26619, Exchange, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26619, Exchange, West Virginia is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 72.95 percent of the residents in 26619 has some form of health insurance. 72.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 2.44 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 26619 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 124 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26619. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 98 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 235 health care providers accessible to residents in 26619, Exchange, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26619 and Exchange Primary Care

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care access within ZIP Code 26619, focusing on primary care availability within the Health Insurance Exchange and its impact on patient outcomes. The evaluation considers several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to individuals at risk of, or currently battling, lung cancer in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible and quality primary care. In the context of the Health Insurance Exchange, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) accepting Exchange plans is paramount. Limited access to PCPs can delay diagnosis, hindering early intervention and potentially impacting survival rates. This analysis assesses the density of PCPs within the Exchange network serving ZIP Code 26619, examining the number of physicians per capita and the ease with which patients can secure appointments. A low physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with long wait times for appointments, negatively impacts the overall score.

Standout practices within the area are crucial for elevating the quality of care. These practices are identified by their commitment to comprehensive patient care, including early detection strategies, such as lung cancer screening programs, and a proactive approach to patient education. They also demonstrate a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary care, ensuring seamless coordination between primary care, pulmonology, oncology, and other relevant specialties. The presence of these practices significantly boosts the overall score, as they provide a model for best practices and contribute to a higher standard of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in assessing lung cancer care access. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can improve patient convenience and reduce barriers to care, especially for those residing in rural areas or facing mobility challenges. The analysis evaluates the extent to which physicians in ZIP Code 26619 offer telemedicine services, including the types of services available (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring) and the ease of access to these services. High telemedicine adoption rates positively influence the score.

The psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is profound. Mental health resources are thus essential components of comprehensive care. This analysis examines the availability of mental health services within the Exchange network, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The presence of integrated mental health services within primary care practices or oncology clinics significantly enhances the score, as it demonstrates a commitment to addressing the holistic needs of patients. The availability of resources like support groups, both in-person and virtual, also plays a crucial role.

Specific practices within ZIP Code 26619 are evaluated based on their performance across these key metrics. The assessment considers factors such as the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the availability of same-day or next-day appointments, and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to patient education, preventative care, and early detection strategies receive higher scores. The evaluation also considers patient satisfaction scores, as these provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided.

The physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 26619 is a critical indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care. The analysis examines the ratio of PCPs accepting Exchange plans to the population within the ZIP code. A higher ratio, indicating better access to care, positively impacts the overall score. Furthermore, the analysis considers the geographic distribution of physicians within the ZIP code, identifying areas with potential physician shortages.

The Health Insurance Exchange plays a vital role in providing access to affordable healthcare, including primary care services. The analysis assesses the availability of PCPs within the Exchange network serving ZIP Code 26619. This includes evaluating the number of participating physicians, the types of plans accepted, and the ease with which patients can find a PCP within the network. A robust Exchange network with a high number of participating PCPs, coupled with convenient access to care, positively impacts the overall score.

The evaluation also considers the presence of lung cancer screening programs within the area. Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates, and the availability of low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals is a significant factor. The analysis identifies practices that offer lung cancer screening programs, including the eligibility criteria for screening and the process for accessing these services. The presence of these programs significantly enhances the overall score.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and interoperability between healthcare providers is also considered. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. The analysis assesses the extent to which physicians in ZIP Code 26619 utilize EHRs and the degree to which these systems are interoperable with other healthcare providers. Higher levels of EHR adoption and interoperability positively impact the overall score.

The analysis also considers the availability of patient navigation services. Patient navigators assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, providing support and guidance throughout their cancer journey. The presence of patient navigation services within primary care practices or oncology clinics significantly enhances the score, as it demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive patient support. These navigators can help patients schedule appointments, understand treatment options, and access financial assistance programs.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 26619 is a composite metric reflecting the performance across all these key factors. The score is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the resources available to individuals at risk of, or currently battling, lung cancer in this specific geographic area. The score is intended to be a dynamic measure, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape over time. The analysis is intended to provide valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, informing decisions related to healthcare access and quality.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 26619, including detailed maps of physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps.