39063, Durant, Mississippi Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 39063, Durant, Mississippi is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.42 percent of the residents in 39063 has some form of health insurance. 60.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 33.79 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 39063 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,041 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39063. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 540 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 523 health care providers accessible to residents in 39063, Durant, Mississippi.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Durant, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39063)

Durant, Mississippi, a small town nestled in Holmes County, presents a unique challenge when assessing healthcare access, specifically concerning prostate cancer detection and treatment. This analysis examines the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their impact on prostate cancer screening within the 39063 ZIP code. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight any standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, ultimately providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" based on these factors.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer management lies in early detection. This necessitates regular screenings, primarily through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DREs). The accessibility of a PCP is crucial, as they often serve as the initial point of contact for men experiencing symptoms or seeking preventative care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Durant is a critical indicator. Based on available data, the ratio is likely less favorable than the national average. This means that each PCP in the area is potentially responsible for a larger patient population, which can strain their capacity to provide comprehensive care, including routine prostate cancer screenings. A low physician-to-patient ratio, while not a direct measure of quality, significantly impacts access.

Further complicating the situation is the rural nature of Durant and Holmes County. Rural areas often experience shortages of healthcare professionals, including specialists like urologists, who are essential for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. This geographical constraint can force patients to travel significant distances to receive specialized care, adding to the burden of diagnosis and treatment. This travel time can contribute to delays in diagnosis and treatment, impacting patient outcomes.

Standout practices, if any exist in Durant, would be those that demonstrate a commitment to proactive prostate cancer screening. These practices might implement systems to remind patients of their screening appointments, educate patients about the importance of early detection, and provide clear pathways to specialist referrals when necessary. The presence of such a practice would significantly improve the Prostate Cancer Score. However, due to the limited resources in a rural setting, the likelihood of finding a practice with these robust screening programs is relatively low.

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to some of the access challenges in Durant. Remote consultations with specialists, including urologists, can reduce the need for travel and provide timely access to expert opinions. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Durant is a key factor in the overall score. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide comprehensive care and improve patient outcomes. However, internet connectivity and patient access to technology can pose barriers to telemedicine adoption in some rural areas.

Mental health resources are another crucial aspect of this analysis. A cancer diagnosis, including prostate cancer, can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health support, such as counseling and support groups, is essential for coping with the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. The availability of these resources in Durant, or the proximity of such services in nearby communities, directly affects the Prostate Cancer Score. The lack of such resources would negatively impact the score.

Considering all these factors, the Prostate Cancer Score for Durant, Mississippi (39063) is likely to be relatively low. The limited physician-to-patient ratio, the scarcity of specialists, and the potential challenges in telemedicine adoption all contribute to a less-than-ideal environment for prostate cancer screening and treatment. The lack of readily available mental health resources further compounds the challenges.

The score would be improved by:

* Increasing the number of PCPs and specialists in the area.
* Encouraging the adoption of telemedicine by local practices.
* Establishing or promoting mental health support services.
* Implementing robust patient education and screening reminder programs.

Ultimately, the Prostate Cancer Score reflects the complex interplay of factors that influence healthcare access and quality. While Durant may face significant challenges, improvements in these areas can lead to better outcomes for men at risk of prostate cancer.

For a more detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in Durant, including the location of medical facilities, physician density, and potential access to specialists, we recommend exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome’s mapping tools can provide a valuable resource for understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare services and identifying areas where improvements are most needed.