26807, Franklin, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26807, Franklin, West Virginia is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.38 percent of the residents in 26807 has some form of health insurance. 48.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.33 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 26807 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 455 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26807. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 570 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 20 health care providers accessible to residents in 26807, Franklin, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26807 & Franklin Primary Care

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 26807, encompassing the town of Franklin, requires a multifaceted approach, particularly when considering the critical issue of lung cancer care. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial factors in shaping a "Lung Cancer Score" for the area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in early detection and prompt treatment. This, in turn, is heavily reliant on the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). Franklin's primary care landscape, therefore, forms the bedrock of our assessment. We must consider the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, their patient load, and the ease with which residents can secure timely appointments. A shortage of PCPs or long wait times for appointments can significantly delay the crucial initial steps in lung cancer diagnosis, such as screening and referral.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating a large number of patients per PCP, can strain resources and potentially impact the quality of care. The ideal ratio varies depending on factors like the age and health demographics of the population. However, a significantly high ratio within 26807 could indicate a potential bottleneck in accessing primary care services, thereby negatively impacting the Lung Cancer Score. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater availability and potentially improved access to preventive care and early detection efforts.

Identifying standout practices within Franklin is also essential. Some practices may demonstrate superior performance in lung cancer screening rates, patient education, and referral pathways. These practices might have implemented innovative approaches, such as proactive screening programs for high-risk individuals or streamlined referral processes to pulmonologists and oncologists. Analyzing patient outcomes, adherence to screening guidelines, and patient satisfaction within these practices would provide valuable insights into best practices and areas for improvement across the entire community.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in the context of lung cancer care. In a rural area like Franklin, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support remotely. However, the successful implementation of telemedicine requires adequate internet infrastructure, patient digital literacy, and physician comfort with virtual platforms. The degree of telemedicine adoption among PCPs and specialists in 26807, therefore, directly influences the Lung Cancer Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, yet they are vital in the context of a lung cancer diagnosis. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and potential recurrence can be immense. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community is crucial. Access to these resources can help patients cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, ultimately improving their overall well-being and potentially their adherence to treatment plans. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices or the presence of readily accessible mental health specialists in the area contributes significantly to a positive Lung Cancer Score.

Specific data points are needed to build a robust Lung Cancer Score. This requires collecting information on the number of PCPs, their patient loads, and appointment wait times. Furthermore, we must assess the prevalence of lung cancer screening programs, the availability of specialists (pulmonologists, oncologists), and the adoption of telemedicine. Data on mental health resources, including the number of mental health professionals and their accessibility, is equally important.

The analysis would then compare these data points against national benchmarks and best practices. For example, we could compare the physician-to-patient ratio in 26807 to the national average or the average for similar rural communities. We could also assess the percentage of eligible patients who undergo lung cancer screening compared to the national average. These comparisons will provide a more objective assessment of the area's strengths and weaknesses.

The final Lung Cancer Score would be a composite metric, reflecting the combined impact of all the factors discussed. This score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape's capacity to support lung cancer patients. It would also help identify areas where improvements are needed. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is high, the score could be negatively affected, highlighting the need to recruit more PCPs. If telemedicine adoption is low, the score could be negatively impacted, indicating a need to promote and support telemedicine initiatives.

The goal is to create a dynamic and actionable assessment. The score should not be a static number but rather a tool that can be used to monitor progress over time. By tracking changes in the key indicators, we can assess the effectiveness of any interventions or improvements made in the healthcare system. This iterative approach will help ensure that the healthcare system in Franklin is continuously improving its capacity to support lung cancer patients.

The analysis should also consider the social determinants of health. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and health literacy can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care and adhere to treatment plans. These factors should be considered when interpreting the Lung Cancer Score and developing strategies for improvement.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 26807 requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach. By evaluating the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can create a meaningful Lung Cancer Score. This score will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, ultimately helping to improve the lives of individuals affected by lung cancer in Franklin.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Franklin, explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows for a detailed exploration of geographic variations and provides valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents alike.