39428, Collins, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39428, Collins, Mississippi is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.04 percent of the residents in 39428 has some form of health insurance. 41.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.15 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 39428 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,067 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39428. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,256 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,554 health care providers accessible to residents in 39428, Collins, Mississippi.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Collins, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39428)**

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 39428, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, a crucial component of early detection and management. We will assess physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and investigate the availability of mental health resources, all vital elements in a comprehensive approach to lung cancer care. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management rests on robust primary care. Early detection through screenings, patient education, and prompt referrals are all responsibilities of primary care physicians (PCPs). The availability of PCPs directly impacts the likelihood of early diagnosis, improved treatment outcomes, and enhanced patient survival rates. In Collins, Mississippi, the density of PCPs within the 39428 ZIP code is a critical factor in determining the overall 'Lung Cancer Score'.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a quantitative measure of access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Mississippi State Department of Health will be analyzed to determine the physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. This data will be compared to state and national averages to benchmark the local situation.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These are medical groups or individual practitioners who demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly in the context of lung cancer. This evaluation will consider factors such as the practice's commitment to preventative screenings (e.g., low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), the use of evidence-based guidelines, and the patient-centeredness of their approach. We will examine patient reviews, clinical outcomes data where available, and the practice's integration of multidisciplinary care, including pulmonology and oncology services.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Collins. Telemedicine can enhance access to specialists, facilitate remote monitoring of patients, and provide convenient follow-up care. The extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine technologies, including virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring devices, and secure messaging platforms, will be assessed. This includes examining the availability of telehealth services for lung cancer-related consultations, such as pulmonary specialists, and the ability of patients to access these services remotely.

The psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Mental health resources, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups, are essential for patient well-being. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within the community, including the presence of mental health professionals in primary care practices, referrals to mental health specialists, and the availability of support groups for patients and their families. We will also explore the integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care pathway.

A comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' will be derived by combining the assessments of the above factors. The score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care within the 39428 ZIP code. The score will not be a simple numerical value but a nuanced evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The score will be presented alongside recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health resources.

The analysis will also consider the specific challenges faced by the community. Rural areas often experience disparities in healthcare access and quality. Factors such as socioeconomic status, transportation limitations, and lack of insurance coverage can exacerbate these disparities. The analysis will address these issues and offer solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of the Collins community.

The evaluation will also analyze the availability of specialized services. The proximity to pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists is essential for comprehensive lung cancer care. The analysis will determine the distance patients must travel to access these specialists and assess the availability of advanced treatment options, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy.

The analysis will also assess the availability of patient education resources. Access to reliable information about lung cancer, its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is critical for empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care. The analysis will examine the availability of patient education materials, such as pamphlets, websites, and support groups, and assess the quality and accessibility of these resources.

The analysis will also consider the role of community outreach programs. Community outreach programs can play a vital role in raising awareness about lung cancer, promoting early detection, and connecting patients with needed resources. The analysis will assess the presence and effectiveness of community outreach programs in the 39428 ZIP code.

Ultimately, the goal of this 'Lung Cancer Score' analysis is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Collins, Mississippi. The findings will be valuable for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping them to understand the current state of lung cancer care and identify opportunities for improvement. The analysis will be a starting point for building a stronger, more patient-centered healthcare system that effectively addresses the challenges of lung cancer.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, access to care, and potential areas for improvement, explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Collins, Mississippi.