26764, Terra Alta, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26764, Terra Alta, West Virginia is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.17 percent of the residents in 26764 has some form of health insurance. 52.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.77 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 26764 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,058 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26764. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 945 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 60 health care providers accessible to residents in 26764, Terra Alta, West Virginia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Terra Alta, WV (ZIP Code 26764)**

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP code 26764, focusing on factors impacting lung cancer care and primary care availability in Terra Alta, West Virginia. The score considers various aspects, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical elements in providing comprehensive cancer care.

Terra Alta, a rural community in Preston County, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. The geographic isolation and socioeconomic factors can significantly impact the quality and availability of medical services, particularly specialized care like oncology. This assessment aims to shed light on the current state of healthcare in the region and identify areas for improvement.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access**

A fundamental indicator of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. In rural areas, this ratio is often significantly higher than in urban centers, indicating a potential shortage of medical professionals. Data on the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 26764 is crucial. Ideally, this data would be compared to state and national averages to determine the severity of any shortage. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care, all of which can negatively impact lung cancer outcomes.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers of healthcare, playing a vital role in early detection and management of chronic diseases, including lung cancer. Their availability directly influences the timeliness of screening and referral to specialists. Assessing the number of PCPs practicing in Terra Alta and their patient load is essential. This includes evaluating the types of insurance accepted by these practices, as this can significantly affect access for residents with limited financial resources. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve underserved populations, should also be considered.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Care**

Identifying standout practices within 26764 involves evaluating their commitment to lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This assessment would consider factors such as the availability of advanced imaging technology (e.g., low-dose CT scans), the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or oncologists, and their participation in clinical trials. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to lung cancer screening, such as offering screening to high-risk individuals based on current guidelines (e.g., those with a smoking history), would receive higher scores.

The presence of a multidisciplinary team approach is also critical. This involves collaboration between PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other specialists to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. Practices that demonstrate this collaborative approach, such as through regular tumor board meetings or shared electronic health records, would be highly valued. The proximity to larger medical centers with specialized cancer care facilities is also a factor, as patients may need to travel for advanced treatments like radiation therapy or complex surgeries.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge the healthcare gap in rural areas by providing access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by physicians in 26764 is crucial. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education and support.

Practices that have embraced telemedicine can improve access to specialist consultations, reduce travel burdens for patients, and facilitate remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The availability of reliable internet access in the community is a significant factor in the success of telemedicine initiatives. Practices offering telehealth services should be assessed on the ease of use of their platforms, the availability of technical support for patients, and their integration with existing healthcare systems.

**Mental Health Resources and Support**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources and support services is a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. This assessment should evaluate the availability of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) in the area, as well as the presence of support groups, counseling services, and other resources specifically tailored to cancer patients and their families.

Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or provide referrals to mental health professionals would receive higher scores. The integration of mental health services into the cancer care pathway is essential for addressing the psychological challenges associated with the disease. This includes providing support for coping with diagnosis, treatment side effects, and the emotional impact of the illness.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Conclusion**

Based on the analysis of these factors, a Lung Cancer Score for physicians in ZIP code 26764 would be generated. This score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in the area. The score would be a relative measure, allowing for comparison with other regions and identifying areas for improvement.

The specific details of the practices, physician-to-patient ratios, and the availability of resources would be used to determine the score. The analysis would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Terra Alta, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The findings of this Lung Cancer Score analysis can be further enhanced by visualizing the data on a map. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear and intuitive representation of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points. This visualization can help patients and healthcare providers to better understand the landscape of healthcare in Terra Alta and make informed decisions about their care.

**Call to Action**

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Terra Alta, WV, and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement.