The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 39090, Kosciusko, Mississippi is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 88.71 percent of the residents in 39090 has some form of health insurance. 49.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.01 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 39090 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 3,656 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39090. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,217 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 407 health care providers accessible to residents in 39090, Kosciusko, Mississippi.
Health Scores in 39090, Kosciusko, Mississippi
Alzheimers Score | 3 |
---|---|
People Score | 16 |
Provider Score | 12 |
Hospital Score | 31 |
Travel Score | 26 |
39090 | Kosciusko | Mississippi | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Kosciusko, MS (ZIP Code 39090)
This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources, specifically focusing on Alzheimer's care, within Kosciusko, Mississippi (ZIP code 39090). We will examine primary care physician (PCP) availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide an 'Alzheimer's Score' assessment, offering insights into the community's capacity to support individuals and families navigating the complexities of this disease.
Kosciusko, a relatively small city, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Rural communities often face shortages of healthcare professionals, and the impact of Alzheimer's disease, which disproportionately affects older populations, can be significantly felt. Understanding the local landscape is crucial for residents and healthcare providers alike.
**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
A fundamental aspect of Alzheimer's care is the availability of primary care physicians. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact, providing diagnoses, managing symptoms, and coordinating care. In Kosciusko, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Determining the exact ratio requires access to up-to-date data, but generally, rural areas often have a lower ratio compared to urban centers. This means fewer physicians are available to serve a larger population. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased stress on existing healthcare providers.
To assess this, we need to identify the number of practicing PCPs within the 39090 ZIP code. This includes family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and geriatricians. Publicly available databases, such as those maintained by the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can provide this information. Once the number of physicians is established, it must be compared to the population of Kosciusko to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio (e.g., fewer patients per physician) indicates better access.
**Standout Practices and Specialized Care:**
Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care is crucial. This involves looking for clinics or hospitals that offer specialized services, such as memory clinics, cognitive assessments, and support groups. These practices often have physicians and staff trained in dementia care, providing a higher level of expertise.
To identify these standout practices, a review of local healthcare provider websites, patient reviews, and community resources is necessary. Key indicators include:
* **Dedicated memory care programs:** These programs often involve a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists, and social workers.
* **Cognitive assessments:** Access to comprehensive cognitive testing is essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression.
* **Support groups:** Facilitating support groups for patients and caregivers provides emotional support, education, and a sense of community.
* **Caregiver training:** Offering educational programs for caregivers can equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective care.
**Telemedicine Adoption:**
Telemedicine has the potential to bridge the gap in healthcare access, especially in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to care. The adoption of telemedicine for Alzheimer's care can involve virtual consultations with neurologists, cognitive assessments conducted remotely, and support groups offered online.
Assessing telemedicine adoption requires evaluating the telehealth capabilities of local healthcare providers. This involves checking if they offer virtual appointments, the types of services available via telehealth, and the technology infrastructure in place to support these services.
**Mental Health Resources:**
Alzheimer's disease significantly impacts mental health. Patients often experience symptoms like depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological challenges. The availability of mental health resources is therefore vital.
This involves identifying the presence of:
* **Psychiatrists and therapists:** Access to mental health professionals is essential for treating mental health conditions.
* **Counseling services:** Individual and family counseling can provide support to patients and caregivers.
* **Support groups:** Support groups specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
* **Mental health awareness programs:** Community-based programs can help reduce stigma and promote mental wellness.
**Alzheimer's Score Assessment:**
Based on the above factors, an 'Alzheimer's Score' can be assigned. This score would be a composite measure reflecting the overall capacity of the community to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's. The score could be based on a scale (e.g., 1-10, with 10 being the best) and would consider the following:
* **Physician-to-patient ratio:** A favorable ratio would contribute to a higher score.
* **Presence of specialized practices:** The availability of memory clinics and cognitive assessment services would increase the score.
* **Telemedicine adoption:** A higher level of telemedicine integration would improve the score.
* **Mental health resources:** The availability of mental health professionals, counseling services, and support groups would positively impact the score.
**Conclusion:**
Kosciusko, like many rural communities, faces unique challenges in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including increasing the availability of PCPs, supporting specialized practices, promoting telemedicine adoption, and ensuring access to mental health resources. Regular assessments of the local healthcare landscape are essential to identify areas for improvement and ensure that individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's receive the support they need.
**Call to Action:**
To further explore the healthcare landscape in Kosciusko and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physicians, hospitals, and mental health facilities, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and identify potential gaps in care.
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