39482, Sumrall, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39482, Sumrall, Mississippi is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.09 percent of the residents in 39482 has some form of health insurance. 25.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.11 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 39482 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,706 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39482. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,022 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,830 health care providers accessible to residents in 39482, Sumrall, Mississippi.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Sumrall, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39482)

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within Sumrall, Mississippi (ZIP code 39482) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers several critical factors: physician availability, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), which serve as the initial point of contact for patients; the quality and accessibility of diagnostic and treatment services; the integration of telemedicine; and the availability of mental health support, crucial for navigating the emotional complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests upon a strong primary care network. PCPs are instrumental in early detection through screening recommendations, risk assessment, and patient education. In Sumrall, the availability of PCPs is a critical determinant of the overall quality of care. Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios is the first step. The national average PCP-to-patient ratio provides a benchmark. A higher ratio in Sumrall could indicate potential challenges, such as longer wait times for appointments, which can delay crucial screenings and early interventions. Researching the specific number of PCPs practicing within the 39482 ZIP code and comparing this to the local population is essential for determining the accessibility of primary care.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of PCPs across Sumrall and the surrounding areas is also significant. Are there geographical disparities in access? Do residents in certain parts of the ZIP code have significantly longer travel times to see a PCP? Examining the types of practices – whether they are solo practices, group practices, or part of larger healthcare systems – can also reveal insights. Group practices often offer a wider range of services and potentially better coordination of care, which is particularly beneficial for patients with complex medical needs, including those undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Moving beyond primary care, the availability of specialized services is crucial. This includes access to qualified radiologists for mammograms and other imaging, oncologists for cancer treatment, surgeons for biopsies and surgical procedures, and radiation oncologists for radiation therapy. The presence of these specialists within Sumrall itself is unlikely, given the size of the town. Therefore, the analysis must consider the proximity to these specialists in nearby cities, such as Hattiesburg. Travel time and transportation options become significant factors. Longer travel times can create barriers to accessing timely care, particularly for patients who may be experiencing fatigue or other side effects of treatment.

Furthermore, the quality of diagnostic and treatment facilities must be evaluated. Accreditation by reputable organizations, such as the American College of Radiology (ACR) for mammography facilities and the Commission on Cancer (CoC) for cancer centers, is a key indicator of quality. These accreditations demonstrate adherence to rigorous standards for equipment, staffing, and patient care. Researching the accreditation status of local healthcare providers, including hospitals and imaging centers, is essential for assessing the quality of care available to Sumrall residents.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers, including PCPs, oncologists, and other specialists, is essential. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use for patients, and the availability of technical support.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore essential. Evaluating the availability of these resources within Sumrall and the surrounding areas is crucial. This includes assessing the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered (individual therapy, group therapy, etc.), and the availability of support groups specifically for breast cancer patients and survivors.

Identifying standout practices within the Sumrall area requires a deeper dive. This includes looking at patient reviews, physician ratings, and any awards or recognition received by local healthcare providers. Information from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) can provide insights into the quality of care provided by specific practices. Analyzing patient outcomes, such as survival rates and patient satisfaction scores, can also help identify practices that are excelling in breast cancer care.

In conclusion, the breast cancer care landscape in Sumrall, Mississippi (ZIP code 39482) presents a complex picture. The availability of primary care physicians, proximity to specialists, quality of diagnostic and treatment facilities, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all play crucial roles in determining the overall quality of care. While Sumrall might not have all the resources available within its immediate boundaries, the accessibility of care in the surrounding areas, particularly Hattiesburg, is vital. Further investigation into physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine implementation, and mental health support systems is crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Sumrall, including the location of healthcare providers, travel times, and demographic data, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can offer powerful mapping and data visualization tools to help you understand the accessibility of healthcare resources in your area.