39305, Meridian, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39305, Meridian, Mississippi is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.39 percent of the residents in 39305 has some form of health insurance. 36.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.56 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 39305 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,402 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39305. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,642 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,076 health care providers accessible to residents in 39305, Meridian, Mississippi.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Meridian, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39305)

This analysis provides a preliminary assessment of breast cancer care within Meridian, Mississippi, specifically focusing on ZIP code 39305. The evaluation considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all factors influencing the quality and accessibility of breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This is not a comprehensive medical review, but rather an overview based on publicly available data and general industry knowledge.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests upon robust primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients, playing a crucial role in preventative screenings, early detection, and referrals to specialists. Assessing primary care availability in 39305 involves examining the number of PCPs practicing within the area and the population they serve. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can be used to calculate a physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can signal potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care.

Meridian's primary care landscape, like many rural areas, likely faces challenges related to physician shortages. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Furthermore, the availability of specialized services, such as breast imaging centers and surgical oncologists, is a critical factor. The proximity of these specialists to primary care practices within the ZIP code directly impacts patient convenience and the speed of care.

Standout practices within 39305, or those serving its population, would ideally demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes offering a range of services, from routine mammograms to advanced diagnostic imaging like ultrasound and MRI. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), are often indicative of a dedication to providing high-quality care. These practices might also have dedicated breast cancer navigators or patient advocates who help guide patients through the complex healthcare system.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. Its adoption by practices in 39305 can significantly impact breast cancer care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, allowing patients to receive expert opinions without traveling long distances. It can also be used for remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, providing ongoing support and reducing the burden of frequent in-person visits. The degree of telemedicine adoption, including the types of services offered virtually and the platforms used, directly affects the accessibility and convenience of care for patients in this area.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have profound emotional and psychological impacts on patients. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, within or near 39305 is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, further enhances the availability of emotional support and peer-to-peer connection for patients.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for 39305 would be influenced by the interplay of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust primary care infrastructure, readily accessible specialist services, widespread telemedicine adoption, and comprehensive mental health support. Conversely, a lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing timely screenings, specialist consultations, and emotional support.

Further investigation would require detailed data analysis. This includes the physician-to-patient ratio, the number and types of specialist practices, the extent of telemedicine implementation, and the availability of mental health resources. Additionally, patient satisfaction surveys and community health assessments could provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals affected by breast cancer in this area.

The assessment of primary care availability, specialist access, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources is crucial for understanding the overall quality of breast cancer care within 39305. While this analysis provides a preliminary overview, a more comprehensive evaluation would require detailed data collection and analysis. This would involve gathering information on physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health support services.

The goal is to identify areas of strength and weakness, allowing for targeted interventions to improve the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, efforts could be made to recruit more physicians to the area or to expand telemedicine services. If mental health resources are limited, partnerships with local mental health providers could be established.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of breast cancer care in 39305 depends on a collaborative approach involving primary care physicians, specialists, mental health professionals, and community organizations. By working together, these stakeholders can ensure that patients have access to the best possible care, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship support.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist practices, and mental health services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you analyze spatial data and identify areas with limited access to care.