39204, Jackson, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39204, Jackson, Mississippi is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.54 percent of the residents in 39204 has some form of health insurance. 48.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 37.27 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 39204 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,369 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 79 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39204. An estimate of 44 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,211 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,904 health care providers accessible to residents in 39204, Jackson, Mississippi.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians within ZIP code 39204, Jackson, Mississippi, focusing on primary care availability and related factors. This score is a hypothetical construct, a composite assessment based on available data and general best practices, not a definitive ranking. It aims to illuminate the healthcare landscape within the specified area, specifically in relation to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and supportive care.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical component of this assessment. Within ZIP code 39204, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts access to lung cancer screening and early intervention. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per PCP, often translates to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and follow-up care. Conversely, a favorable ratio, indicating a greater availability of PCPs, can facilitate timely access to care, increasing the likelihood of early detection and improved patient outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Mississippi State Department of Health would be essential to determine the actual ratio within 39204. This data would be factored into the Lung Cancer Score, with higher scores awarded to areas demonstrating a favorable ratio.

Standout practices within the ZIP code would be those demonstrating a commitment to lung cancer screening and comprehensive patient care. This includes practices actively promoting screening guidelines, utilizing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, and providing robust patient education about risk factors and prevention strategies. Practices that integrate smoking cessation programs, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and provide clear communication with patients would also be recognized. The Lung Cancer Score would assess these factors, giving higher marks to practices that proactively engage in early detection and comprehensive patient management. Furthermore, practices that participate in clinical trials or research related to lung cancer would be highly regarded, demonstrating a commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in enhancing healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. The Lung Cancer Score would evaluate the extent to which practices in 39204 utilize telemedicine for patient consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who have mobility limitations, live in remote areas, or face transportation challenges. Practices that offer telemedicine options, especially for post-treatment care or symptom management, would receive higher scores. The availability of telehealth services can contribute to earlier detection, improved adherence to treatment plans, and better overall patient outcomes.

Mental health resources are an essential, often overlooked, aspect of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score would consider the availability of mental health services within the practices themselves or through referrals to external providers. Practices that offer on-site counseling, integrate mental health screenings into their patient care protocols, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists would be highly rated. The integration of mental health support is crucial for providing holistic care and improving the overall well-being of patients undergoing treatment or managing their condition.

Primary care availability in Jackson as a whole significantly influences the Lung Cancer Score for 39204. The broader availability of PCPs across the city affects the ability of residents within the ZIP code to access timely and appropriate care. If Jackson has a shortage of PCPs, it will likely impact access to care within 39204, even if individual practices within the ZIP code are performing well. The Lung Cancer Score would therefore incorporate a city-wide assessment of primary care availability, considering factors such as the number of PCPs per capita, the distribution of practices across different neighborhoods, and the availability of resources for underserved populations.

The Lung Cancer Score would also evaluate the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within the Jackson area. Early detection of lung cancer often requires referral to a pulmonologist for further evaluation, including diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy. Access to oncologists is crucial for treatment planning and management. The Lung Cancer Score would assess the proximity of these specialists to practices within 39204, the availability of appointments, and the efficiency of referral processes. A well-coordinated network of primary care physicians and specialists is essential for providing comprehensive lung cancer care.

Data quality and availability are crucial for accurate assessment. The Lung Cancer Score relies on the availability of reliable data from various sources, including public health agencies, insurance providers, and healthcare organizations. The quality of data, including its completeness, accuracy, and timeliness, directly impacts the validity of the score. The Lung Cancer Score would be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, including new screening guidelines, advancements in treatment options, and shifts in physician availability.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for doctors in ZIP code 39204, Jackson, Mississippi, is a multifaceted assessment. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the overall availability of primary care and specialist services within the broader Jackson area. This score provides a valuable framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Jackson, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to care, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data visualization. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare resources and access to care within the city.