39766, Steens, Mississippi Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 39766, Steens, Mississippi is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.11 percent of the residents in 39766 has some form of health insurance. 18.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.39 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 39766 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 711 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 20 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39766. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 339 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 324 health care providers accessible to residents in 39766, Steens, Mississippi.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39766 & Primary Care in Steens

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP Code 39766, specifically focusing on their capacity to address the needs of patients with arthritis. We will also examine the primary care landscape in Steens, Mississippi, a community closely associated with this ZIP code, to assess the overall accessibility of healthcare resources. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, considering factors relevant to arthritis management.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Accessibility:**

A fundamental aspect of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. ZIP Code 39766, a rural area, likely faces challenges in this regard. Information from the Mississippi State Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau, if available, would be essential to determine the exact ratio. A low physician-to-patient ratio, where there are fewer doctors available per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment for conditions like arthritis. The analysis must consider the presence of specialists like rheumatologists, as their availability significantly impacts arthritis care. The geographical distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is another critical factor. Are physicians concentrated in one area, or are they spread throughout the community, making access easier for residents in different locations?

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires evaluating several aspects. This includes the qualifications and experience of the physicians, the range of services offered, and patient satisfaction levels. Practices that offer comprehensive arthritis management, including early diagnosis, medication management, physical therapy, and patient education, would score higher. Assessing the practice's commitment to patient-centered care, such as offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments for urgent needs, is also crucial. Reviews from patients, available through online platforms or patient surveys, provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Practices with consistently positive reviews, particularly those highlighting compassionate care and effective treatment outcomes, would be considered high-performing.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption by primary care physicians in 39766 is a key factor in the Arthritis Score. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, can significantly improve access to care for arthritis patients. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those who live a significant distance from their physician's office. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support, and the ability to integrate telemedicine with existing patient records are all important considerations.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Importance:**

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Pain, limitations in mobility, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is therefore a critical component of comprehensive arthritis care. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals would receive a higher Arthritis Score. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is essential to ensure that patients receive integrated care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs.

**Specific Considerations for Steens, Mississippi:**

Steens, being closely associated with ZIP Code 39766, requires a specific assessment. The availability of primary care physicians within Steens itself, or in close proximity, is paramount. If residents of Steens need to travel a significant distance to access primary care, this negatively impacts the Arthritis Score. The analysis should also consider the presence of any community health centers or other healthcare facilities in Steens that might provide services to arthritis patients. Transportation options, such as public transportation or community-based transportation programs, are another factor to consider, as they affect access to care.

**Data Sources and Methodology:**

This analysis would rely on several data sources. Publicly available information from the Mississippi State Department of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would provide data on physician-to-patient ratios and healthcare utilization. Online physician directories, such as those maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) or health insurance providers, would be used to identify primary care physicians in the area. Patient reviews and ratings from online platforms, such as Healthgrades or Vitals, would be examined to assess patient satisfaction and identify standout practices. Direct contact with healthcare practices through phone calls or online questionnaires could provide additional information about services offered, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

**Overall Arthritis Score and Ranking:**

The final Arthritis Score would be a composite score, calculated based on the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its importance to arthritis management. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of rheumatologists might be weighted more heavily than the availability of weekend appointments. Practices would be ranked based on their overall score, with higher scores indicating better access to care and a greater capacity to meet the needs of arthritis patients. The analysis would provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in ZIP Code 39766 and Steens, offering valuable insights for patients seeking arthritis care.

**Call to Action:**

For a comprehensive, visually-driven understanding of physician locations, access to care, and relevant demographic data within ZIP Code 39766 and the surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can provide a detailed geographic analysis of healthcare resources, empowering you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.