39078, Georgetown, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39078, Georgetown, Mississippi is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.86 percent of the residents in 39078 has some form of health insurance. 59.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.56 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 39078 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 272 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39078. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 284 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 219 health care providers accessible to residents in 39078, Georgetown, Mississippi.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Georgetown, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39078)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within Georgetown, Mississippi (ZIP code 39078), focusing on primary care physician availability and the broader healthcare landscape. The goal is to provide actionable insights for residents seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, while also highlighting areas for potential improvement within the local healthcare system. This analysis does not constitute medical advice.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. In Georgetown, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor influencing patient outcomes. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is the first step. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of PCPs relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced access to preventative screenings, including mammograms. Data from state and national sources, such as the Mississippi State Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, should be consulted to accurately determine this ratio. This data will reveal if the area is considered a medically underserved area.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are physicians concentrated in specific locations, potentially creating access barriers for residents in more rural areas of Georgetown? Transportation challenges, particularly for elderly or low-income individuals, can exacerbate these disparities. The analysis should identify the locations of primary care practices and assess their proximity to the population, taking into account factors like public transportation availability and the presence of community health centers.

The quality of primary care also significantly impacts breast cancer outcomes. PCPs play a crucial role in educating patients about breast cancer risk factors, recommending appropriate screening schedules, and coordinating care with specialists. The analysis should investigate the screening practices of local PCPs. Are they adhering to current guidelines from organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network? Do they proactively discuss breast cancer risk with their patients, especially those with a family history of the disease?

Identifying standout practices within Georgetown is essential. These practices may demonstrate best practices in breast cancer screening, early detection, and patient education. This could involve a practice that has a high rate of mammogram referrals, offers patient navigation services to guide patients through the healthcare system, or actively participates in community outreach programs to raise awareness about breast cancer. Information on patient satisfaction, as measured through surveys or online reviews, can also provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to increase access to care, particularly for residents in remote areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis should assess the extent to which local PCPs and specialists offer telemedicine consultations for breast cancer screening, follow-up appointments, and patient education. This includes evaluating the availability of telehealth platforms, the types of services offered remotely, and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for breast cancer patients. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis should investigate the availability of mental health services within Georgetown and the surrounding area. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients? Are these services readily accessible, affordable, and integrated into the overall cancer care pathway?

The analysis should also assess the availability of support groups, counseling services, and other resources that can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological impact of breast cancer. This includes identifying local support groups, online resources, and patient navigation programs that provide emotional support and practical assistance.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the availability of specialists. While PCPs are the initial point of contact, patients with suspected or confirmed breast cancer require access to specialists, including radiologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The analysis should identify the presence of these specialists within Georgetown or in nearby communities, assessing their qualifications, experience, and availability. This includes evaluating the proximity of specialists to the patient population, the waiting times for appointments, and the availability of specialized services, such as breast imaging centers and cancer treatment facilities.

The analysis should delve into the coordination of care among different healthcare providers. Effective breast cancer care requires seamless communication and collaboration between PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare professionals. The analysis should investigate the extent to which local healthcare providers utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to share patient information and coordinate care. It should also assess the presence of patient navigation programs or care coordinators who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and ensure that they receive timely and appropriate care.

The analysis should also consider the role of community outreach and education. Raising awareness about breast cancer, promoting early detection, and providing education about risk factors and screening guidelines are crucial for improving patient outcomes. The analysis should investigate the extent to which local healthcare providers and community organizations are involved in community outreach programs, such as health fairs, educational workshops, and breast cancer awareness campaigns.

In conclusion, assessing the breast cancer care landscape in Georgetown, Mississippi (ZIP code 39078), requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating physician availability, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the coordination of care among healthcare providers. By conducting a thorough analysis of these factors, we can identify areas of strength and weakness within the local healthcare system and develop strategies to improve access to care, promote early detection, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of this data, including the geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and demographic information, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the healthcare landscape in Georgetown and surrounding areas.