26814, Riverton, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26814, Riverton, West Virginia is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.72 percent of the residents in 26814 has some form of health insurance. 67.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.79 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 26814 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 123 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26814. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 147 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 28 health care providers accessible to residents in 26814, Riverton, West Virginia.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26814 & Primary Care in Riverton

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 26814, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection and treatment, and specifically examines the availability of primary care in Riverton, a key element in early diagnosis and management. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement within the specified geographic area. This assessment considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, all of which contribute to a patient's overall experience and the potential for positive outcomes.

Riverton, within the 26814 ZIP code, presents a unique challenge. Rural communities often face disparities in healthcare access, making early detection and treatment of lung cancer more difficult. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the cornerstone of this assessment. A robust PCP network is crucial for several reasons. PCPs are frequently the first point of contact for patients, providing routine checkups, screening recommendations, and initial diagnostic evaluations. They also play a vital role in patient education, risk assessment, and smoking cessation counseling, all of which are critical in the fight against lung cancer.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a primary indicator of healthcare access. A high ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, delayed diagnoses. The analysis will examine the current physician-to-patient ratio in 26814, specifically focusing on the availability of PCPs. Data from sources such as the US Department of Health & Human Services and state medical boards will be utilized to determine the current landscape. This data will be compared to national averages and benchmarks to assess the relative availability of primary care resources.

Beyond physician numbers, the characteristics of local medical practices significantly impact patient care. The analysis will evaluate the presence of practices with specialized equipment, such as low-dose CT scanners, which are crucial for early lung cancer detection. The availability of these resources within the 26814 ZIP code will be assessed, considering the distance patients must travel to access them. The presence of multi-specialty practices, offering pulmonology and oncology services, will also be evaluated. Integrated care models, where various specialists collaborate on patient care, can improve outcomes and streamline the treatment process.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, especially in rural areas like Riverton. The analysis will investigate the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments. The availability of telemedicine can improve access to specialists, reduce travel time, and enhance patient convenience, particularly for those undergoing treatment or follow-up care for lung cancer. The adoption of telemedicine platforms that are user-friendly and accessible to all patients, regardless of their technical proficiency, is also a key consideration.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but play a crucial role in cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the 26814 ZIP code, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices and cancer treatment centers will be assessed. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and other resources to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of their diagnosis and treatment is essential.

The “Lung Cancer Score” will be a composite assessment based on these factors. It will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment within the 26814 ZIP code. The score will not be a single number but rather a nuanced evaluation, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio might negatively impact the score, while the presence of a well-equipped practice with telemedicine capabilities could improve it. The availability of mental health resources will also be a significant factor.

Standout practices within the 26814 ZIP code will be identified based on their commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to lung cancer screening, offer integrated services, and embrace telemedicine will be recognized. These practices serve as models for other providers in the area, demonstrating best practices and contributing to improved patient outcomes. The analysis will also identify areas where practices could improve, such as increasing their adoption of telemedicine or expanding access to mental health resources.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access. Poverty, lack of insurance, and other social determinants of health can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. The analysis will consider these factors and their potential impact on lung cancer outcomes within the 26814 ZIP code. This broader perspective is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by patients and for developing strategies to improve healthcare equity.

The final “Lung Cancer Score” for 26814 will be a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will highlight areas where improvements are needed and identify best practices to be emulated. This analysis aims to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in lung cancer care within the specified geographic area.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 26814 and explore the locations of medical facilities, physician density, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. This platform offers interactive visualizations that can help you understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.