39352, Porterville, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39352, Porterville, Mississippi is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 43.85 percent of the residents in 39352 has some form of health insurance. 33.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 26.62 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 39352 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 172 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39352. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 150 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 50 health care providers accessible to residents in 39352, Porterville, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis for Porterville, MS (ZIP Code 39352)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer care within ZIP code 39352, focusing on primary care availability and the overall landscape for physicians. The goal is to assess the accessibility and quality of care available to residents, considering factors that influence early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The analysis will not provide a numerical "score" but rather a qualitative assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within the local healthcare system.

Porterville, Mississippi, is a small community, and the availability of specialized medical services, including those focused on lung cancer, is inherently limited. This necessitates a careful examination of the existing resources and how they connect with broader regional networks. The analysis will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in the fight against lung cancer.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In a rural area like Porterville, the ratio is likely to be less favorable than in more urban settings. This means that each physician is responsible for a larger patient population, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and a heavier workload. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 39352 is crucial. This information can be obtained from sources like the Mississippi State Department of Health or the American Medical Association. The analysis would need to consider the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists practicing within the area, as these specialists are critical in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Identifying standout practices is essential. This involves looking beyond the simple number of physicians and evaluating the quality of care provided. This includes assessing the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment, their use of advanced diagnostic technologies, and their patient satisfaction scores. Researching local hospitals and clinics in and around Porterville is critical. Are they accredited by organizations like the American College of Surgeons? Do they participate in clinical trials? Do they have dedicated lung cancer programs? These factors can significantly impact the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical element, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge the geographical gap and provide access to specialists who may not be physically located in Porterville. The analysis would need to investigate the availability of telemedicine services for primary care consultations, specialist referrals, and follow-up appointments. Does the local hospital or clinic offer telemedicine consultations with pulmonologists or oncologists? Are there telehealth options for mental health support? The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely can improve early detection, facilitate timely treatment, and reduce the need for long-distance travel, which can be a significant burden for patients and their families.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial in the context of lung cancer. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, within the community or accessible through referral networks. Are there support groups for cancer patients and their families? Does the local hospital offer any psychological support services? Integrating mental health care into the overall treatment plan is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Primary care availability is the foundation of effective lung cancer care. PCPs play a vital role in early detection through lung cancer screening, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, for high-risk individuals. The analysis should assess the PCPs' awareness of lung cancer screening guidelines and their willingness to order these scans for eligible patients. It is also important to evaluate the accessibility of primary care, including appointment availability, insurance acceptance, and the ability of patients to establish a relationship with a regular PCP.

The analysis should also consider the broader healthcare ecosystem. This includes the availability of local pharmacies, access to transportation for medical appointments, and the presence of community health programs that support cancer patients. Are there programs that offer financial assistance to patients? Are there support services for caregivers? These factors can significantly impact a patient's ability to navigate the healthcare system and receive the care they need.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on lung cancer outcomes. Poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare can exacerbate health disparities and negatively impact survival rates. The analysis should consider the demographic characteristics of the population in 39352 and how these factors might influence access to care and treatment outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the lung cancer care landscape in Porterville (39352) requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, examining telemedicine adoption, and assessing the availability of mental health resources and primary care. The analysis also needs to consider the broader healthcare ecosystem and the impact of socioeconomic factors. By understanding these elements, we can identify areas for improvement and work towards ensuring that residents of Porterville have access to high-quality lung cancer care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Porterville, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. This interactive platform can provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and help you better understand the accessibility of care in your community.