26767, Wiley Ford, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26767, Wiley Ford, West Virginia is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.18 percent of the residents in 26767 has some form of health insurance. 38.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.54 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 26767 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 104 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26767. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 115 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 450 health care providers accessible to residents in 26767, Wiley Ford, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Wiley Ford, WV (ZIP Code 26767)

This analysis assesses the landscape of healthcare in Wiley Ford, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26767), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available, particularly for primary care, and evaluate their potential impact on patient outcomes. This assessment is based on publicly available data and aims to offer insights rather than definitive medical advice.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer management is early detection and prompt intervention. This necessitates robust primary care infrastructure. In Wiley Ford, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. A high ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a low ratio suggests better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups and proactive monitoring. This ratio is influenced by factors like population density, the age distribution of the population, and the prevalence of chronic conditions, all of which impact the demand for primary care services.

Assessing the quality of primary care involves more than just counting doctors. It includes evaluating the breadth of services offered. Do practices routinely offer lung cancer screening, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, for eligible patients (smokers or former smokers)? Do they have established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists? The presence of these services within the primary care setting significantly streamlines the diagnostic process and improves patient outcomes. Furthermore, a focus on preventative care, including smoking cessation programs and education on risk factors, is essential.

Beyond the availability of PCPs, the presence of specialist care is crucial. While Wiley Ford may not have a large number of pulmonologists or oncologists within the immediate ZIP code, the proximity to larger medical centers in nearby cities like Cumberland, MD, and Martinsburg, WV, becomes important. Evaluating the travel time and ease of access to these specialists is a key component of the overall assessment. This includes considering transportation options for patients, particularly those with limited mobility or financial constraints.

Within the primary care landscape, certain practices may stand out. Identifying practices with a strong track record of early detection, patient education, and comprehensive care is essential. This requires examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, and the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate care coordination. Practices that proactively reach out to patients at high risk for lung cancer and offer personalized care plans are likely to be more effective.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Wiley Ford. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among local practices, including their capacity to conduct virtual visits, provide remote monitoring for patients undergoing treatment, and offer online support groups, is vital. Telemedicine can help bridge geographical barriers and ensure that patients receive timely care, regardless of their location.

The psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices and the availability of referrals to mental health specialists is important. Practices that prioritize the mental well-being of their patients are better equipped to support them throughout their cancer journey.

The infrastructure supporting healthcare is also relevant. The presence of well-equipped hospitals and diagnostic facilities is essential for providing timely and accurate diagnoses. Assessing the availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as PET scans and MRI machines, is important. The ability to perform biopsies and other diagnostic procedures locally minimizes delays and improves patient convenience.

Moreover, the socioeconomic characteristics of the population in Wiley Ford play a role. Factors like poverty rates, insurance coverage, and educational attainment can significantly impact access to care and patient outcomes. Understanding these factors helps to identify potential barriers to care and develop targeted interventions to address health disparities. For instance, ensuring that patients have access to affordable health insurance and providing financial assistance for transportation and medication can improve outcomes.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Wiley Ford, WV, is a composite measure that reflects the availability of primary care, specialist care, telemedicine services, mental health resources, and the socioeconomic context of the community. It is not a single number but a nuanced assessment that considers a range of factors. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for lung cancer patients, while a lower score suggests areas where improvements are needed. This score is not static; it changes over time as healthcare resources evolve.

The process of creating this score includes gathering data from various sources, including public health agencies, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. This data is then analyzed to assess the availability and quality of care. The score is designed to be a useful tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. It can also be used to identify areas where resources are needed and to track progress over time.

The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape in Wiley Ford, WV, and to identify opportunities to improve the quality of care for lung cancer patients. This analysis is a starting point for a more in-depth investigation into the specific needs of the community. Further research, including patient interviews and surveys, can provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals affected by lung cancer.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare resources available in Wiley Ford, WV (ZIP Code 26767), and to explore the geographic distribution of primary care practices, specialists, and hospitals, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the data discussed in this analysis.