39201, Jackson, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39201, Jackson, Mississippi is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.50 percent of the residents in 39201 has some form of health insurance. 3.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.06 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 39201 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 79 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39201. An estimate of 44 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 17 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,908 health care providers accessible to residents in 39201, Jackson, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Jackson, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39201)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of lung cancer care accessibility and quality within the Jackson, Mississippi ZIP code 39201, focusing on primary care physician availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This evaluation aims to offer insights into the local healthcare landscape for individuals seeking lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as to highlight areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on a robust primary care infrastructure. In Jackson, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) significantly impacts early detection and overall patient outcomes. A critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Analyzing the specific ratio within ZIP code 39201 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can provide this information. Furthermore, understanding the distribution of PCPs across the area is crucial. Are they concentrated in specific areas, leaving underserved pockets?

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the proactive implementation of lung cancer screening guidelines, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers). Assessing the practices' adherence to these guidelines, such as utilizing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, is a key indicator of quality. The practices' ability to effectively communicate risk factors, encourage smoking cessation, and facilitate timely referrals to specialists are also essential components.

Identifying standout practices within 39201 requires a multi-faceted approach. Patient reviews, available through platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, empathy, and overall satisfaction. Analyzing these reviews can help identify practices that consistently provide excellent care. Additionally, examining the practices' participation in quality improvement initiatives, such as those offered by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), can indicate a commitment to delivering high-quality care. Furthermore, reviewing the practices' referral patterns to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists can reveal their collaborative approach to patient care.

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals in underserved areas or those facing mobility challenges. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine within primary care practices in 39201 is crucial. Do practices offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or minor health concerns? Are they equipped to provide remote monitoring for patients undergoing treatment? The availability of telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, improve convenience, and potentially expedite access to care. Examining the availability of telehealth services for lung cancer screenings and follow-up appointments is crucial.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. Assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, within the primary care practices or through readily accessible referral networks is essential. Do practices have established protocols for screening patients for depression and anxiety? Are they able to connect patients with appropriate mental health support services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and support groups? The integration of mental health services into the care continuum can significantly improve patient well-being and treatment outcomes.

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized lung cancer care within the broader Jackson healthcare system. This includes the presence of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Assessing the number of specialists, their board certifications, and their experience in treating lung cancer is crucial. Examining the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities, such as advanced imaging techniques, minimally invasive surgical procedures, and targeted therapies, is also essential. The proximity of these specialists and facilities to the primary care practices in 39201 impacts access to care.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of support services for lung cancer patients. This includes access to patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system; support groups, which provide emotional support and a sense of community; and financial assistance programs, which can help patients manage the financial burden of treatment. The availability of these resources can significantly improve patient quality of life and treatment adherence.

In conclusion, a thorough assessment of lung cancer care within ZIP code 39201 requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the local healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Jackson, Mississippi, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.