39421, Bassfield, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39421, Bassfield, Mississippi is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.23 percent of the residents in 39421 has some form of health insurance. 54.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.01 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 39421 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 719 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39421. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 766 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,101 health care providers accessible to residents in 39421, Bassfield, Mississippi.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39421 and Primary Care Availability in Bassfield**

Analyzing healthcare resources, particularly concerning breast cancer care and primary care access, within a defined geographic area like ZIP code 39421 (Bassfield, Mississippi) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability of physicians, assess the quality of care, and examine the accessibility of resources, culminating in a "Breast Cancer Score" framework tailored to this specific location. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The foundation of any breast cancer care assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Bassfield, primary care serves as the gateway to the healthcare system. A robust PCP network ensures timely screenings, referrals, and ongoing support. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially better outcomes. Determining this ratio requires data on the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area, combined with population estimates for ZIP code 39421. Publicly available data from sources like the Mississippi State Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau can provide this information.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves assessing the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams. Are PCPs actively promoting these screenings? Do they have systems in place to remind patients of their appointments? Are they knowledgeable about family history and other risk factors? Information regarding these practices can be found through patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially, through publicly available data on quality metrics.

Specialized care, including oncology and radiology, is another critical component of a breast cancer care assessment. The absence of these specialists within ZIP code 39421 necessitates an evaluation of referral patterns and access to care in neighboring areas. How far do patients need to travel for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care? Travel time and transportation costs can significantly impact patient outcomes, especially for those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The availability of a local hospital or clinic with diagnostic imaging capabilities, such as mammography and ultrasound, is also a significant factor.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. Does the area's healthcare providers offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, or even initial consultations? Telemedicine can reduce the need for travel, increase convenience, and expand access to specialists who may not be physically present in the area. Assessing telemedicine adoption rates among PCPs and specialists is essential.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in breast cancer care assessments, but they are crucial for patients' well-being. A breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and treatment adherence. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, available in Bassfield or nearby? Do local healthcare providers offer counseling services or referrals to mental health specialists? Are support groups available for patients and their families? Evaluating the availability and accessibility of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive assessment.

Standout practices within the area should be identified. This involves recognizing healthcare providers who excel in specific areas of breast cancer care, such as early detection, patient education, or survivorship support. These practices can serve as models for other providers and can contribute to improving the overall quality of care in the community. Identifying these practices requires a combination of factors, including patient reviews, physician recognition, and adherence to best practices.

Building a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 39421 requires assigning numerical values to each of the factors discussed above. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio could be assigned a score based on its proximity to recommended benchmarks. The availability of specialized care could be scored based on the distance patients need to travel to access these services. Telemedicine adoption, mental health resource availability, and the presence of standout practices could also be assigned scores. These scores would then be weighted based on their relative importance. For example, the availability of primary care might be weighted more heavily than the availability of telemedicine. The weighted scores would then be combined to produce an overall Breast Cancer Score for the area.

The final Breast Cancer Score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Bassfield, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. The score could be used to inform healthcare planning, guide resource allocation, and identify opportunities for improvement. For example, a low score in the area of primary care availability might indicate a need to recruit more PCPs or implement strategies to improve access to care. A low score in the area of mental health resources might indicate a need to increase the availability of mental health services or raise awareness of the importance of mental health support.

The assessment should also consider the demographics of the population served by the healthcare providers in ZIP code 39421. Are there disparities in access to care or outcomes based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status? Addressing these disparities is essential to ensure that all residents of the area have equal access to high-quality breast cancer care. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources can be used to analyze these disparities.

In conclusion, a comprehensive Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 39421 would provide a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying opportunities for improvement. By evaluating the availability of physicians, assessing the quality of care, examining the accessibility of resources, and considering the demographics of the population served, this assessment can contribute to improving breast cancer outcomes in the Bassfield community.

**Take action and explore the healthcare landscape in Bassfield with CartoChrome maps. Gain a visual understanding of physician locations, resource availability, and potential disparities. Visit CartoChrome today to see the data come alive!**