39481, Stringer, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39481, Stringer, Mississippi is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.20 percent of the residents in 39481 has some form of health insurance. 34.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.95 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 39481 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 336 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39481. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 274 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,541 health care providers accessible to residents in 39481, Stringer, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis of Primary Care in Stringer, MS (ZIP Code 39481)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly regarding lung cancer screening and support, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Stringer, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39481), and their capacity to address the needs of patients, especially concerning lung cancer detection and management. We will assess factors influencing a hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" for the area, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in strong primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients exhibiting symptoms or at high risk. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and PCPs play a critical role in identifying at-risk individuals, ordering appropriate screenings like low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, and referring patients to specialists when necessary.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Information on the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Stringer is essential. Publicly available data from the Mississippi State Department of Health or the US Census Bureau can provide estimates. A low ratio would negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score. Conversely, a higher ratio, indicating better access, would positively influence the score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is also important. Are the existing physicians clustered in one area, leaving other parts of Stringer underserved? Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) in the area? These facilities often provide care to underserved populations and can significantly improve access.

**Practice Characteristics and Screening Practices:**

The operational characteristics of local practices are crucial. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? These factors directly impact accessibility. Furthermore, the practices' approach to lung cancer screening is a key indicator. Do they actively identify and screen patients who meet the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for LDCT screening (individuals aged 50-80 with a 20+ pack-year smoking history, who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years)?

The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) is also significant. EHRs facilitate the efficient exchange of patient information, improve care coordination, and enable practices to track screening rates and patient outcomes. Practices that are actively involved in promoting and providing lung cancer screening would receive a higher score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Stringer can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and access to specialists. For lung cancer patients, telemedicine can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and support groups. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine would see a positive impact on their Lung Cancer Score.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The integration of mental health services into primary care is therefore crucial. Do the PCPs in Stringer have access to mental health professionals, either within their practice or through referral networks? Are they trained to recognize and address mental health concerns? Practices that actively integrate mental health services, such as offering on-site counseling or having established referral pathways, would receive a higher score. The availability of support groups and resources for patients and their families is also an important consideration.

**Standout Practices and Their Influence:**

Identifying standout practices within the area is valuable. These practices may demonstrate best practices in lung cancer screening, patient education, and care coordination. Their success can serve as a model for other practices in the area. For example, a practice that has implemented a robust screening program, actively educates patients about lung cancer risks, and provides comprehensive support services would be considered a standout. The existence of such practices would positively influence the overall Lung Cancer Score for the area.

**The Hypothetical Lung Cancer Score:**

Based on the factors discussed, a hypothetical Lung Cancer Score would be developed. This score would reflect the overall availability and quality of primary care in Stringer, specifically concerning lung cancer prevention, detection, and management. The score would be a composite measure, incorporating the physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

A high score would indicate excellent access to care, proactive screening practices, and comprehensive support services. A low score would indicate potential challenges in accessing care, limited screening efforts, and a lack of integrated support services. This score, though hypothetical, provides a framework for assessing the healthcare landscape in Stringer.

**Conclusion:**

Evaluating primary care availability in Stringer, MS, requires a comprehensive analysis. The physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources all play a vital role in determining the quality of care, particularly concerning lung cancer. A thorough assessment of these factors is essential for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and for identifying areas for improvement. This type of analysis can help to identify gaps in care and inform efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for the residents of Stringer.

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