39095, Lexington, Mississippi Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 39095, Lexington, Mississippi is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.93 percent of the residents in 39095 has some form of health insurance. 51.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.89 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 39095 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,355 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39095. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 956 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 185 health care providers accessible to residents in 39095, Lexington, Mississippi.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Lexington, MS (ZIP Code 39095)

This analysis provides an assessment of the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis, within Lexington, Mississippi (ZIP code 39095). It also considers the broader healthcare landscape, including physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all of which significantly impact the overall "Arthritis Score" for residents.

Lexington, a town in Holmes County, faces challenges common to many rural areas, including limited access to specialized medical care. The availability of primary care physicians serves as a crucial gateway to arthritis diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists when necessary. A robust primary care system is therefore foundational to a positive Arthritis Score.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of accessibility. National averages often mask the realities of rural healthcare. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care providers, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health and other sources must be examined to ascertain the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 39095. This ratio, compared to state and national averages, provides a baseline understanding of the challenges residents face in accessing primary care.

Standout practices in Lexington, if any, could significantly improve the Arthritis Score. These practices might demonstrate excellence in several areas. They might offer extended hours, accept a wide range of insurance plans, or have a demonstrated commitment to patient education and chronic disease management. Practices that have invested in electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals often facilitate better communication and care coordination. These are all factors that contribute to a higher quality of care, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions like arthritis. Identifying and highlighting these practices is vital.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in assessing the Arthritis Score. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers and increase access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Primary care practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online access to medical records can significantly improve the quality of life for arthritis sufferers. The level of telemedicine adoption within Lexington's primary care practices needs careful evaluation. Factors such as the availability of reliable internet access in the area also play a role.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a vital component of the Arthritis Score. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site counselors or partnerships with mental health providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The presence or absence of these resources will be a key factor in the overall evaluation.

The availability of specialized care, such as rheumatologists, is also crucial, but often limited in rural settings. When specialized care is scarce, the role of primary care physicians in early diagnosis, appropriate referrals, and ongoing management becomes even more critical. Primary care physicians should be knowledgeable about arthritis, able to perform basic assessments, and capable of effectively communicating with specialists when necessary. The ability of primary care physicians to navigate the referral process effectively can significantly impact the Arthritis Score.

The quality of care also depends on the availability of support services. These may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to durable medical equipment. The presence of these resources within the community or nearby is an important consideration. The ability to access these services can greatly improve the quality of life for arthritis sufferers.

The Arthritis Score for Lexington, MS, is not a single number, but a composite assessment. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of support services. The score reflects the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of primary care services within the ZIP code.

Analyzing the specific practices within Lexington, MS, is crucial. This analysis would involve reviewing their websites, contacting them directly, and consulting with patient advocacy groups. Information about their services, appointment availability, and commitment to patient education would be collected.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by these practices. The prevalence of arthritis in the community, the age distribution of the population, and the socioeconomic factors that might impact access to care are all relevant. These factors can influence the specific needs of the patient population and the resources required to meet those needs.

The analysis should consider the role of community resources in supporting arthritis sufferers. This includes the availability of support groups, educational programs, and resources for managing chronic pain. These resources can play a vital role in empowering patients to take an active role in their own care.

In conclusion, the Arthritis Score analysis is a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 39095. It considers multiple factors that influence the quality of care available to arthritis sufferers. The score provides a valuable snapshot of the current situation and highlights areas where improvements are needed.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lexington, MS, and for visualizing the data related to physician availability, patient demographics, and access to care, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the community.