31555, Odum, Georgia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 31555, Odum, Georgia is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.47 percent of the residents in 31555 has some form of health insurance. 34.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.83 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 31555 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 485 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31555. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 514 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 617 health care providers accessible to residents in 31555, Odum, Georgia.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis of Healthcare Resources in ZIP Code 31555 and Odum, GA

This analysis assesses healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment within ZIP Code 31555 (Jesup, GA) and the surrounding area, with a specific focus on primary care availability in the town of Odum. The evaluation considers factors crucial for patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This information is presented to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and highlight areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and comprehensive primary care. Early detection through screening programs, such as those recommended for high-risk individuals, is paramount. Furthermore, primary care physicians (PCPs) play a vital role in managing comorbidities, providing supportive care, and coordinating referrals to specialists. The physician-to-patient ratio in a given area is a critical indicator of access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. While specific physician-to-patient ratios for ZIP Code 31555 are not readily available at the granular level required for this analysis, publicly available data suggests a general shortage of physicians in rural areas like Wayne County, where Jesup is located. This scarcity likely impacts primary care access.

Odum, a smaller community within Wayne County, relies heavily on the availability of primary care services in Jesup and surrounding areas. The distance to healthcare facilities, transportation limitations, and the availability of evening or weekend appointments all contribute to the overall accessibility of care for Odum residents. A lack of readily accessible primary care can lead to delayed diagnoses, more advanced stages of lung cancer at the time of diagnosis, and poorer treatment outcomes.

The identification of standout practices is crucial. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, including adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. They may have implemented innovative approaches to patient care, such as patient navigators who guide patients through the complex healthcare system. The presence of a robust electronic health record (EHR) system, allowing for seamless information sharing between providers, is another key indicator of a high-quality practice. Unfortunately, pinpointing specific "standout" practices requires detailed on-the-ground investigation, including patient reviews, peer recommendations, and assessments of quality metrics. This information is not readily available for a public analysis of this scope.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. For lung cancer patients, telemedicine can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and access to psychological support. The adoption of telemedicine technologies by primary care practices and specialists in the 31555 area would be a significant asset, particularly for patients in Odum and other remote locations. The extent of telemedicine adoption, however, requires a practice-by-practice assessment, which is beyond the scope of this analysis.

The psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is crucial for supporting patients' overall well-being. Integration of mental health services within primary care practices and cancer treatment centers is ideal. The presence of these integrated services is a significant indicator of a patient-centered approach to care. The availability of these resources in the Jesup and Odum area is an important factor to consider when evaluating the overall quality of care. Publicly available information on mental health service availability is often limited, highlighting the need for further investigation.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for the area encompassing ZIP Code 31555 and Odum would be negatively impacted by the likely physician shortage and the challenges of accessing primary care. The score would improve with the presence of standout practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health resources. The absence of detailed data on these factors, however, makes a definitive scoring impossible. A comprehensive assessment would require a deeper dive into local healthcare providers, patient experiences, and publicly available health data.

The complexities of healthcare access and quality necessitate a multifaceted approach to evaluation. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the key elements that influence lung cancer care in the 31555 area. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 31555 and surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare facilities, and the distribution of resources, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.