31544, Jacksonville, Georgia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 31544, Jacksonville, Georgia is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.63 percent of the residents in 31544 has some form of health insurance. 48.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.62 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 31544 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 156 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31544. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 169 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 30 health care providers accessible to residents in 31544, Jacksonville, Georgia.

The analysis that follows assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 31544 (likely referring to the Brunswick, Georgia area) and examines primary care availability in Jacksonville, Florida, with a focus on factors influencing patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. This evaluation is presented as a “Lung Cancer Score” analysis, though it is not a formal, numerical scoring system. Instead, it provides a qualitative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure in these two areas as they relate to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient well-being.

**ZIP Code 31544: Brunswick, Georgia – A Focus on Localized Care**

Assessing lung cancer care in Brunswick requires a localized perspective. The city, and the surrounding ZIP code 31544, faces unique challenges and opportunities. A critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, rural and semi-rural areas often experience shortages of specialists, including oncologists and pulmonologists, who are crucial in lung cancer treatment. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment initiation, negatively impacting patient outcomes. Patients may be forced to travel significant distances to access specialized care, adding to the burden of illness and potentially delaying life-saving interventions.

The presence of standout practices within the area is another critical consideration. Identifying healthcare providers with a demonstrated commitment to lung cancer care, including early detection programs (such as low-dose CT screening), advanced treatment modalities (like targeted therapies and immunotherapy), and comprehensive support services, is essential. These practices often serve as centers of excellence, offering patients a higher level of care and potentially better outcomes. The availability of these practices within a reasonable distance for patients in 31544 is a significant indicator of care quality.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in overcoming geographic barriers. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide access to specialists through telehealth platforms can significantly improve access to care for residents of 31544. This is especially critical for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support to patients who may struggle to travel frequently. The level of telemedicine integration within local practices and hospitals is a key factor in assessing the quality of care.

Furthermore, access to mental health resources is often overlooked but is crucial in lung cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services within the community can significantly improve patients' quality of life and their ability to cope with the disease. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is a crucial component of a comprehensive lung cancer treatment approach.

**Primary Care Availability in Jacksonville, Florida – A Broader Perspective**

Shifting the focus to primary care availability in Jacksonville, Florida, presents a different set of challenges and opportunities. Jacksonville is a large metropolitan area, and while it may have a higher concentration of healthcare providers than Brunswick, access to primary care can still be an issue, particularly for underserved populations. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms that could indicate lung cancer. Delays in seeing a primary care physician can delay diagnosis and treatment.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Jacksonville, while likely better than in Brunswick, still needs careful examination. The distribution of primary care physicians across the city is not always uniform. Certain areas may experience shortages, making it difficult for residents to access timely care. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments and increased reliance on emergency room services, which are often not equipped to provide comprehensive lung cancer screening or care.

The presence of large healthcare systems and integrated networks in Jacksonville can offer advantages in terms of lung cancer care. These systems often have specialized cancer centers, access to advanced technologies, and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. The ability of primary care physicians to seamlessly refer patients to these specialists is critical for ensuring timely and effective care. The integration of primary care practices within these larger systems is a key indicator of care quality.

Telemedicine adoption in Jacksonville, as in Brunswick, is becoming increasingly important. The large geographic area of the city and the potential for traffic congestion make virtual consultations and remote monitoring particularly valuable. The availability of telehealth services through primary care practices and specialist centers can improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients. The degree to which telemedicine is integrated into the primary care system is a significant factor in assessing the overall quality of care.

Finally, the availability of mental health resources is just as important in Jacksonville as it is in Brunswick. The size and diversity of the city mean that access to mental health services can vary widely. The integration of mental health professionals into primary care practices and the availability of support groups and counseling services are crucial for supporting patients throughout their lung cancer journey. The ability of primary care physicians to connect patients with mental health resources is a critical factor in ensuring comprehensive care.

**Conclusion: Mapping the Landscape of Lung Cancer Care**

In both Brunswick (31544) and Jacksonville, the quality of lung cancer care is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. Understanding these factors is crucial for patients seeking care and for healthcare providers striving to improve their services. The ability to visualize these factors geographically can be invaluable.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in these areas, and to identify patterns and trends related to lung cancer care, consider utilizing the mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help visualize physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points. This can help patients identify the best care options and allow healthcare providers to identify areas where resources are needed most.