39117, Morton, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39117, Morton, Mississippi is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.33 percent of the residents in 39117 has some form of health insurance. 33.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.85 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 39117 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,108 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39117. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,439 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 338 health care providers accessible to residents in 39117, Morton, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Morton, MS (ZIP Code 39117)

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 39117, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, specifically the availability and quality of primary care, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents of Morton, Mississippi, and to identify areas of strength and potential improvement. This assessment does not constitute medical advice.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection through screening and prompt referral to specialists are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Therefore, this analysis begins by examining the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the specified geographic area.

**Primary Care Availability in Morton:**

Assessing primary care availability involves several key metrics. First, physician-to-patient ratios are considered. This metric reveals the number of residents per PCP. A lower ratio generally indicates greater access to care. Data from various sources, including the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards, are utilized to estimate this ratio. This ratio is then benchmarked against state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care in Morton.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the community is also crucial. Are PCPs concentrated in one area, or are they geographically dispersed, ensuring access for residents in different parts of Morton? Factors such as the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which often serve underserved populations, are also considered. The existence of these centers can significantly impact access to care for vulnerable populations.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout primary care practices involves evaluating several criteria. These include the use of electronic health records (EHRs), patient satisfaction scores (obtained from surveys and online reviews), and the implementation of evidence-based practices for preventive care, such as lung cancer screening recommendations. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to proactive patient management, including regular check-ups, screening reminders, and patient education, are viewed favorably.

The integration of these practices into a cohesive system is crucial. Are there established referral pathways to specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists? Do practices actively collaborate to provide coordinated care? The presence of care coordination programs can significantly improve patient outcomes, especially for complex conditions like lung cancer.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Implications:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Morton is a key factor in this analysis. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote patient monitoring, and virtual follow-up appointments are considered to be more accessible and patient-centered.

The availability of telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments, such as those with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. It can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be readily available locally.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component:**

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. This analysis assesses the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community.

The integration of mental health services into primary care practices is also considered. Practices that offer on-site counseling or have established referral pathways to mental health providers are viewed favorably. Access to mental health support can significantly improve patient well-being and adherence to treatment plans.

**Specifics and Data Points (Hypothetical):**

Let’s assume, for illustrative purposes only, that the physician-to-patient ratio in 39117 is approximately 1:1800, slightly below the state average but above the national average. This suggests a moderate level of access. We will further assume that there are two primary care practices in Morton. One, "Morton Family Clinic," utilizes a comprehensive EHR system, boasts high patient satisfaction scores, and actively promotes lung cancer screening for eligible patients. They have partnered with a local mental health provider to offer on-site counseling. The second practice, "Community Health Center," focuses on serving underserved populations and offers telehealth consultations.

These are hypothetical examples. The actual data will vary.

**Challenges and Opportunities:**

The challenges in providing comprehensive lung cancer care in a rural setting like Morton may include limited access to specialized medical expertise, geographic barriers to care, and potential socioeconomic disparities. However, opportunities exist to leverage telemedicine, expand community health initiatives, and strengthen collaborations between primary care practices and specialists.

**Overall Assessment:**

Based on the hypothetical scenario, Morton demonstrates a moderate level of primary care access. The presence of standout practices like Morton Family Clinic, with its focus on preventive care and mental health integration, is a positive indicator. The Community Health Center's telehealth offerings further enhance accessibility. However, the relatively high physician-to-patient ratio suggests a need for continued efforts to improve access to care.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

Understanding the healthcare landscape in Morton is critical for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. This analysis highlights the importance of accessible primary care, the integration of modern healthcare practices, and the availability of mental health resources in providing comprehensive lung cancer care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Morton and surrounding areas, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, the location of hospitals, and the availability of specialized services, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling informed decision-making and promoting better health outcomes.