26750, Piedmont, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26750, Piedmont, West Virginia is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.92 percent of the residents in 26750 has some form of health insurance. 50.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.66 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 26750 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 243 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26750. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 164 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 390 health care providers accessible to residents in 26750, Piedmont, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Piedmont, WV (ZIP Code 26750)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP Code 26750, Piedmont, West Virginia, and evaluates the availability of primary care services in the broader Piedmont area. The score is a composite, considering factors crucial for effective lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis is designed to offer insights into the healthcare landscape and highlight areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Piedmont, a rural community, faces inherent challenges in healthcare access. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians for a given population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and potentially, delayed diagnoses. This directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis would examine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the service area, considering both full-time and part-time practitioners. Data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine, coupled with population estimates for the Piedmont area, would be used to calculate this crucial ratio.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in preventative care, early detection, and patient management. The analysis would scrutinize practices for their implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals at high risk (e.g., current or former smokers). The availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, a critical tool for early detection, would be assessed. Practices actively participating in cancer registries and adhering to national guidelines for follow-up care after a positive diagnosis would be considered favorably. Furthermore, practices that actively engage in patient education and smoking cessation programs would contribute positively to their score.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in enhancing healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists, receive follow-up care, and access mental health services remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving outcomes. The analysis would assess the extent to which practices in the Piedmont area utilize telemedicine platforms for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. Practices offering telehealth options for mental health services would receive a higher score, recognizing the importance of integrated care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, yet they play a crucial role in lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other challenges. The analysis would evaluate the availability of mental health services within the Piedmont area, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through on-site providers or referrals to external resources, would be recognized for their commitment to holistic patient care. The presence of support groups specifically tailored to cancer patients and their families would also be considered.

The Lung Cancer Score is a dynamic measure. The analysis would consider the presence of any community health initiatives focused on lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. This includes partnerships between healthcare providers, local hospitals, and community organizations. The availability of resources such as smoking cessation programs, educational materials, and outreach events would be factored into the overall score.

The specific practices within ZIP Code 26750 would be evaluated based on their adherence to best practices. The analysis would consider factors like the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability, which can facilitate communication and coordination of care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning would be viewed positively. The analysis would also examine patient satisfaction data, when available, to gauge the overall patient experience.

The impact of socioeconomic factors cannot be ignored. The analysis would consider the demographics of the Piedmont area, including factors such as income levels, education levels, and access to insurance. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to serving underserved populations and providing affordable care would be recognized for their dedication to health equity. The availability of financial assistance programs for cancer treatment and supportive services would also be assessed.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for the Piedmont area would be a reflection of the combined strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare infrastructure, with good access to primary care, a strong emphasis on preventative care, the availability of early detection tools, integrated mental health services, and a commitment to patient-centered care. A lower score would highlight areas that require improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding access to screening services, and increasing the availability of mental health support.

The analysis would not only provide a snapshot of the current healthcare landscape but also identify opportunities for improvement. Recommendations might include strategies to recruit more primary care physicians, expand access to LDCT screening, and promote the integration of mental health services into cancer care. The analysis would also highlight the importance of community-based initiatives to raise awareness about lung cancer prevention and early detection.

The analysis would also consider the impact of the local hospital, if one exists in the area. The availability of oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, would be a significant factor. The hospital's participation in clinical trials and its commitment to research would also be considered. The hospital's ability to provide comprehensive cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship support, would contribute positively to the overall Lung Cancer Score.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score analysis for ZIP Code 26750 and the Piedmont area provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape. It highlights the importance of primary care, early detection, and integrated mental health services in improving lung cancer outcomes. The analysis serves as a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify opportunities for improvement.

For a visual representation of the data and to explore the healthcare landscape in Piedmont and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. Their maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, healthcare resource availability, and population demographics, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.