39146, Pickens, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39146, Pickens, Mississippi is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.43 percent of the residents in 39146 has some form of health insurance. 54.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.53 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 39146 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 823 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39146. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 620 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 98 health care providers accessible to residents in 39146, Pickens, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 39146 & Pickens Primary Care

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape relevant to lung cancer care within ZIP code 39146 and the availability of primary care in Pickens, aiming to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" framework. This framework considers factors crucial for early detection, treatment access, and overall patient well-being. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the current situation, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the context of lung cancer care.

ZIP code 39146 likely represents a specific geographic area, and the analysis assumes access to data relevant to that area. Similarly, primary care availability in Pickens is assessed as a separate, but related, component. The overall "Lung Cancer Score" is not a single numerical value but rather a qualitative assessment based on the factors discussed.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios in 39146:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Data on physician distribution within 39146 is crucial. This includes the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists. Publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can be used to estimate the population size and physician counts. Furthermore, local hospital systems and medical societies may provide more granular data on physician specialties and locations.

A low physician-to-patient ratio in any specialty, especially pulmonology and oncology, would negatively impact the "Lung Cancer Score." Conversely, a higher ratio, coupled with readily available appointments, would significantly improve the score. The analysis must also consider the age distribution of the population within 39146, as older populations often require more healthcare services, including lung cancer screening and treatment.

**Primary Care Availability in Pickens:**

Primary care serves as the crucial entry point into the healthcare system, especially for preventative care like lung cancer screening. The availability of primary care physicians in Pickens is therefore a critical component. This analysis requires data on the number of primary care physicians (family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners) serving the Pickens area. The geographic distribution of these physicians is also important, as residents in rural areas may face greater challenges in accessing care.

Factors affecting primary care availability include the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which often serve underserved populations, and the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. A robust primary care system in Pickens, with sufficient physician numbers and accessible appointment scheduling, would contribute positively to the "Lung Cancer Score." Limited access to primary care, however, would significantly diminish the score.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices within 39146 and Pickens is essential. These practices may demonstrate excellence in lung cancer care, offering advanced diagnostic techniques, innovative treatment options, and patient-centered services. This analysis would look for practices that:

* **Offer Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) Screening:** Early detection is critical for lung cancer survival. Practices offering LDCT screening for eligible patients (based on age and smoking history) are highly valued.
* **Employ Multidisciplinary Teams:** Lung cancer care often requires a team of specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and nurses. Practices with integrated multidisciplinary teams provide more coordinated and comprehensive care.
* **Participate in Clinical Trials:** Involvement in clinical trials provides patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and contributes to advancements in lung cancer research.
* **Provide Patient Navigation Services:** Patient navigators help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, providing education, and offering emotional support.
* **Have Accreditation:** Accreditation from organizations like the Commission on Cancer (CoC) signifies a commitment to quality and comprehensive cancer care.

The presence of these features would elevate the "Lung Cancer Score" for those practices and the overall area.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas or for patients with mobility limitations. This analysis must assess the extent of telemedicine adoption within 39146 and Pickens, specifically for lung cancer-related services. This includes:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Telemedicine can facilitate consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists, reducing the need for travel.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Telemedicine can be used to monitor patients' symptoms and treatment responses remotely.
* **Patient Education:** Telemedicine platforms can provide patients with access to educational materials and support groups.

The availability of telemedicine services would enhance the "Lung Cancer Score," particularly for patients in remote locations or those with limited access to transportation. The ease of use, the availability of technical support, and the acceptance by patients are all factors that would influence the effectiveness of telemedicine.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on patients' mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive care. This analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services within 39146 and Pickens, including:

* **Psychologists and Psychiatrists:** The number of mental health professionals available to provide counseling and therapy.
* **Support Groups:** The availability of support groups for lung cancer patients and their families.
* **On-site Mental Health Services:** The presence of mental health professionals within oncology practices or hospitals.

The availability of these resources would significantly improve the "Lung Cancer Score." A lack of mental health support would negatively impact the overall assessment.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 39146 and primary care availability in Pickens is a complex assessment that considers physician-to-patient ratios, primary care accessibility, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The final assessment is not a single number but a qualitative understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape. The presence of robust primary care, a sufficient number of specialists, telemedicine integration, and accessible mental health support would contribute to a higher score. Conversely, limitations in any of these areas would diminish the score.

For detailed mapping of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and demographic data related to lung cancer care in your area, explore the interactive CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to identify areas with greater access to care and resources.