The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 38617, Coahoma, Mississippi is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 78.06 percent of the residents in 38617 has some form of health insurance. 61.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 25.82 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 38617 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 193 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38617. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 74 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 316 health care providers accessible to residents in 38617, Coahoma, Mississippi.
Health Scores in 38617, Coahoma, Mississippi
Arthritis Score | 10 |
---|---|
People Score | 27 |
Provider Score | 20 |
Hospital Score | 43 |
Travel Score | 31 |
38617 | Coahoma | 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 |
## Arthritis Score: An Analysis of Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 38617 and Coahoma County
This analysis assesses the accessibility and quality of arthritis-related healthcare within ZIP Code 38617 and Coahoma County, Mississippi, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide an “Arthritis Score” that reflects the ease with which individuals suffering from arthritis can access comprehensive care in this specific geographic area.
Coahoma County, encompassing ZIP Code 38617, presents unique challenges in healthcare access, particularly for specialized needs like arthritis management. The county’s rural nature and potentially limited resources necessitate a detailed examination of the available infrastructure and services.
**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
The foundation of arthritis care often begins with primary care physicians (PCPs). Their role is critical in initial diagnosis, symptom management, and referral to specialists. Assessing the availability of PCPs is therefore paramount. In ZIP Code 38617, the number of PCPs relative to the population directly impacts access. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.
The specific physician-to-patient ratio in 38617 requires careful investigation. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Mississippi State Department of Health can provide insights. Analysis of these data should determine the number of active PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population they serve. A ratio significantly higher than the national average (which itself is often considered inadequate in rural areas) would indicate a concerning shortage.
Coahoma County as a whole faces similar challenges. The overall physician-to-population ratio in the county is a crucial indicator of healthcare access. If the county struggles with a shortage of PCPs, the burden on the existing physicians increases, potentially affecting the quality of care and the time available for each patient.
**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**
Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care provided, the range of services offered, and the patient experience. This assessment would consider several factors.
Firstly, the presence of practices that actively focus on chronic disease management, including arthritis, is a significant positive indicator. These practices often have specialized staff, such as nurses and medical assistants, trained in the specific needs of arthritis patients. Their focus on chronic care management can improve patient outcomes.
Secondly, the availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-ray and laboratory testing, can streamline the diagnostic process and reduce the need for patients to travel to multiple locations. This is particularly important in a rural area where transportation can be a significant barrier to care.
Thirdly, patient reviews and satisfaction scores are critical. Online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, as well as patient testimonials, offer valuable insights into the patient experience. Positive reviews often highlight factors such as compassionate care, clear communication, and effective treatment plans.
Finally, the presence of multidisciplinary care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rheumatology specialists, is a strong indicator of a comprehensive approach to arthritis management.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**
Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 38617 and Coahoma County is a crucial factor in the "Arthritis Score."
Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and online patient portals demonstrate a commitment to leveraging technology to improve patient access and convenience. Telemedicine can reduce the need for travel, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management.
The availability of telemedicine also allows patients to connect with specialists who may not be readily available in the local area. This is particularly important for arthritis patients who may require consultation with a rheumatologist.
Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining the number of practices offering virtual visits, the types of services offered via telemedicine, and the availability of technical support for patients.
**Mental Health Resources and Arthritis:**
The link between arthritis and mental health is well-established. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive arthritis care.
The "Arthritis Score" should consider the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the local area. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices is a significant advantage, as it allows for seamless coordination of care.
Furthermore, the availability of support groups and educational resources for arthritis patients can help address the emotional and psychological aspects of the disease.
**The “Arthritis Score” Conclusion:**
The "Arthritis Score" for ZIP Code 38617 and Coahoma County would be a composite metric reflecting the factors discussed above. It would represent the relative ease with which individuals with arthritis can access comprehensive, high-quality care in this area. A high score would indicate excellent access, a robust healthcare infrastructure, and a commitment to patient-centered care. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as physician shortages, limited telemedicine adoption, and a lack of mental health resources.
**Call to Action:**
To visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape in 38617 and Coahoma County, including the locations of healthcare providers, the availability of specific services, and population demographics, explore the potential of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's mapping solutions can offer a detailed geographic representation of healthcare access, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning to improve arthritis care in the area.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like