39094, Lena, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39094, Lena, Mississippi is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.00 percent of the residents in 39094 has some form of health insurance. 33.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.45 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 39094 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 982 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39094. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 531 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 593 health care providers accessible to residents in 39094, Lena, Mississippi.

Breast cancer, a disease impacting countless lives, necessitates access to quality medical care, particularly in rural areas. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer-related healthcare within ZIP Code 39094, encompassing the town of Lena, Mississippi, with a focus on primary care physician (PCP) availability, a crucial component of early detection and ongoing support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape, offering insights for residents seeking care and highlighting areas for potential improvement.

Lena, Mississippi, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas regarding healthcare access. One of the most significant hurdles is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, limited appointment availability, and increased travel distances to access care. Data on this ratio, specific to Lena and its surrounding areas, is essential for understanding the baseline level of care available. Public health resources, such as the Mississippi State Department of Health, would be a primary source for this data.

The presence of primary care physicians is paramount. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, responsible for routine checkups, preventative screenings like mammograms, and referrals to specialists. The availability of PCPs in Lena and the surrounding areas directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely breast cancer screenings and diagnoses. Assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP Code and the surrounding counties is vital. This assessment should include details such as the types of practices (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine) and their acceptance of insurance plans.

Standout practices, if any exist within or near 39094, would be those demonstrating a commitment to breast cancer care. This might include practices actively promoting preventative screenings, offering convenient appointment scheduling, and employing advanced diagnostic technologies. The quality of care provided by these practices should be assessed through metrics such as patient satisfaction surveys, rates of early detection, and adherence to established clinical guidelines for breast cancer treatment and follow-up. Identifying such practices would provide a benchmark for the community and offer valuable insights into best practices.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural settings. Its adoption within the 39094 ZIP Code is a key consideration. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, potentially reducing the need for travel and increasing access to specialists. The availability of telemedicine services for breast cancer-related care, such as consultations with oncologists or radiologists, could significantly improve patient outcomes. Evaluating the number of practices offering telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the technology infrastructure supporting these services is essential.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is crucial for providing support during treatment and recovery. Assessing the availability of mental health services in Lena and the surrounding areas, including the number of mental health professionals, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services, is vital. This assessment should also consider the integration of mental health services into the overall breast cancer care pathway.

The availability of support groups and patient advocacy organizations can also significantly impact the patient experience. These groups provide opportunities for patients to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges, offering emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. Identifying the presence of such groups in Lena and the surrounding areas, along with their accessibility and the services they offer, is an important aspect of the overall healthcare landscape assessment.

Further, the availability of resources for financial assistance is critical. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and many patients face financial burdens. Identifying the availability of financial assistance programs, such as those offered by hospitals, cancer organizations, and government agencies, is essential. This assessment should include information on eligibility requirements, the types of assistance offered, and the application process.

Analyzing the local healthcare landscape also requires examining the availability of diagnostic imaging services. Access to mammography, ultrasound, and other imaging modalities is crucial for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Assessing the availability of these services in Lena and the surrounding areas, including the types of equipment available, the accreditation of imaging facilities, and the turnaround time for results, is essential.

Furthermore, the coordination of care is a critical factor in providing effective breast cancer care. This includes the communication and collaboration among PCPs, specialists, radiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers. Assessing the level of coordination of care in Lena and the surrounding areas, including the use of electronic health records and the implementation of care pathways, is essential. This assessment should also consider the patient's ability to navigate the healthcare system and access the necessary services.

The information gathered from these assessments, including the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of PCPs, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, can be combined to create a comprehensive 'Breast Cancer Score' for the 39094 ZIP Code. This score would provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality and accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare in Lena and the surrounding areas.

CartoChrome maps can be used to visualize this data, providing a clear and accessible representation of the healthcare landscape. These maps can highlight areas of high and low access to care, identify gaps in services, and guide efforts to improve healthcare delivery. Explore the CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.