26722, Green Spring, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26722, Green Spring, West Virginia is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26722 has some form of health insurance. 68.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.67 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 26722 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26722. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 121 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 303 health care providers accessible to residents in 26722, Green Spring, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Green Spring, WV (ZIP Code 26722)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care services within ZIP code 26722, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection and treatment. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, all crucial elements in supporting patients facing this challenging disease. The analysis will concentrate on the Green Spring area, a community within the specified ZIP code.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with strong primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact. They are responsible for screening, referrals, and coordinating care. Therefore, the physician-to-patient ratio in Green Spring is a critical indicator. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) will be used to estimate this ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, is generally associated with better access to care and potentially earlier detection. However, this must be considered alongside the specific expertise of the physicians available.

The quality of primary care practices in Green Spring plays a vital role. Are there any standout practices that excel in preventative care, particularly lung cancer screening? This involves assessing factors such as the availability of smoking cessation programs, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for tracking patient health, and the adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Practices that actively encourage and facilitate screening for high-risk individuals, including those with a history of smoking or exposure to other risk factors, are crucial. This evaluation will look at publicly available information, including practice websites and patient reviews, to identify any practices demonstrating superior performance in these areas.

Telemedicine adoption is another important consideration. In rural areas like Green Spring, telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who may face geographical barriers to in-person appointments. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The analysis will investigate the extent to which primary care practices in the area offer telemedicine services. This includes assessing the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), the ease of access to these services, and the technological infrastructure in place to support them. Practices that embrace telemedicine are better positioned to provide timely and convenient care, which is particularly important for patients managing chronic conditions like lung cancer.

The mental health of lung cancer patients is another critical factor. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore essential. The analysis will explore the availability of mental health services in Green Spring and the surrounding areas. This includes examining the number of mental health professionals, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance coverage, waiting times). The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or the ease of referral to mental health specialists, will be considered as a positive indicator.

Assessing the overall “Lung Cancer Score” for Green Spring (ZIP Code 26722) requires synthesizing all these factors. A practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a strong focus on preventative care, robust telemedicine capabilities, and ready access to mental health resources would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited resources, poor access, and a lack of attention to patient well-being would receive a lower score. The final score will reflect the overall readiness of the primary care system to support patients with lung cancer, from early detection through treatment and recovery.

It is important to note that this analysis is based on publicly available information and estimates. A more comprehensive assessment would require direct access to practice-level data, including patient outcomes and specific screening rates. However, this analysis provides a valuable overview of the current state of primary care in Green Spring and highlights areas where improvements could be made to better serve patients with lung cancer.

The findings of this analysis will be used to develop a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" for the area. This score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, with each factor being assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The final score will be presented on a scale, providing a clear and concise assessment of the overall quality of care.

The goal is to empower patients and healthcare providers with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, patients can proactively seek out the best possible care. Healthcare providers can use this information to identify areas for improvement and to collaborate with other providers to enhance the quality of care.

This analysis is not intended to provide medical advice. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This analysis is for informational purposes only.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Green Spring and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and mental health resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and help you to better understand the accessibility of care in your community.