39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.48 percent of the residents in 39174 has some form of health insurance. 0.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.65 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 39174 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 219 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 60 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39174. An estimate of 21 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,507 health care providers accessible to residents in 39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in 39174 & Primary Care in Tougaloo

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area demands a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on two key areas: the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Tougaloo, Mississippi, and the overall "Arthritis Score" of doctors practicing in the 39174 ZIP code. This "Arthritis Score" is a hypothetical metric, used here to represent a comprehensive assessment of a physician's suitability for patients suffering from arthritis and related conditions. It considers factors like experience, specialization, patient reviews, and access to resources.

The first crucial aspect is primary care availability in Tougaloo. Tougaloo, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas. These include a potential shortage of PCPs, impacting the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, limited access to preventative care, and difficulty in managing chronic conditions. Examining the ratio requires data on the total population of Tougaloo and the number of practicing PCPs within a reasonable geographic radius. Public health data, local hospital records, and online physician directories are vital sources for this information.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the types of services offered. Do the PCPs in Tougaloo offer comprehensive care, including preventative screenings, chronic disease management, and referrals to specialists? Are they accepting new patients, and do they accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? The availability of specialized services, such as physical therapy or rheumatology consultations, is another critical factor, particularly for a community with a potential need for arthritis care.

The "Arthritis Score" for doctors in the 39174 ZIP code requires a deeper dive. This score, as previously mentioned, encompasses several factors. The first is specialization. While not all PCPs specialize in rheumatology, those with a demonstrated interest or experience in treating musculoskeletal conditions would receive a higher score. This can be determined by examining their educational background, certifications, and the types of cases they typically treat.

Patient reviews are an invaluable source of information. Online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc provide a wealth of patient feedback. Analyzing these reviews allows for an assessment of a doctor's bedside manner, communication skills, and overall patient satisfaction. Doctors consistently receiving positive reviews, particularly those mentioning empathy, thoroughness, and effective treatment of arthritis-related symptoms, would score higher.

Another critical component of the "Arthritis Score" is access to resources. This includes the availability of diagnostic tools, such as X-ray machines and MRI scanners, within the practice or nearby. Access to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management specialists is also vital. The ability to efficiently refer patients to these specialists and coordinate care is a significant factor in determining a physician's score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in areas with limited access to specialists. Doctors who utilize telemedicine platforms to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management for arthritis patients would receive a higher score. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for patients with chronic pain conditions like arthritis. Arthritis can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Doctors who are aware of this and offer or refer patients to mental health services, such as therapists or support groups, would receive a higher score. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health professionals is essential for providing comprehensive care.

Standout practices within the 39174 ZIP code would be those that excel in multiple areas. These practices might have a strong reputation for patient satisfaction, offer a wide range of services, and demonstrate a commitment to utilizing technology to improve patient care. They might also have a team-based approach, with nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. Identifying these standout practices requires a thorough review of available data, including patient reviews, practice websites, and information from local healthcare organizations.

The analysis should also consider the availability of prescription medications and the ease with which patients can obtain them. Doctors who are knowledgeable about the latest arthritis medications and can efficiently prescribe them would receive a higher score. Furthermore, practices that offer assistance with medication management, such as medication reconciliation and adherence programs, would be viewed favorably.

The "Arthritis Score" should also consider the physician's involvement in continuing medical education (CME). Doctors who regularly participate in CME activities related to arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions demonstrate a commitment to staying current with the latest advancements in treatment and care. This ongoing professional development is essential for providing high-quality care.

Finally, the analysis should assess the overall healthcare infrastructure within the 39174 ZIP code. This includes the presence of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The proximity of these facilities to the doctors' practices is a factor in determining the "Arthritis Score," as it impacts the ease with which patients can access specialized care and emergency services.

This comprehensive analysis, combining data on primary care availability in Tougaloo with the "Arthritis Score" for doctors in 39174, provides a valuable overview of healthcare accessibility and quality in the region. It highlights areas of strength and potential weaknesses, enabling informed decisions for patients seeking care and providing insights for healthcare providers aiming to improve their services.

For a dynamic and interactive visualization of this data, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a user-friendly platform for visualizing complex geographic data, allowing you to easily identify healthcare resources, assess accessibility, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.