39054, Cary, Mississippi Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 39054, Cary, Mississippi is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.49 percent of the residents in 39054 has some form of health insurance. 43.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.96 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 39054 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 91 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39054. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 60 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1 health care providers accessible to residents in 39054, Cary, Mississippi.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Cary, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39054)

Cary, Mississippi, nestled in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing arthritis. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care within ZIP code 39054, focusing on factors crucial to arthritis management: physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, offering insights for both residents and potential healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective arthritis care rests on accessible and responsive primary care. In Cary, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Data from sources like the Mississippi State Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, when combined with information on active practicing physicians, will paint a picture of the current state. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, a compromised ability to provide comprehensive arthritis care. Conversely, a favorable ratio facilitates earlier diagnosis, proactive management, and consistent follow-up – all essential for mitigating the impact of arthritis. The analysis will need to account for specialist availability, as rheumatologists are often in short supply in rural areas, placing an even greater burden on primary care physicians.

Identifying standout practices within Cary is crucial. This requires evaluating several factors. Patient reviews, available through online platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, provide valuable insight into patient satisfaction, communication skills, and the overall experience. The analysis will assess practices based on these reviews, looking for consistent positive feedback regarding empathy, thoroughness, and a willingness to address patient concerns. Furthermore, the analysis will consider the practices' commitment to chronic disease management. Do they have dedicated protocols for arthritis care? Do they offer patient education materials and support groups? Practices that actively promote patient empowerment and self-management strategies will receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the Arthritis Score. The Delta region, characterized by geographic isolation and transportation challenges, benefits significantly from telehealth solutions. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online access to medical records are better positioned to serve patients with arthritis. Telemedicine can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, improving patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. The analysis will assess which practices utilize telehealth platforms, the range of services offered virtually, and the ease of access for patients.

The often-overlooked aspect of arthritis care is mental health. Chronic pain and physical limitations associated with arthritis can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is a crucial component of the Arthritis Score. The analysis will investigate whether practices offer on-site counseling services, referrals to mental health professionals, or integrated behavioral health programs. Practices that recognize the link between physical and mental health and provide comprehensive support will be highly valued.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the accessibility of ancillary services essential for arthritis management. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to durable medical equipment (DME) such as walkers and wheelchairs. The availability of these services within or near Cary minimizes travel time and improves patient convenience. The analysis will identify practices that collaborate with these providers and facilitate access to necessary resources.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, the analysis will consider the availability of affordable medications. The high cost of arthritis medications can be a significant barrier to treatment, particularly for low-income individuals. The analysis will investigate whether practices offer assistance programs or work with pharmacies to help patients access affordable medications.

The final Arthritis Score will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted importance of each factor. The physician-to-patient ratio will be given a significant weight, as it directly impacts access to care. Patient reviews, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of ancillary services will also contribute significantly to the score. The resulting score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of arthritis care within ZIP code 39054.

The findings will be presented in a clear and concise format, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Cary. The analysis will identify specific practices that excel in arthritis care and provide recommendations for improvement. This information will be valuable for residents seeking healthcare, healthcare providers looking to improve their services, and policymakers interested in addressing healthcare disparities in the Delta region.

The analysis will emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and it is essential to regularly update the Arthritis Score to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This ongoing monitoring will ensure that residents of Cary have access to the best possible arthritis care.

Finally, the analysis will highlight the importance of community engagement. Healthcare providers, patients, and community organizations must work together to improve arthritis care in Cary. This includes promoting patient education, advocating for policy changes, and supporting initiatives that address social determinants of health.

Ultimately, the goal of this Arthritis Score analysis is to empower residents of Cary, Mississippi, with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, individuals can actively participate in their own care and advocate for improvements in the community.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Cary, Mississippi, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and accessibility of resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing the data and understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare services.