39170, Terry, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39170, Terry, Mississippi is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.47 percent of the residents in 39170 has some form of health insurance. 36.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.46 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 39170 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,920 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 58 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39170. An estimate of 21 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,888 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,747 health care providers accessible to residents in 39170, Terry, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score: Terry, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39170) - A Preliminary Analysis

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within the context of primary care availability in Terry, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39170). The goal is to provide a preliminary 'Lung Cancer Score' based on available data, focusing on physician access, resource availability, and the potential for early detection and comprehensive patient support. This score is not a definitive ranking but rather a snapshot reflecting current conditions and highlighting areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. In Terry, assessing primary care availability involves understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. Precise data on this ratio requires accessing local health department statistics and potentially cross-referencing with state medical board records. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care providers, can significantly impede early detection and timely referrals, crucial factors in improving lung cancer outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and, potentially, a more proactive approach to preventative care, including lung cancer screening.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the community is essential. Are providers clustered in specific areas, leaving others underserved? Geographic disparities in access can create significant barriers for patients, particularly those with limited transportation options or those residing in more rural pockets of Terry. Understanding the geographic distribution of primary care is crucial for identifying potential gaps in service and ensuring equitable access to care.

Identifying standout practices within Terry is critical. This involves looking beyond the basic physician-to-patient ratio and examining the quality of care delivered. Are practices actively promoting lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers)? Do they have established protocols for prompt referrals to pulmonologists and oncologists? Do they participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on cancer care? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection, comprehensive care coordination, and patient education should be recognized and potentially serve as models for other providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another key indicator. The utilization of telehealth services can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available in Terry. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to support groups, all of which can significantly benefit lung cancer patients. Evaluating the prevalence of telemedicine adoption among primary care providers and specialists in the area is essential. This includes assessing the types of telehealth services offered, the technology infrastructure in place, and the level of patient and provider acceptance.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and its treatment, can create significant emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is therefore critical. This analysis must examine the presence of mental health providers in Terry, as well as their integration with primary care practices and cancer care centers. Are there established referral pathways for patients experiencing emotional difficulties? Are there resources available to address the unique mental health challenges faced by lung cancer patients and their families?

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the availability of other supportive services, such as smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are essential for prevention and improved patient outcomes. The presence of these programs within the community, their accessibility, and their success rates are important factors to consider.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for Terry, Mississippi, will be derived from a synthesis of these factors. Each element will be assigned a weighted value based on its impact on lung cancer care. The final score will be a composite measure reflecting the overall strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. The score will not be a definitive ranking but rather a tool to identify areas of excellence and areas needing improvement.

For instance, a high physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with widespread telemedicine adoption and readily available mental health resources, would contribute to a higher score. Conversely, a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialists, and a lack of mental health support would negatively impact the score. The analysis will also consider factors such as the availability of lung cancer screening programs, the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and patient satisfaction data.

The analysis will also take into account the demographics of the population served by the primary care providers in Terry. Are there specific populations at higher risk for lung cancer, such as those with a history of smoking or exposure to environmental hazards? Understanding the demographic profile of the community is crucial for tailoring prevention and screening efforts.

This preliminary analysis is a starting point. A comprehensive assessment would involve a more in-depth investigation, including interviews with healthcare providers, patient surveys, and a review of medical records. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to lung cancer patients in Terry and to identify opportunities for improvement.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' is a dynamic measure. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the score will need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, resource allocation, and treatment protocols. The ultimate goal is to improve lung cancer outcomes and to ensure that all residents of Terry have access to high-quality, comprehensive care.

To gain a more visual and spatially aware understanding of the healthcare landscape in Terry, Mississippi, and to identify potential areas for improvement, consider exploring the data using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow you to visualize physician locations, resource distribution, and demographic data in a geographically interactive format. This can provide a valuable perspective for understanding the challenges and opportunities in lung cancer care in Terry.