39482, Sumrall, Mississippi Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 39482, Sumrall, Mississippi is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.09 percent of the residents in 39482 has some form of health insurance. 25.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.11 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 39482 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,706 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39482. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,022 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,830 health care providers accessible to residents in 39482, Sumrall, Mississippi.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39482 & Primary Care Availability in Sumrall

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning arthritis care, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 39482, encompassing Sumrall, Mississippi, evaluating physician availability, practice characteristics, and resources relevant to arthritis patients. The goal is to provide an ‘Arthritis Score’ assessment, considering factors beyond simple physician counts.

Sumrall, a small town, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: limited healthcare infrastructure and potential disparities in access. The first critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Precise data requires access to the most current population figures and physician directories. However, we can infer some challenges. A low physician-to-patient ratio, especially for primary care physicians (PCPs), directly impacts arthritis care. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact, managing chronic conditions and referring patients to specialists. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management, and increased reliance on emergency services.

The availability of rheumatologists, specialists specifically trained to diagnose and treat arthritis, is another crucial factor. Rural areas often have limited access to these specialists. Patients may have to travel significant distances, incurring travel costs, time off work, and potentially delaying treatment. The ‘Arthritis Score’ will therefore reflect the presence or absence of rheumatologists within a reasonable radius.

Beyond simple numbers, the characteristics of existing practices matter. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as X-ray machines or ultrasound? Practices that offer comprehensive services and are readily accessible will contribute positively to the ‘Arthritis Score’. Conversely, practices with long wait times, limited services, and restricted patient intake will negatively impact the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel. This is particularly beneficial for arthritis patients who may have mobility issues or chronic pain. Practices that offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management, will receive a higher ‘Arthritis Score’. The availability of telehealth options can significantly improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in arthritis care, but they are critically important. Chronic pain and disability associated with arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, will receive a higher score. This integration recognizes the holistic needs of arthritis patients.

The ‘Arthritis Score’ will also consider the availability of support groups and patient education resources. Arthritis is a complex condition, and patients benefit from access to information, peer support, and self-management strategies. Practices that actively promote these resources, either through their own programs or partnerships with local organizations, will contribute positively to the score. This includes providing information about disease management, pain relief techniques, and lifestyle modifications.

Assessing the ‘Arthritis Score’ requires a detailed investigation of each practice. This includes reviewing online profiles, patient reviews, and publicly available information. The score will be based on a weighted system, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratio, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and patient support resources.

Standout practices within ZIP Code 39482 would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive arthritis care. This includes practices that actively recruit and retain qualified physicians, embrace telemedicine technologies, integrate mental health services, and provide patient education and support. These practices would serve as models for other healthcare providers in the area. The ‘Arthritis Score’ will highlight these exemplary practices, providing patients with valuable information to guide their healthcare decisions.

The analysis will also consider the overall primary care availability in Sumrall. This includes assessing the number of PCPs, their accessibility, and their willingness to accept new patients. A robust primary care system is essential for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. The ‘Arthritis Score’ will reflect the strength of the primary care infrastructure in supporting arthritis patients.

Furthermore, the analysis will explore the availability of physical therapy and occupational therapy services. These therapies are essential for managing pain, improving mobility, and maintaining function in arthritis patients. Practices that offer these services, or have strong referral networks to physical and occupational therapists, will receive a higher score.

The assessment will also incorporate information about the availability of pharmacy services. Easy access to medications is crucial for arthritis patients. The ‘Arthritis Score’ will reflect the proximity of pharmacies and their ability to provide timely medication refills.

Finally, the ‘Arthritis Score’ will be dynamic, reflecting changes in healthcare availability and practice characteristics over time. Regular updates will ensure that the score remains relevant and provides the most current information to patients. The ‘Arthritis Score’ is designed to be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping to improve arthritis care in Sumrall and the surrounding areas.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sumrall and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, geo-spatial representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to visualize the ‘Arthritis Score’ factors and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.