39322, Buckatunna, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39322, Buckatunna, Mississippi is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.79 percent of the residents in 39322 has some form of health insurance. 49.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.69 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 39322 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 570 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39322. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 266 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 141 health care providers accessible to residents in 39322, Buckatunna, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Buckatunna, MS (ZIP Code 39322)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, particularly concerning lung cancer care, within a defined geographical area like Buckatunna, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39322) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the "Lung Cancer Score" based on key factors impacting patient access to care, including physician availability, the presence of specialized services, and the integration of supportive care elements. The focus will be on primary care availability, as it serves as the crucial entry point for early detection and management.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In a rural area like Buckatunna, the availability of primary care physicians is likely to be a significant challenge. The national average physician-to-patient ratio is around 1:400, but rural areas often experience a much lower ratio, potentially exceeding 1:1000. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and increased stress on the existing healthcare infrastructure. A low ratio would significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score negatively.

Standout practices within the 39322 ZIP code, or those serving its population, are crucial. Identifying practices with a demonstrated commitment to early detection and comprehensive lung cancer care is paramount. This includes practices that actively screen for lung cancer, offer smoking cessation programs, and have established referral pathways to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines and participate in quality improvement initiatives would also be considered high-scoring. The absence of such practices would severely diminish the Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers a means to bridge geographical barriers and expand access to specialized care. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists can significantly improve patient outcomes. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment and provide access to educational resources. The extent to which practices in and around Buckatunna have embraced telemedicine will be a key determinant of the Lung Cancer Score.

Mental health resources are a vital component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential for supporting patients throughout their treatment journey. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, or have strong referral networks to mental health providers, will contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score. The lack of such resources would be a serious deficiency.

Specifically, the analysis will consider the following factors:

* **Number of Primary Care Physicians:** The total number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 39322 ZIP code and the surrounding areas that serve the population.
* **Physician Specialization:** The availability of pulmonologists and oncologists, either within the ZIP code or within a reasonable travel distance.
* **Screening Programs:** The presence of lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose CT scans, and the eligibility criteria for such programs.
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** The availability of smoking cessation programs, including counseling, medication, and support groups.
* **Telemedicine Capabilities:** The extent to which primary care practices and specialists offer telemedicine consultations and remote monitoring services.
* **Mental Health Integration:** The presence of mental health services within primary care practices or the availability of referrals to mental health providers.
* **Patient Education:** The availability of patient education materials and resources about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
* **Insurance Acceptance:** The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, to ensure accessibility for all residents.
* **Hospital Affiliations:** The affiliations of primary care practices with hospitals that offer comprehensive cancer care services.
* **Quality Metrics:** The use of quality metrics to monitor and improve lung cancer care outcomes.

The Lung Cancer Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Buckatunna. A higher score will indicate better access to care, a greater emphasis on early detection and prevention, and a more comprehensive approach to patient support. A lower score will suggest significant challenges in accessing quality lung cancer care.

Based on the likely challenges of rural healthcare, the Lung Cancer Score for Buckatunna, MS (39322) is anticipated to be relatively low. The limited number of primary care physicians, the potential scarcity of specialists, and the challenges in accessing mental health resources are likely to be significant contributing factors. The degree to which telemedicine has been adopted, and the presence of proactive screening and smoking cessation programs, will be crucial in determining the final score.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access. Poverty, lack of transportation, and limited health literacy can all exacerbate the challenges faced by patients in rural areas. These factors will be considered in the overall assessment of the Lung Cancer Score.

The analysis will not only provide a snapshot of the current state of lung cancer care in Buckatunna but also highlight areas for improvement. This information can be used to inform healthcare planning, resource allocation, and the development of targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

This analysis is a starting point for understanding the complex healthcare landscape in Buckatunna. A comprehensive assessment would require detailed data collection and analysis, including interviews with healthcare providers, patient surveys, and review of medical records. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Buckatunna, and to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the power of mapping with CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear and concise representation of physician availability, hospital locations, and other relevant data points, enabling a more informed understanding of the healthcare environment.