39577, Wiggins, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39577, Wiggins, Mississippi is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.41 percent of the residents in 39577 has some form of health insurance. 42.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.27 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 39577 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,672 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39577. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,447 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 182 health care providers accessible to residents in 39577, Wiggins, Mississippi.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Wiggins, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39577)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within Wiggins, Mississippi (ZIP code 39577), focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents and identify areas for potential improvement. We will evaluate these factors to formulate a hypothetical “Lung Cancer Score” for the area, though a definitive score is impossible without direct data access.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on early detection and access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Wiggins, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening opportunities, and ultimately, poorer outcomes. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Mississippi State Department of Health, can be used to estimate this ratio. However, the accuracy of this calculation depends on the availability of current physician counts and population data.

Primary care accessibility extends beyond the simple number of physicians. The geographic distribution of practices is equally important. Are practices concentrated in one area, leaving residents in more rural parts of the ZIP code underserved? Are practices accepting new patients, and what are the average wait times for appointments? These factors significantly influence a patient's ability to receive timely care, a critical element in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Standout practices within Wiggins would ideally demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening. This includes offering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, adhering to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines, and actively promoting smoking cessation programs. Practices that integrate electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient risk factors, such as smoking history and family history of cancer, are also highly desirable.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. The availability of telehealth consultations for primary care visits, follow-up appointments, and even specialist consultations can reduce the need for travel and improve patient convenience. Practices that embrace telemedicine can expand their reach and provide care to patients who might otherwise face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. The level of telemedicine adoption within Wiggins practices is a key factor in our analysis.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of these resources within Wiggins is crucial for supporting patients throughout their cancer journey.

The hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" would incorporate these factors, weighting them based on their relative importance. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio and limited access to screening services would negatively impact the score. Conversely, a practice with a robust telemedicine program, a strong emphasis on early detection, and readily available mental health support would contribute positively to the score.

The analysis must also consider the availability of specialized cancer care beyond primary care. While Wiggins may not have a dedicated oncology center, the proximity to larger cities like Hattiesburg, with comprehensive cancer centers, is important. The ease of access to these centers, including transportation options and insurance coverage, influences the overall quality of care available to residents.

The overall assessment considers the quality of care and the availability of resources. The analysis must also consider the impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and environmental exposures can significantly influence lung cancer risk and outcomes. Addressing these factors requires a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government.

The ability to assess the quality of care offered by individual practices is also important. Patient reviews, publicly available quality metrics, and participation in quality improvement programs can provide valuable insights. The transparency of practices in sharing this information demonstrates a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.

The data required for this analysis would include: the number of PCPs in the area, the types of services offered by each practice, the availability of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the proximity to specialized cancer centers. This information can be gathered from various sources, including physician directories, practice websites, and public health data.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" would provide a snapshot of the current state of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility in Wiggins. It would highlight strengths and weaknesses, informing efforts to improve the quality of care for residents. The analysis should also identify opportunities for collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government to address the challenges and improve patient outcomes.

The analysis also considers the impact of insurance coverage. The percentage of residents with health insurance, the types of insurance plans accepted by local practices, and the availability of financial assistance programs for cancer treatment are all crucial factors. Ensuring that all residents have access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare is essential for improving lung cancer outcomes.

The availability of support groups and patient advocacy organizations is another important consideration. These resources provide emotional support, education, and practical assistance to patients and their families. The presence of these resources within the community can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by lung cancer.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" analysis for Wiggins (39577) reveals a complex interplay of factors influencing access to care and the potential for positive outcomes. While a definitive score requires detailed data, the assessment highlights the importance of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, mental health resources, and the broader social determinants of health. This information can be used to inform efforts to improve the quality of care for residents and ultimately, to save lives.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.