in the area, as well as for healthcare providers seeking to improve their services. The score is a snapshot in time and is subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves. Regular updates will be necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of support services.

The Lung Cancer Score will provide a useful framework for understanding the healthcare environment in ZIP code 26560 and Baxter. It is intended to be a starting point for further investigation and discussion, not a definitive judgment. The goal is to provide information that empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and encourages healthcare providers to continuously improve their services.

Ultimately, understanding the healthcare landscape is a complex undertaking. Visualizing these data points and their relationships can be invaluable. To gain a deeper understanding of the primary care landscape in ZIP code 26560 and Baxter, and to visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping tools offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data points discussed in this analysis, allowing you to see the geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant factors.