39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.48 percent of the residents in 39174 has some form of health insurance. 0.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.65 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 39174 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 219 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 60 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39174. An estimate of 21 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,507 health care providers accessible to residents in 39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi.

Prostate cancer screening and treatment access, alongside primary care availability, are critical components of healthcare within any community. This analysis delves into the landscape of these services within ZIP code 39174, encompassing Tougaloo, Mississippi, aiming to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight exemplary practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of prostate cancer care.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Tougaloo (ZIP code 39174), this metric is particularly crucial. The area, serving a primarily rural population, may face challenges related to physician shortages. To determine a Prostate Cancer Score, we must first ascertain the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and urologists actively practicing within the zip code or its immediate vicinity. Data from sources like the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure and professional directories should be cross-referenced to provide an accurate count. This number then needs to be compared to the total population residing within the area. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, especially for specialists like urologists, would negatively impact the score, indicating potential difficulties in accessing timely screenings, diagnoses, and treatments for prostate cancer.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly influences the overall score. We need to evaluate the presence of practices that actively promote prostate cancer screening guidelines, such as the American Cancer Society's recommendations. This includes the frequency of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests, digital rectal exams (DREs), and the provision of patient education materials about prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. Practices that proactively engage in these activities would receive a higher score. Furthermore, the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers are vital. EHRs facilitate seamless information sharing, which is crucial for coordinating care between PCPs, urologists, and other specialists involved in prostate cancer management.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Tougaloo. The Prostate Cancer Score should consider the availability of telemedicine consultations with urologists and PCPs. Practices that offer virtual appointments for initial consultations, follow-up visits, and medication management would contribute positively to the score. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialist care without the need for extensive travel. The availability of remote monitoring technologies, such as devices that track patient symptoms or medication adherence, would further enhance the score.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet essential, component of prostate cancer care. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The Prostate Cancer Score must assess the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. Ideally, primary care practices and urology clinics should have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, specifically for men with prostate cancer, would also contribute positively to the score. These resources can provide crucial emotional support and help patients cope with the psychological challenges associated with the disease.

To identify standout practices, we need to look for those that exemplify comprehensive prostate cancer care. These practices would likely demonstrate a proactive approach to screening, employing evidence-based guidelines and offering patient education materials. They would have a well-coordinated care team, including PCPs, urologists, and potentially oncology specialists. They would embrace telemedicine to enhance patient access and convenience. Moreover, they would prioritize the mental health needs of their patients, providing access to mental health services or establishing strong referral networks. These practices would be the benchmark for a high Prostate Cancer Score.

The absence of specific data on physician counts, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability prevents the assignment of a definitive Prostate Cancer Score. However, the framework outlined above provides a robust methodology for evaluating the quality and accessibility of prostate cancer care within ZIP code 39174. The score would reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate better access to comprehensive and patient-centered prostate cancer care.

This analysis emphasizes the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the overall health of a community. While this evaluation provides an overview, it is crucial to acknowledge the dynamic nature of healthcare. Physician availability, practice protocols, and resource allocation are subject to change. A continuous monitoring process is necessary to ensure that the Prostate Cancer Score remains relevant and reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. The score should be seen as a starting point for ongoing improvement efforts.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Tougaloo and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant healthcare resources. By using CartoChrome, you can interact with maps to identify areas with limited access to care, visualize physician-to-patient ratios, and understand the distribution of healthcare resources across the region.