39212, Jackson, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39212, Jackson, Mississippi is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.28 percent of the residents in 39212 has some form of health insurance. 45.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.24 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 39212 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,043 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 79 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39212. An estimate of 44 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,807 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,199 health care providers accessible to residents in 39212, Jackson, Mississippi.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39212 and Primary Care in Jackson, Mississippi**

This analysis provides an in-depth assessment of the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 39212 in Jackson, Mississippi, focusing on primary care physician availability and related resources crucial for lung cancer patients. We aim to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care, particularly considering the needs of individuals facing this serious illness. This analysis uses a hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score," a composite metric incorporating various factors relevant to patient care.

The primary care physician (PCP) is the cornerstone of early lung cancer detection and management. Their ability to provide regular screenings, coordinate specialist referrals, and offer ongoing support significantly impacts patient outcomes. In assessing the situation within 39212, we must first examine the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as those from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can offer insights into these ratios. We would compare the ratio in 39212 to state and national averages to understand the relative level of access.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the zip code is critical. Are the available doctors concentrated in specific areas, leaving other parts of 39212 underserved? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics can partially mitigate disparities, offering care to vulnerable populations regardless of their ability to pay. These clinics often provide a broader range of services, including preventative care and assistance with navigating the healthcare system. The Lung Cancer Score would consider the presence and accessibility of such facilities.

Several factors influence the quality of primary care and its impact on lung cancer patients. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is one. EHRs facilitate information sharing between PCPs and specialists, ensuring that all healthcare providers have access to a patient's complete medical history, including prior imaging, lab results, and treatment plans. This is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The Lung Cancer Score would give weight to practices that utilize EHRs effectively.

Furthermore, the expertise of PCPs in lung cancer screening and early detection is vital. Do they follow the current guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for high-risk individuals? Are they knowledgeable about risk factors, such as smoking history and exposure to environmental carcinogens? The score would assess the practices’ adherence to screening guidelines.

Another important element is the availability of specialists within the Jackson area. Prompt referral to pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons is essential for patients with suspected or confirmed lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Score would evaluate the ease of access to these specialists, considering factors such as wait times for appointments and the geographic proximity of specialist practices to primary care providers.

Telemedicine has become an increasingly important tool for healthcare delivery, particularly in areas with limited access to specialists. Telemedicine consultations can enable PCPs to consult with specialists remotely, discuss patient cases, and provide follow-up care. The Lung Cancer Score would evaluate the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in 39212 and its impact on patient access to specialist expertise.

Mental health support is also crucial for lung cancer patients. A diagnosis of lung cancer can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The Lung Cancer Score would assess the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Integration of mental health services into primary care can improve patient well-being and adherence to treatment plans.

Standout practices within 39212 would be identified based on their performance across the various criteria. Practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to preventative care, early detection, patient education, and coordinated care with specialists would receive higher scores. These practices would be recognized for their efforts to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care.

The Lung Cancer Score would also consider the availability of patient education resources. Access to information about lung cancer, treatment options, and support services is crucial for patients to make informed decisions about their care. Practices that provide educational materials, host patient support groups, or offer access to online resources would receive a higher score.

The analysis would also investigate the practices’ commitment to patient-centered care. This includes factors such as the ability to communicate effectively with patients, the availability of interpreters for non-English speakers, and the ease of scheduling appointments. Practices that prioritize patient needs and preferences would be recognized for their commitment to quality care.

Furthermore, the Lung Cancer Score would account for the availability of resources to help patients navigate the healthcare system. This includes assistance with insurance coverage, financial aid, and transportation to appointments. Practices that provide these types of support would be recognized for their commitment to patient access.

Finally, the Lung Cancer Score would be a dynamic metric, subject to change as healthcare practices and resources evolve. Regular updates would be necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, technology adoption, and the availability of specialist services. This ongoing assessment is crucial to ensure that patients in 39212 have access to the best possible care.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 39212, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services relevant to lung cancer patients. This analysis is a hypothetical model.

**To visualize the data and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Jackson, Mississippi, including physician locations, specialist availability, and the locations of clinics, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping tools that can help you understand the healthcare landscape in detail.**