39520, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39520, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.40 percent of the residents in 39520 has some form of health insurance. 42.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.59 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 39520 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,118 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39520. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,017 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,882 health care providers accessible to residents in 39520, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Bay Saint Louis, MS (ZIP Code 39520)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area, like Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39520), requires a multi-faceted approach. A “Lung Cancer Score” framework, though not a formal metric, allows us to assess the landscape of primary care availability, physician resources, and supportive services crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of this devastating disease. This analysis focuses on the key elements that contribute to positive patient outcomes, particularly within the context of a rural or underserved area.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Early detection through regular screenings, such as low-dose CT scans, is significantly more likely when patients have established relationships with primary care physicians (PCPs). In Bay Saint Louis, the availability of PCPs is a critical starting point. Publicly available data, such as those from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Mississippi State Department of Health, can provide estimates of the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can create significant barriers to accessing timely care. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying the diagnosis of lung cancer. Furthermore, a shortage of PCPs can lead to increased workload for existing physicians, which can affect the quality of care they are able to provide.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout practices within the 39520 ZIP code is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, early detection, and patient education. We can assess this by looking at factors like:

* **Screening Rates:** Practices that actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screening for eligible patients (those with a history of smoking or other risk factors) are considered high-performing.
* **Patient Education:** Practices that provide educational materials and counseling on smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle choices, and the risks of lung cancer.
* **Referral Networks:** Practices with established referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists for patients who require more advanced care.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Practices that prioritize patient experience and satisfaction through surveys, feedback mechanisms, and patient-centered care models.

Identifying these practices involves analyzing online reviews, patient testimonials, and public health data.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. In the context of lung cancer care, telemedicine can improve access to specialists, facilitate remote monitoring, and provide convenient follow-up appointments. Examining the telemedicine adoption rate among primary care practices in Bay Saint Louis is essential. Factors to consider include:

* **Availability of Telemedicine Platforms:** Do practices offer telehealth appointments for consultations, follow-ups, and medication management?
* **Specialist Consultations:** Do practices utilize telemedicine to connect patients with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists who may not be readily available locally?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices use remote monitoring technologies to track patients' vital signs, symptoms, and treatment adherence?

Increased telemedicine adoption can significantly improve access to specialized care, reduce travel burdens for patients, and enhance the overall quality of care.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Services:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is crucial for addressing the psychological challenges associated with the disease. This includes:

* **Availability of Mental Health Professionals:** Assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers in the area.
* **Oncology Support Groups:** Identifying support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families.
* **Counseling Services:** Evaluating whether practices offer or refer patients to counseling services to address anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
* **Palliative Care:** Assessing the availability of palliative care services to manage pain, symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Integrating mental health support into lung cancer care is vital for improving patient outcomes and overall well-being.

**Specifics to Consider within Bay Saint Louis:**

To provide a more concrete analysis, we need to consider specific factors within Bay Saint Louis. This includes:

* **Hospital Affiliations:** The presence of a hospital with a dedicated oncology department and pulmonology services.
* **Community Health Centers:** The existence of community health centers that provide primary care and potentially offer lung cancer screening programs.
* **Insurance Coverage:** The types of insurance plans accepted by local practices and hospitals, and the availability of financial assistance programs for patients.
* **Transportation:** The availability of transportation services for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** The availability of smoking cessation programs and resources in the community.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

The “Lung Cancer Score” framework highlights the importance of comprehensive healthcare access and quality. The analysis of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources provides a snapshot of the current landscape in Bay Saint Louis (39520). This information is crucial for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

To visualize and analyze this data effectively, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can display physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data in a geographically intuitive format. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and identify areas for improvement.