38746, Gunnison, Mississippi Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 38746, Gunnison, Mississippi is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.37 percent of the residents in 38746 has some form of health insurance. 64.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.95 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 38746 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 120 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38746. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 64 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 357 health care providers accessible to residents in 38746, Gunnison, Mississippi.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Gunnison, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38746)

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for medical care availability and quality, specifically focusing on primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 38746, encompassing the town of Gunnison, Mississippi. The goal is to evaluate the accessibility and resources available to individuals managing arthritis, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This score, while not a definitive medical evaluation, aims to provide a general overview of the healthcare landscape.

The foundation of this analysis rests on the understanding that arthritis management requires comprehensive care, including timely access to PCPs for initial diagnosis, symptom management, and referrals to specialists like rheumatologists. The availability of these resources is critical for effective patient outcomes.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

Gunnison, Mississippi, is a rural community, and access to healthcare often presents challenges. A crucial element of the Arthritis Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Mississippi State Department of Health will be used to estimate the population of 38746. This population figure is then compared to the number of actively practicing PCPs within the zip code. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, would negatively impact the Arthritis Score. Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting greater physician availability, would positively influence the score.

The analysis will also consider the geographic distribution of PCPs within the zip code. Even with an acceptable physician-to-patient ratio, if the available doctors are concentrated in one area, access for residents in other parts of Gunnison could be limited. Factors like transportation availability and the distance to the nearest clinic will be factored into the score.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

The Arthritis Score will evaluate the characteristics of the primary care practices within 38746. This includes assessing the range of services offered, the availability of extended hours, and the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, which are common among individuals managing arthritis. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including on-site laboratory testing and X-ray capabilities, will receive higher scores.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the practice’s approach to patient education and support. Practices that actively provide educational materials about arthritis, offer support groups, or have dedicated staff trained in chronic disease management will be viewed favorably. The presence of a registered nurse or a certified diabetes educator (CDE) within the practice could contribute positively to the score, as these professionals often play a key role in patient education and self-management strategies.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the extent to which primary care practices in 38746 have adopted telemedicine technologies. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patient symptoms, and online patient portals will receive higher scores.

Telemedicine can improve access to care for individuals with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. It can also facilitate more frequent follow-up appointments and provide opportunities for patients to receive timely advice and support. The availability of telemedicine options, therefore, directly impacts the accessibility and convenience of care, and thus the Arthritis Score.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. The Arthritis Score will assess the availability of mental health resources within the primary care practices and the broader community of Gunnison. Practices that have integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, will receive higher scores.

The analysis will also consider the availability of mental health resources in the community, such as counseling services, support groups, and access to psychiatric care. The ability of patients to access mental health support is crucial for managing the emotional and psychological challenges associated with arthritis. The presence of these resources will positively impact the Arthritis Score.

**Specific Data Points and Scoring Methodology:**

The Arthritis Score will be based on a weighted scoring system. Each of the four categories – physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – will be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance. Data will be gathered from public sources, physician directories, and potentially through surveys or interviews with local healthcare providers.

The data will be analyzed to generate a numerical score for each category. These category scores will then be combined, using the assigned weights, to produce an overall Arthritis Score for the primary care landscape in Gunnison, Mississippi (38746). The score will be presented as a rating, such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor," along with a brief summary of the key findings.

**Challenges and Limitations:**

This analysis is subject to several limitations. Data availability, particularly in rural areas, may be limited. The accuracy of the physician-to-patient ratio will depend on the reliability of the population estimates and physician directories. The assessment of practice characteristics and telemedicine adoption will rely on publicly available information and potentially on self-reported data from healthcare providers.

Furthermore, the Arthritis Score is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is intended to provide a general overview of the healthcare landscape and to highlight areas where access to care and resources may be limited.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

Understanding the healthcare landscape in Gunnison, Mississippi, is crucial for individuals managing arthritis. This Arthritis Score analysis provides a framework for evaluating the accessibility and quality of primary care services in the 38746 ZIP code. The findings of this analysis can inform residents about the availability of resources, potential challenges, and areas where improvements are needed.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including the location of primary care practices, the distribution of resources, and other relevant data points, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can help you visualize and understand the complexities of healthcare access in Gunnison and beyond.