39367, Waynesboro, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39367, Waynesboro, Mississippi is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.22 percent of the residents in 39367 has some form of health insurance. 41.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.61 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 39367 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,802 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39367. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,406 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 143 health care providers accessible to residents in 39367, Waynesboro, Mississippi.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Waynesboro, MS (ZIP Code 39367)

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care within Waynesboro, Mississippi (ZIP code 39367) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis assesses the availability of primary care physicians, their potential for early detection and referral, and the broader healthcare ecosystem's ability to support patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. We'll consider factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately formulating a "Breast Cancer Score" for the area.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Early detection, through regular screenings and prompt referral, is critical for improved outcomes. In Waynesboro, the physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A lower ratio, reflecting fewer physicians per capita, could potentially limit access to timely appointments and preventative care. Data from sources like the Mississippi State Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau will be essential to determine the precise ratio and assess its impact on patient access. This ratio, alongside the number of primary care practices accepting new patients, directly influences the initial score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and capabilities of the existing primary care practices are crucial. Are these practices equipped with the latest screening technologies, such as digital mammography? Do they have established protocols for breast cancer risk assessment and patient education? Practices demonstrating a commitment to preventative care, including proactive screening reminders and patient counseling, will naturally score higher. Furthermore, the presence of certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can extend the reach of primary care physicians, will be a positive factor.

The presence of standout practices within the community is a significant differentiator. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs focused on women's health, partner with local hospitals for specialized care, and consistently achieve high patient satisfaction scores deserve recognition. Identifying these "beacon" practices requires analyzing patient reviews, assessing the practice's commitment to continuing medical education in breast cancer care, and evaluating their integration with local hospitals and specialists. These practices will be weighted heavily in the scoring.

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care, particularly in rural areas like Waynesboro. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care physicians is a positive indicator. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists, including oncologists and radiologists. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms for patient education, remote monitoring, and medication management will receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth platforms that are HIPAA compliant and easy for patients to use is also important.

The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. Does the community have access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology? Are primary care practices integrated with mental health professionals, offering referrals and collaborative care? The presence of these resources, and the ease with which patients can access them, significantly impacts the overall score. This includes assessing the availability of support groups, both in-person and online, and the integration of mental health services within the local hospital system.

The integration of local hospitals and specialists is also crucial. Does the community have access to a local hospital with a dedicated oncology department? Are there breast cancer specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, available within a reasonable travel distance? The presence of these specialists, and the efficiency of the referral process, are critical factors in the scoring. This includes assessing the availability of breast cancer surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists involved in breast cancer care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of these various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the integration of local hospitals and specialists will all contribute to the final score. The score will provide a snapshot of the community's capacity to provide quality breast cancer care. It will also help to highlight areas where improvements are needed.

The final score will also consider the socioeconomic factors within the community. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage rates, and access to transportation can significantly impact access to care. These factors will be considered when calculating the final score to ensure that the score is a fair reflection of the community's ability to provide quality breast cancer care to all residents.

The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in Waynesboro. The score will serve as a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members alike. It will help to identify areas of strength and weakness, and to inform strategies for improving breast cancer care in the community.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will be a dynamic measure. It will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This ensures that the score remains a relevant and accurate reflection of the community's ability to provide quality breast cancer care. The score will be used to inform policy decisions, allocate resources, and improve patient outcomes.

The ultimate goal is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in Waynesboro, we can help patients navigate the healthcare system and receive the best possible care.

To visualize the data, understand the geographical distribution of resources, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Waynesboro, Mississippi, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that allow you to visualize the data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions.