The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26757, Romney, West Virginia is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 83.39 percent of the residents in 26757 has some form of health insurance. 47.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.44 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 26757 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,614 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26757. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,566 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 359 health care providers accessible to residents in 26757, Romney, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26757, Romney, West Virginia
Lung Cancer Score | 7 |
---|---|
People Score | 16 |
Provider Score | 29 |
Hospital Score | 22 |
Travel Score | 40 |
26757 | Romney | 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: Romney, WV (ZIP Code 26757)
Analyzing the availability and quality of healthcare resources for lung cancer patients in Romney, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26757) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health support, all crucial elements in a patient's journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. The goal is to establish a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of care within the specified geographic area.
Romney, a small town in Hampshire County, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery due to its rural nature. Population density is low, and the availability of specialized medical services, including oncology, is often limited. This necessitates a focus on the strength of the primary care network as a crucial gateway to specialized care.
**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in the strength of the primary care infrastructure. Early detection through routine screenings and timely referrals are critical. In Romney, the physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 26757 is paramount. This requires accessing data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau. The analysis should compare this ratio to both state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care services.
Furthermore, the type of primary care providers available is significant. Are there enough family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners? The presence of these professionals directly impacts the capacity to provide comprehensive care and manage chronic conditions often associated with lung cancer.
**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**
Identifying standout practices within the Romney area is crucial. These practices may demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative approaches to lung cancer screening, or strong patient support systems. Researching individual practices involves examining their services, patient reviews, and affiliations with larger healthcare networks.
Consider practices that actively promote lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. Practices that have streamlined referral processes to oncologists and pulmonologists are also valuable. Furthermore, the existence of patient navigators, who guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, significantly enhances the patient experience.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**
Telemedicine offers a valuable solution for overcoming geographical barriers in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine technologies by primary care providers in Romney directly impacts access to specialized care. Can patients consult with pulmonologists or oncologists remotely? Are virtual follow-up appointments available?
Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration requires examining the technology infrastructure of local practices. Do they have secure video conferencing platforms? Are they equipped to transmit medical records electronically? The availability of telemedicine can reduce travel time and expenses for patients, facilitating more frequent and convenient consultations.
**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**
Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. Assessing the integration of mental health services within the Romney healthcare system is essential.
This involves determining whether primary care practices offer on-site counseling or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. Are there support groups for cancer patients and their families? The integration of mental health services ensures that patients receive holistic care, addressing both their physical and emotional needs.
**Developing the Lung Cancer Score:**
The "Lung Cancer Score" for Romney, WV (ZIP Code 26757) should be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. Each factor should be assigned a weighted value based on its importance in providing quality lung cancer care. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might carry a significant weight, while the availability of telemedicine could have a slightly lower weight.
The score should be calculated based on data gathered from various sources, including:
* **Publicly available data:** Physician directories, census data, and healthcare provider websites.
* **Direct inquiries:** Contacting local primary care practices to gather information on their services, technology adoption, and mental health integration.
* **Patient surveys:** Gathering feedback from patients in the area to understand their experiences and perceptions of care.
The final score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, providing a snapshot of the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in Romney.
**Conclusion:**
Assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" for Romney, WV (ZIP Code 26757) is a complex undertaking that requires a comprehensive analysis of the healthcare landscape. By evaluating primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in providing quality lung cancer care in this rural community. This analysis provides valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve healthcare access and outcomes.
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