39169, Tchula, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39169, Tchula, Mississippi is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.27 percent of the residents in 39169 has some form of health insurance. 57.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.98 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 39169 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 970 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39169. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 290 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 68 health care providers accessible to residents in 39169, Tchula, Mississippi.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Tchula, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39169)

Analyzing the availability of breast cancer care and primary care resources within Tchula, Mississippi (ZIP code 39169) presents a significant challenge. This rural community, like many in the Mississippi Delta, faces unique hurdles in healthcare access, including geographic isolation, socioeconomic disparities, and potential shortages of medical professionals. This analysis will attempt to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, acknowledging the limitations of data availability in such a localized context. The score will be a conceptual ranking based on the factors discussed, not a numerical grade.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of any breast cancer care system rests on robust primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are crucial for early detection, screening referrals, and ongoing patient management. In Tchula, the availability of PCPs is likely a significant concern. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is a critical first step. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates of the number of PCPs serving Holmes County, where Tchula is located. However, these figures often represent county-wide averages and may not accurately reflect the specific situation within ZIP code 39169.

If the physician-to-patient ratio is high (meaning a small number of doctors serving a large population), access to timely appointments and preventative care, including breast cancer screenings, will be compromised. This scarcity could lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. It is important to note that the availability of specialized care, like oncologists and radiologists, is likely even more limited within Tchula itself. This highlights the critical importance of a strong primary care foundation and efficient referral pathways to specialists in nearby urban centers.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying "standout practices" in a small community like Tchula is complex. It's unlikely that there are large, multi-specialty clinics with dedicated breast cancer centers within the ZIP code. However, the presence of any primary care practices, even small ones, is vital. The quality of care within these practices can vary significantly. Factors to consider include:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Are the practices accredited by recognized healthcare organizations? Do the physicians hold relevant board certifications?
* **Screening Protocols:** Do the practices actively promote and facilitate breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms? Do they follow established guidelines for screening frequency and follow-up care?
* **Patient Education:** Do the practices provide patients with educational materials about breast cancer risk factors, prevention, and early detection?
* **Referral Networks:** Do the practices have established referral pathways to specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, in nearby cities like Jackson or Greenwood?
* **Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** While online reviews may be limited, any available feedback from patients can offer insights into the quality of care and patient experience.

Any practice demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive primary care, proactive screening, and efficient referrals would be considered a standout, even if its resources are limited by the rural setting.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Potential:**

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to bridge the geographical barriers to healthcare access in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve the "Breast Cancer Score" by providing:

* **Remote Consultations:** Patients can consult with specialists via video calls, reducing the need for long-distance travel.
* **Screening Results and Follow-up:** Telemedicine can facilitate the communication of screening results and provide follow-up care.
* **Mental Health Support:** Teletherapy can provide access to mental health professionals, which is crucial for patients dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
* **Educational Resources:** Telemedicine platforms can provide access to educational materials and support groups.

The degree of telemedicine adoption within Tchula's healthcare system will be a key factor in determining its "Breast Cancer Score." This includes the availability of reliable internet access, the willingness of physicians to utilize telemedicine platforms, and the acceptance of telemedicine by patients.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Access to mental health resources is therefore an essential component of a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score." In Tchula, this likely presents a major challenge. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors may be extremely limited. The following factors should be considered:

* **Availability of Mental Health Professionals:** Are there any mental health professionals practicing within the ZIP code or in nearby communities?
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do primary care practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers?
* **Support Groups:** Are there any local support groups for breast cancer patients?
* **Access to Medication:** Is there access to psychiatrists who can prescribe medication?
* **Teletherapy:** As mentioned previously, telemedicine offers a potential solution for providing access to mental health services.

The absence of readily available mental health resources would significantly detract from the overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Tchula.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Tchula, Mississippi (ZIP code 39169) is likely to be low, reflecting the challenges inherent in providing comprehensive healthcare in a rural setting. The score will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence and quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

While this analysis is limited by the availability of specific data, the general assessment underscores the critical need for strategies to improve healthcare access in Tchula. These strategies should focus on:

* **Recruiting and retaining primary care physicians.**
* **Supporting the adoption of telemedicine.**
* **Improving access to mental health services.**
* **Strengthening referral pathways to specialists.**
* **Promoting patient education and awareness.**

For a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Tchula and surrounding areas, including the location of medical facilities and the availability of healthcare resources, consider utilizing **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome provides comprehensive mapping solutions that can help visualize healthcare data, identify areas of need, and support informed decision-making to improve access to care for all residents of Tchula.