39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.34 percent of the residents in 39525 has some form of health insurance. 35.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.38 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 39525 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,771 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39525. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,294 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,994 health care providers accessible to residents in 39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Diamondhead, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39525)**

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services within Diamondhead, Mississippi (ZIP code 39525), focusing on factors relevant to early detection and management of lung cancer. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in supporting patients facing this disease. This assessment will not yield a numerical score, but rather a qualitative overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

Diamondhead, a community nestled along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The population demographics, including an aging population and potential exposure to environmental risk factors, underscore the importance of accessible and high-quality primary care. Effective primary care is the cornerstone of lung cancer screening and management, as it facilitates early detection, prompt referrals to specialists, and comprehensive patient support.

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

The physician-to-patient ratio in Diamondhead, and the surrounding Hancock County, is a critical indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening rates, and poorer health outcomes. Publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Mississippi State Department of Health will be consulted to estimate the current physician-to-patient ratio. This analysis will consider the number of active primary care physicians (family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice) practicing within the ZIP code and the broader county, relative to the population size.

Furthermore, the analysis will explore the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers in the area. These facilities often serve a larger proportion of the population and may be particularly important for individuals with limited financial resources or those lacking insurance coverage. The presence of these providers can help mitigate the impact of a low physician-to-patient ratio.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several factors that contribute to high-quality primary care. This analysis will consider the following:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Practices accredited by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or those with physicians board-certified in their specialties often demonstrate a commitment to quality standards.
* **Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** Online patient reviews, such as those found on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication, and overall satisfaction.
* **Preventive Care Services:** Practices that actively promote preventive care, including lung cancer screening for eligible patients (based on age, smoking history, and other risk factors), are considered high-quality. This includes offering or facilitating low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans.
* **Care Coordination:** Effective care coordination, including seamless referrals to specialists (pulmonologists, oncologists), and communication with other healthcare providers, is essential for managing complex conditions like lung cancer.
* **Electronic Health Records (EHR) Adoption:** The use of EHRs facilitates efficient record-keeping, improves communication, and supports data-driven decision-making.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Accessibility:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in Diamondhead have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Offering virtual appointments for routine follow-ups, medication management, and consultations can improve access for patients who may have difficulty traveling to the clinic.
* **Remote Monitoring:** The use of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track blood pressure or blood glucose levels, can help manage chronic conditions and detect potential problems early.
* **Patient Portals:** Secure patient portals allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their providers, and request appointments online.

The availability of reliable internet access in the area will also be considered, as this is a prerequisite for effective telemedicine implementation.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into primary care is crucial. The analysis will evaluate the following:

* **On-site Mental Health Services:** The presence of mental health professionals (therapists, counselors, psychiatrists) within primary care practices can facilitate timely access to mental health support.
* **Referral Networks:** Practices with established referral networks to mental health specialists in the community are better equipped to address the mental health needs of their patients.
* **Screening for Mental Health Conditions:** Routine screening for anxiety and depression can help identify patients who may benefit from mental health support.
* **Integration of Behavioral Health:** A team-based approach that incorporates behavioral health specialists into the care plan can improve patient outcomes.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape in Diamondhead, Mississippi, presents both opportunities and challenges in the fight against lung cancer. The availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all critical factors. A comprehensive assessment of these factors is essential for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and for identifying areas where improvements are needed. This analysis provides a qualitative overview of the healthcare environment in Diamondhead.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources and their geographical distribution in Diamondhead and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to visualize key data points and gain a deeper understanding of access to care.