39567, Pascagoula, Mississippi Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 39567, Pascagoula, Mississippi is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.28 percent of the residents in 39567 has some form of health insurance. 40.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.66 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 39567 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,774 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39567. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,679 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,868 health care providers accessible to residents in 39567, Pascagoula, Mississippi.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Pascagoula, MS (ZIP Code 39567)**

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care in Pascagoula, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39567) necessitates a comprehensive evaluation encompassing physician availability, quality of care, access to resources, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices. This analysis aims to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" framework, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for men facing this disease. This score will be based on several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the utilization of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health support. The goal is to offer a clear understanding of the available resources and identify areas needing improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In Pascagoula, the availability of urologists, oncologists, and primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer outcomes. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio requires data from sources like the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure and the U.S. Census Bureau. An analysis should consider the total population of ZIP Code 39567 and the number of actively practicing physicians specializing in urology, oncology, and general primary care. Furthermore, the analysis must take into account the geographic distribution of these physicians within the city and surrounding areas, recognizing that accessibility can be affected by travel distances.

The presence of standout practices is another critical factor. These practices are characterized by their commitment to excellence in prostate cancer care. They may have specialized expertise, advanced technology, or a patient-centered approach. Identifying these practices requires a review of several factors. This includes the qualifications and experience of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., MRI, PET scans), the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols, and the patient satisfaction ratings. Hospitals like Singing River Health System, which operates in the area, will be assessed for their urology and oncology departments. The analysis must also include a review of online reviews, patient testimonials, and any awards or recognitions received by these practices. The presence of a multidisciplinary team, including urologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nurses, is also a key indicator of a high-quality practice.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The utilization of telemedicine in Pascagoula for prostate cancer care can significantly improve access to specialists, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling long distances. The analysis will assess the availability of telemedicine consultations with urologists and oncologists, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual appointments, remote monitoring), and the ease of use of the telemedicine platforms. Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of technology support for patients, ensuring that they can effectively utilize telemedicine services. The adoption of telemedicine can also improve the efficiency of care, allowing for more frequent follow-up appointments and quicker access to test results.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of prostate cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health support services for prostate cancer patients in Pascagoula. This includes access to psychologists, psychiatrists, and support groups. The analysis will also consider the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, ensuring that patients have access to the support they need to cope with the emotional challenges of the disease. The availability of resources such as counseling, support groups, and educational materials can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Primary care availability in Pascagoula is critical. PCPs play a vital role in prostate cancer screening, early detection, and patient navigation. The analysis will evaluate the availability of PCPs in the area, considering the physician-to-patient ratio and the geographic distribution of these physicians. The analysis will also assess the PCPs' knowledge of prostate cancer screening guidelines and their ability to provide appropriate referrals to specialists. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients, and their ability to provide timely and accurate information is essential for early detection and successful treatment.

The integration of these factors into a "Prostate Cancer Score" framework requires a weighted approach. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in determining the quality of care and patient outcomes. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the presence of standout practices may be assigned higher weights than telemedicine adoption. The analysis will then use data from various sources to calculate a score for each factor, and the overall "Prostate Cancer Score" will be determined by combining these scores. The score will be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-10, with 10 being the best) to provide a clear and concise assessment of the prostate cancer care landscape in Pascagoula.

The analysis will conclude with recommendations for improvement. These recommendations may include increasing the number of specialists, expanding telemedicine services, promoting the integration of mental health support, and improving patient education and awareness. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to enhance the quality of prostate cancer care in Pascagoula and improve outcomes for patients. The final score will reflect the overall quality of care, access to resources, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices.

To further explore the geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and patient demographics in Pascagoula, and to visualize the data used in this analysis, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare landscape.