The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26568, Enterprise, West Virginia is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 92.60 percent of the residents in 26568 has some form of health insurance. 40.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.91 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 26568 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 184 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26568. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 139 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 853 health care providers accessible to residents in 26568, Enterprise, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26568, Enterprise, West Virginia
Lung Cancer Score | 88 |
---|---|
People Score | 87 |
Provider Score | 59 |
Hospital Score | 57 |
Travel Score | 52 |
26568 | Enterprise | West Virginia | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians in ZIP Code 26568 and Primary Care Availability in Enterprise**
This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 26568 (Morgantown, WV, and surrounding areas) and assesses primary care accessibility in Enterprise, Alabama, with a focus on factors relevant to lung cancer care. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial elements in navigating a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment journey.
The analysis begins with ZIP code 26568. A critical factor in assessing lung cancer care is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms, and timely referrals to specialists are vital for early detection and intervention. Examining the physician-to-patient ratio within this area is essential. A high ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care, allowing PCPs to dedicate more time to each patient, including thorough screenings and follow-up appointments. Conversely, a low ratio may suggest longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards can provide insights into these ratios.
Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. This involves assessing the practices’ adherence to established guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). These guidelines often recommend low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for individuals at high risk, including current and former smokers. Practices that proactively offer and promote these screenings demonstrate a commitment to early detection. Further assessment involves looking at patient reviews and ratings on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, which can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall patient experience.
Telemedicine has emerged as a significant force in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas and for patients with mobility limitations. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in 26568 is a crucial factor to consider. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, making healthcare more accessible and convenient. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies are better positioned to serve a wider patient population and provide ongoing support, especially for patients undergoing treatment or managing chronic conditions related to lung cancer. Information on telemedicine adoption can often be found on practice websites or through direct inquiries.
The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is immense. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. The presence of these resources can significantly improve patients’ coping mechanisms, adherence to treatment plans, and overall quality of life. Assessing the availability of these resources involves researching local mental health providers and examining whether primary care practices have established referral relationships.
Shifting focus to Enterprise, Alabama, the analysis concentrates on primary care availability and its impact on lung cancer care. Enterprise, as a city, should be assessed for its physician-to-patient ratio. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical boards can be used to determine this ratio. A low ratio could indicate potential challenges in accessing timely care.
The geographical distribution of primary care practices within Enterprise is another important factor. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, potentially leaving underserved populations? The proximity of practices to patients’ homes or workplaces can significantly impact access to care. Analyzing the distribution of practices can help identify potential gaps in service and inform strategies to improve access.
Beyond the physical presence of PCPs, the analysis considers the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, in the Enterprise area or nearby regions. Lung cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving specialists from various fields. The proximity and availability of these specialists are crucial for providing comprehensive and timely care. Assessing this involves researching local hospital affiliations and specialist networks.
The analysis also considers the presence of support services within Enterprise or the surrounding areas. These include support groups for patients and their families, smoking cessation programs, and patient navigation services. These services can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the treatment journey. The availability of these resources can significantly improve patients’ coping mechanisms, adherence to treatment plans, and overall quality of life.
The adoption of telemedicine in Enterprise is as crucial as in 26568. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, particularly for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. The availability of telemedicine services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, should be assessed.
Finally, the analysis considers the availability of mental health resources in Enterprise. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on mental health, and access to mental health support is essential. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups should be assessed.
The quality of care provided by primary care practices in Enterprise, including their adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines, should be evaluated. Practices that proactively offer and promote screenings demonstrate a commitment to early detection. Patient reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.
In conclusion, this analysis highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to lung cancer care, considering physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. Understanding the healthcare landscape in both 26568 and Enterprise is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.
For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis, enabling you to identify areas with high and low access to care and make informed decisions about your healthcare. **Click here to learn more about CartoChrome maps and how they can help you navigate the complexities of lung cancer care.**
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