26591, Worthington, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26591, Worthington, West Virginia is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 65.94 percent of the residents in 26591 has some form of health insurance. 32.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.60 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 26591 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 652 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26591. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 326 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 828 health care providers accessible to residents in 26591, Worthington, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Worthington, WV (ZIP Code 26591)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within the Worthington, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26591) area. It focuses on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to assess the overall healthcare landscape as it pertains to lung cancer patients and those at risk.

Worthington, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The limited population density often translates to fewer healthcare providers, potentially impacting access to care. This analysis aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system to inform patients, providers, and policymakers.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible primary care. Early detection through routine screenings and prompt referrals is crucial. Assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita within the 26591 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) and the U.S. Census Bureau are essential for calculating physician-to-patient ratios. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs for a given population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer health outcomes.

Research into the specific number of PCPs practicing within Worthington and the surrounding areas is necessary. Publicly available databases, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician Compare tool, can be utilized to identify practicing physicians. Furthermore, analyzing the patient panel sizes of local practices provides insight into their capacity to accommodate new patients. The analysis should consider the geographic distribution of these practices, including their proximity to Worthington and ease of access for residents.

**Standout Practices and Their Approaches**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their commitment to lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and patient support. This assessment considers factors like the use of evidence-based guidelines, the availability of advanced imaging technologies (e.g., low-dose CT scans), and the integration of multidisciplinary care teams.

Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., those with a history of smoking), should be highlighted. This includes practices actively promoting screening guidelines, educating patients about the benefits of early detection, and ensuring timely referrals to specialists.

The presence of dedicated oncology specialists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons within a reasonable distance is also critical. These specialists are crucial for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. Practices that have established strong referral networks with these specialists are likely to provide more comprehensive care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine offers a valuable tool to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to healthcare in rural areas like Worthington. Its adoption can significantly impact lung cancer care by enabling remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialist expertise.

The analysis should investigate the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine technologies. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing between providers.

Practices that have embraced telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel time, and potentially improve adherence to treatment plans. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists located outside the immediate area, expanding the range of available expertise.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Support**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can profoundly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore an essential component of comprehensive care.

The analysis should assess the availability of mental health services within the 26591 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This includes identifying psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups specializing in oncology or chronic illness.

Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, such as offering on-site counseling or providing referrals to mental health professionals, are particularly valuable. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, can provide patients with a sense of community and emotional support.

**Specific Considerations for Worthington**

Due to the small size of Worthington, the analysis must consider the surrounding areas, including Fairmont and Clarksburg, to obtain a realistic picture of healthcare access. The proximity of these larger towns and their respective healthcare facilities is a crucial factor in determining the overall healthcare landscape for Worthington residents.

The analysis should also consider the socio-economic factors that may influence healthcare access. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage rates, and transportation availability can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care.

**Conclusion**

Evaluating the healthcare resources available in Worthington, WV (ZIP Code 26591) reveals both challenges and opportunities in the context of lung cancer care. While the limited population density may present challenges regarding physician availability and access to specialized services, the community's proximity to larger towns like Fairmont and Clarksburg can mitigate these challenges.

The adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health services are critical for enhancing patient care and improving outcomes. Further research is needed to gather specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice-specific approaches, and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive analysis provides a valuable starting point for improving healthcare access and quality for individuals at risk of or affected by lung cancer in Worthington.

**Explore the data visually!**

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Worthington and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent physician locations, healthcare facility distribution, and other relevant data points, providing a powerful tool for assessing healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement.