39553, Gautier, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39553, Gautier, Mississippi is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.28 percent of the residents in 39553 has some form of health insurance. 30.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.26 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 39553 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,540 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39553. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,719 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,465 health care providers accessible to residents in 39553, Gautier, Mississippi.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Gautier, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39553)**

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Gautier, Mississippi, necessitates a comprehensive assessment of available resources, physician accessibility, and the overall quality of care. This analysis, presented as a 'Lung Cancer Score,' considers several key factors to provide a nuanced understanding of the situation for residents in ZIP code 39553. The goal is to evaluate primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized lung cancer treatment options, and the integration of supportive services, including mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Gautier, primary care availability is a critical factor. The ratio of PCPs to the population directly impacts access to early detection, preventative screenings, and timely referrals to specialists. A higher PCP-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access. However, this ratio alone doesn't tell the whole story. The specific practices within the area, their patient load, and their acceptance of new patients are equally important.

To determine the score, we must first examine the physician-to-patient ratio. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health and the US Census Bureau will be necessary to determine the exact figures. Assuming a hypothetical scenario, if the ratio in Gautier is lower than the national average, the score will be negatively impacted. Conversely, a higher ratio will improve the score. This is a crucial starting point, as it dictates how easily patients can secure appointments for initial assessments and routine check-ups.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care plays a significant role. Are the PCPs in Gautier actively involved in preventative care, including lung cancer screenings? Do they follow the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)? The score will factor in the practices' adherence to these guidelines. This includes the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, which is a vital tool for early detection.

Another crucial aspect is the presence of specialized lung cancer care within or near Gautier. This includes access to pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. If patients must travel long distances to see these specialists, the score will be affected negatively. Proximity to comprehensive cancer centers, such as those in nearby cities like Biloxi or Mobile, will improve the score. The availability of advanced treatment modalities, such as targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, will also be considered.

The adoption of telemedicine is another factor to consider. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups. The score will reflect the extent to which practices in Gautier utilize telemedicine platforms for lung cancer-related care. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals will receive a higher score.

Mental health support is an integral part of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The score will assess the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the Gautier area. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, or readily refer patients to mental health professionals, will receive a higher score. This includes access to resources that address anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis.

The quality of communication and coordination of care among healthcare providers is also crucial. The score will consider the extent to which practices utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to share patient information, facilitate referrals, and coordinate treatment plans. Practices that demonstrate strong communication and collaboration among their team members will receive a higher score. This ensures that patients receive seamless and coordinated care.

Standout practices in Gautier, if any, will be highlighted. These practices may be recognized for their commitment to preventative care, their adoption of telemedicine, their integration of mental health services, or their overall patient-centered approach. Their success stories and best practices can serve as a model for other practices in the area. Information on these practices can be obtained from patient reviews, healthcare rating websites, and local community resources.

The score will also take into account the availability of patient education resources. This includes access to information about lung cancer, treatment options, side effects, and support services. Practices that provide patients with educational materials, offer patient navigators, or host educational events will receive a higher score. This empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' is a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape in Gautier. The score will be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, treatment options, and the integration of supportive services. This ensures that the information remains current and relevant. The final score will be a composite of all these factors, providing a comprehensive overview of the lung cancer care environment in ZIP code 39553.

This analysis is designed to provide a snapshot of the current state of lung cancer care in Gautier. It is not a definitive ranking of individual physicians or practices. Instead, it is a tool to inform residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify areas for improvement.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Gautier and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and population demographics, we invite you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps.