39361, Shuqualak, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39361, Shuqualak, Mississippi is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.28 percent of the residents in 39361 has some form of health insurance. 55.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.11 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 39361 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 117 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39361. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 346 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 67 health care providers accessible to residents in 39361, Shuqualak, Mississippi.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Shuqualak, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39361)**

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within Shuqualak, Mississippi (ZIP code 39361) requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates evaluating the availability and quality of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized cancer care, and the integration of supportive services like mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, acknowledging the limitations inherent in a rural setting and offering actionable insights for residents.

The foundation of breast cancer care begins with accessible and competent primary care. In Shuqualak, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. A low PCP-to-population ratio can create significant barriers to early detection and ongoing management. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, and timely referrals to specialists are crucial. This analysis will assess the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, the average wait times for appointments, and the extent to which these practices offer preventative care services, including breast cancer screening education and resources.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves examining the practices’ adherence to established guidelines for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Are patients routinely educated about self-exams? Are referrals to specialists made promptly when necessary? Are there established protocols for follow-up care? The practices’ commitment to patient education and preventative care significantly impacts the overall breast cancer score.

Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental step. The ideal ratio varies depending on the population's demographics and health needs. In a rural area like Shuqualak, a lower ratio can indicate a scarcity of medical resources. This analysis will use publicly available data to determine the PCP-to-population ratio within the ZIP code and compare it to regional and national averages. This comparison will highlight the potential challenges residents face in accessing timely medical care.

The presence of standout practices within the community is also important. These practices may demonstrate exceptional commitment to breast cancer care, offering advanced screening technologies, specialized expertise, or patient-centered services. Identifying these practices and highlighting their contributions can guide residents toward the best possible care options. This assessment will look for practices that emphasize patient education, offer extended hours, or participate in community outreach programs.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and expand access to specialized care, including consultations with oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists. This analysis will investigate the extent to which primary care practices in Shuqualak utilize telemedicine for breast cancer-related services. This includes examining whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, or access to online patient portals for managing appointments and accessing medical records.

Mental health resources play a vital role in supporting breast cancer patients. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services is essential for patients' well-being. This analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources within the community, including the presence of therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer care. It will also evaluate the extent to which primary care practices integrate mental health services into their care plans.

The availability of specialized cancer care, such as oncologists and surgeons, is a critical factor. While Shuqualak may not have these specialists within the ZIP code, access to them within a reasonable travel distance is crucial. This analysis will assess the proximity of cancer specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the availability of transportation assistance for patients needing specialized care. It will also evaluate the coordination of care between primary care physicians and cancer specialists.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Shuqualak will be a composite measure based on the factors discussed above. It will reflect the availability and quality of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized cancer care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing residents to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

Specific metrics used to calculate the score might include: the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents, the percentage of practices offering mammogram screenings, the average wait time for appointments, the availability of telemedicine services, and the presence of mental health professionals specializing in cancer care.

The final score will be accompanied by recommendations for improving breast cancer care in Shuqualak. These recommendations might include advocating for increased access to primary care, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, supporting the development of mental health resources, and encouraging collaboration between primary care physicians and cancer specialists.

This analysis acknowledges the unique challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare. It recognizes that resources may be limited and that residents may need to travel for specialized care. However, it also emphasizes the importance of providing the best possible care within the existing constraints. The goal is to empower residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to advocate for improvements in the local healthcare system.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is a dynamic assessment, and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. This analysis will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the availability and quality of care. This commitment to ongoing assessment ensures that residents have access to the most current information.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Shuqualak and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their detailed maps provide valuable insights into healthcare access, physician locations, and other relevant data points.