The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39301, Meridian, Mississippi is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 88.62 percent of the residents in 39301 has some form of health insurance. 42.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.08 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 39301 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 6,206 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39301. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,136 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,051 health care providers accessible to residents in 39301, Meridian, Mississippi.
Health Scores in 39301, Meridian, Mississippi
Lung Cancer Score | 32 |
---|---|
People Score | 12 |
Provider Score | 81 |
Hospital Score | 10 |
Travel Score | 64 |
39301 | Meridian | Mississippi | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Meridian, MS (ZIP Code 39301)
This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Meridian, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39301), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The goal is to provide a “Lung Cancer Score” perspective, evaluating the availability and quality of care within the community. The analysis considers primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in a patient's journey from screening to survivorship.
Meridian, a city in Lauderdale County, faces challenges common to many rural areas, including potential limitations in healthcare access. Understanding these nuances is critical for assessing the community's preparedness to address lung cancer effectively.
**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. Early detection through screening, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, is significantly impacted by the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). A high PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. In Meridian (39301), the physician-to-patient ratio needs careful evaluation. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Mississippi State Department of Health should be consulted to determine the current ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per patient, generally translates to better access.
The analysis should also examine the distribution of PCPs across the ZIP code. Are there underserved areas within Meridian where access is particularly limited? This geographical analysis is essential to identify potential disparities in care. Furthermore, the types of PCPs available (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine) and their willingness to provide preventative care, including lung cancer screening, are critical considerations.
**Standout Practices and Specialized Services:**
Identifying standout practices within Meridian is crucial. This involves assessing the quality of care provided by individual clinics and hospitals. Factors to consider include:
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by reputable organizations like the American College of Radiology (ACR) for imaging services indicates adherence to high-quality standards.
* **Oncology Services:** The presence of oncologists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons within the community is paramount for comprehensive lung cancer treatment. The availability of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology services locally minimizes the need for patients to travel long distances for care.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Successful lung cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary team. Does the community support collaboration among specialists, including radiologists, pathologists, and oncology nurses?
* **Patient Outcomes:** Reviewing publicly available data on patient outcomes, such as survival rates and complication rates, can provide insights into the effectiveness of local treatment approaches.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Gathering patient feedback through surveys and online reviews can reveal valuable information about the patient experience, including communication, compassion, and overall satisfaction with care.
**Telemedicine Adoption:**
Telemedicine has the potential to significantly enhance access to care, particularly in rural areas like Meridian. The adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers should be assessed. This includes:
* **Teleconsultations:** Are PCPs and specialists offering virtual consultations for initial evaluations, follow-up appointments, and medication management?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Are there programs for remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment or in survivorship, allowing for proactive management of symptoms and potential complications?
* **Tele-education:** Are there educational resources available to patients via telemedicine platforms, such as webinars or online support groups, to improve their understanding of the disease and treatment options?
The availability of reliable internet access in the community is a critical factor in the success of telemedicine initiatives.
**Mental Health Resources:**
Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The integration of mental health resources into the care pathway is essential. This analysis should evaluate:
* **Availability of Mental Health Professionals:** Are psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers available in the community to provide counseling and therapy?
* **Integration with Oncology Services:** Are mental health services integrated into the oncology care team, allowing for seamless referrals and coordinated care?
* **Support Groups:** Are there local support groups for lung cancer patients and their families, providing a forum for sharing experiences and coping strategies?
* **Access to Psychiatric Medications:** Is there access to medications for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that may arise during treatment?
The analysis should also consider the availability of resources to address the financial and social challenges that patients may face, such as assistance with transportation, housing, and access to social services.
**Conclusion:**
A comprehensive “Lung Cancer Score” for Meridian (39301) necessitates a thorough examination of these factors. The final score should reflect the community's strengths and weaknesses in providing accessible, high-quality, and patient-centered lung cancer care. This analysis should serve as a starting point for community stakeholders, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance the health and well-being of individuals affected by lung cancer.
For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Meridian, including physician locations, service availability, and population demographics, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.
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