39061, Delta City, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39061, Delta City, Mississippi is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 0.00 percent of the residents in 39061 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 39061 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39061. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17 health care providers accessible to residents in 39061, Delta City, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Delta City, MS (ZIP Code 39061)

This analysis provides a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for primary care physicians practicing within ZIP code 39061 (Delta City, Mississippi), considering factors critical to early detection, diagnosis, and patient support. The score reflects the availability and quality of resources impacting lung cancer outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health services. This evaluation aims to inform residents and healthcare providers about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape concerning lung cancer care.

Delta City, a community with a population likely under 5,000, faces unique healthcare challenges common in rural areas. The scarcity of specialists, limited access to advanced diagnostic tools, and potential difficulties with patient transportation are significant considerations. The Lung Cancer Score, therefore, considers the overall accessibility and comprehensiveness of care within this context.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care:**

A critical determinant of the Lung Cancer Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. In a rural setting like Delta City, the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly influences access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative screenings, and delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Mississippi State Department of Health are crucial for determining this ratio. A high ratio would negatively impact the score, signifying potential access barriers.

The analysis must also consider the availability of other healthcare professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can provide primary care services. Their presence can help mitigate the impact of a low physician-to-patient ratio. The score will be adjusted to reflect the overall availability of healthcare providers capable of delivering comprehensive primary care.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices within Delta City is crucial. This involves evaluating the quality of care delivered by individual PCPs and their practices. Key indicators include the adoption of evidence-based practices for lung cancer screening, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals (current or former smokers). Practices that proactively screen eligible patients and have established protocols for follow-up care, including referrals to pulmonologists and oncologists, will receive higher scores.

The analysis will examine the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability. EHRs facilitate efficient data sharing and coordination of care, which is particularly important in managing complex conditions like lung cancer. Practices with robust EHR systems that allow for seamless communication between providers will be favored. Additionally, the presence of patient education materials, smoking cessation programs, and support groups within the practice will positively influence the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine plays a vital role in bridging the healthcare gap in rural areas. The Lung Cancer Score will assess the extent to which Delta City PCPs utilize telemedicine for patient consultations, follow-up appointments, and specialist referrals. Practices that offer telemedicine services, especially for patients who face transportation challenges or live in remote areas, will receive higher scores.

Telemedicine can facilitate access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available in Delta City. This is particularly crucial for lung cancer patients who require specialized expertise. The analysis will consider the availability of telemedicine platforms and the ease with which patients can access these services. The integration of remote monitoring tools, such as those that track patient symptoms and vital signs, will also be evaluated.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. The Lung Cancer Score will assess the availability of mental health resources and support services for patients in Delta City. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who can provide support to patients and their families.

The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups and patient advocacy organizations that offer emotional support and practical assistance. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns and provide referrals to appropriate services will receive higher scores. The integration of mental health services within the primary care setting, such as co-located mental health providers, will be viewed favorably.

**Overall Score and Considerations:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Delta City, MS (39061) will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. Each factor will be weighted according to its importance in influencing lung cancer outcomes. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Delta City concerning lung cancer care.

The score will also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact health outcomes, such as poverty levels, educational attainment, and access to healthy food options. These factors can indirectly influence lung cancer risk and the ability of patients to access and adhere to treatment plans. The analysis will acknowledge the influence of these social determinants of health.

The score will be dynamic and subject to change as healthcare resources and practices evolve. Regular updates will be necessary to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the assessment.

**Conclusion:**

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system concerning lung cancer care is essential for improving patient outcomes. This Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a valuable framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape in Delta City, MS (39061). By identifying areas for improvement, this analysis can contribute to better access to care, improved screening rates, and enhanced support for patients and their families.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Delta City and surrounding areas, including the locations of healthcare providers, access to specialists, and other relevant data, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools that can help you understand the distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care. Visit CartoChrome today to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.