39189, Walnut Grove, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39189, Walnut Grove, Mississippi is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.79 percent of the residents in 39189 has some form of health insurance. 55.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.23 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 39189 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,149 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39189. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 331 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 154 health care providers accessible to residents in 39189, Walnut Grove, Mississippi.

The analysis focuses on the availability of resources relevant to lung cancer care within the ZIP code 39189, specifically in the context of primary care in Walnut Grove, Mississippi. This assessment considers factors impacting early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The goal is to provide an informed overview of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately supporting informed decision-making for residents and healthcare professionals.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and robust primary care. In Walnut Grove, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. A low physician-to-patient ratio, where a limited number of PCPs serve a large population, can create significant barriers to timely screenings, diagnosis, and referral to specialists. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Determining the precise ratio in 39189 requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the Mississippi State Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This data is essential to understanding the baseline level of care available.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Practices that emphasize preventative care, including routine screenings for at-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history of lung cancer), are particularly valuable. These practices should have clear protocols for ordering chest X-rays or low-dose CT scans, the primary methods for early detection. Furthermore, the ability of PCPs to effectively communicate risk factors, provide smoking cessation counseling, and coordinate care with pulmonologists and oncologists is essential.

Standout practices within the area would be those that demonstrate a commitment to these best practices. This could involve actively participating in quality improvement programs, maintaining electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing, and consistently achieving positive patient outcomes. Identifying these standout practices requires a deeper dive, including patient reviews, physician ratings, and potentially interviews with healthcare professionals.

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Walnut Grove. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs and specialists in 39189 is a key indicator of the healthcare system’s adaptability and responsiveness. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists who may not be physically present in the community. The availability of reliable internet access and the willingness of both patients and providers to embrace this technology are crucial factors in its successful implementation.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, are better equipped to support patients through their journey. Assessing the availability of these resources requires identifying local mental health providers, understanding their capacity to serve patients, and evaluating the level of integration with primary care and oncology services.

The physical proximity of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is another crucial factor. Lung cancer care often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving these specialists in addition to the PCP. The distance patients must travel to see these specialists, and the waiting times for appointments, can significantly impact the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment. Assessing the availability of these specialists, and their proximity to Walnut Grove, is essential. This includes evaluating the facilities where they practice, the types of treatments they offer, and their overall experience in treating lung cancer patients.

The financial aspects of healthcare also play a significant role. The acceptance of various insurance plans by local providers, and the availability of financial assistance programs for patients struggling to afford care, are important considerations. Practices that offer transparent pricing, and that assist patients in navigating the complexities of insurance coverage, are more patient-centered.

The quality of the local hospital, and its capacity to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment services, is another key factor. This includes the availability of advanced imaging equipment, such as PET scans, and the presence of experienced surgical and radiation oncology teams. The hospital's overall rating, and its performance on key quality metrics, can provide valuable insights into the standard of care.

The overall score for lung cancer care in 39189, specifically related to primary care availability in Walnut Grove, cannot be simply quantified without specific data. However, the analysis framework allows for a qualitative assessment. The score would be higher if: there is a favorable physician-to-patient ratio; primary care practices actively promote preventative care; telemedicine is widely adopted; mental health resources are readily available; specialists are easily accessible; and the local hospital offers comprehensive services. Conversely, the score would be lower if: the physician-to-patient ratio is unfavorable; preventative care is lacking; telemedicine adoption is limited; mental health resources are scarce; specialists are difficult to access; and the local hospital's services are inadequate.

This analysis is a starting point. A more comprehensive understanding requires detailed data collection and analysis. The information gathered can be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for better healthcare resources for the residents of Walnut Grove and the surrounding areas.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in 39189 and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.