39401, Hattiesburg, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39401, Hattiesburg, Mississippi is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.21 percent of the residents in 39401 has some form of health insurance. 41.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.10 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 39401 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,857 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 30 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39401. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,297 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,479 health care providers accessible to residents in 39401, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Hattiesburg, MS (ZIP Code 39401)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP code 39401 (Hattiesburg, Mississippi), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. The score considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer in this specific geographic area.

Primary care access is a critical starting point. Early detection significantly improves lung cancer outcomes. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) acts as a gatekeeper to screening and specialist referrals. In Hattiesburg, the primary care landscape is influenced by the presence of major healthcare providers, including Forrest General Hospital and various affiliated clinics. The concentration of PCPs within the city center and its surrounding areas impacts accessibility for residents in more rural or underserved pockets of the ZIP code. Analyzing the distribution of these practices, considering factors like office hours, appointment availability, and insurance acceptance, is crucial to assessing the overall accessibility of primary care.

Physician-to-patient ratios are another vital metric. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to better access to care and potentially shorter wait times for appointments. Publicly available data from the Mississippi State Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and other sources can be used to estimate these ratios within ZIP code 39401. This data, combined with population estimates, offers a baseline understanding of the availability of medical professionals. Areas with higher population densities or those with a higher proportion of elderly residents may require a greater concentration of PCPs and specialists to meet the healthcare needs of the community.

Standout practices within the area often differentiate themselves through specialized services, advanced technologies, or a patient-centered approach. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into their offerings. This might include assessing the availability of on-site diagnostic imaging (e.g., CT scans), access to smoking cessation programs, and the presence of dedicated lung cancer screening programs adhering to national guidelines. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to lung cancer treatment and prevention would also receive higher marks. Reviews from patients and their families, readily available online, offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and follow-up care for patients who may have difficulty traveling. Assessing the extent to which practices in 39401 offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, is essential. The availability of these services can significantly improve patient convenience and access to care, particularly for those undergoing treatment or follow-up appointments after a lung cancer diagnosis. Evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care workflow are key considerations.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical but often overlooked aspect of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who specialize in oncology or are familiar with the challenges of cancer patients is crucial. This includes assessing whether practices offer on-site mental health services, provide referrals to mental health professionals, or integrate mental health screenings into the patient care plan. Access to support groups, counseling services, and other resources can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of the disease and improve their overall quality of life.

A comprehensive Lung Cancer Score for physicians in 39401 would incorporate all these factors, assigning weights to each based on their relative importance. For example, primary care availability and physician-to-patient ratios might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, depending on the specific needs of the community. The score would be presented as a numerical value, accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the scoring system. The final score would be a dynamic reflection of the current healthcare landscape.

The analysis would also identify areas for improvement. This might include highlighting the need for increased primary care access in certain areas, encouraging practices to adopt telemedicine technologies, or promoting the integration of mental health services into the care plan. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve the quality of lung cancer care in Hattiesburg and empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

By using a data-driven approach, this analysis aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape for lung cancer patients in Hattiesburg, MS. It is important to note that this analysis is based on publicly available data and other sources. The accuracy of the score is limited by the availability and quality of the data. Further research and investigation may be needed to validate the findings.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Hattiesburg, including the geographic distribution of physicians, access to resources, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. Their platform allows for a dynamic and interactive exploration of the data, providing a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.