38685, Waterford, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 38685, Waterford, Mississippi is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.77 percent of the residents in 38685 has some form of health insurance. 50.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.70 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 38685 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 94 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38685. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 462 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,561 health care providers accessible to residents in 38685, Waterford, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Waterford, MS (ZIP Code 38685)

Waterford, Mississippi, nestled within the 38685 ZIP code, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering asthma care. This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately aiming to formulate an 'Asthma Score' assessment for the area. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to manage asthma effectively within this specific community.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests upon accessible primary care. Assessing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial. In Waterford, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, could significantly hinder timely access to care. This could lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and increased emergency room visits for asthma exacerbations. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially improved patient outcomes. The analysis must consider the total population of 38685 and the number of practicing PCPs within the geographical boundaries, including those accepting new patients. This initial assessment will determine the baseline accessibility score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within Waterford is essential. This involves evaluating practices based on several criteria, including their experience treating asthma patients, their adherence to national guidelines (such as those from the National Institutes of Health), and their patient satisfaction scores. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to asthma management, such as offering comprehensive asthma action plans, regular follow-up appointments, and patient education programs, would receive higher scores. The availability of on-site respiratory therapists or nurses specializing in asthma care would also be a significant positive factor. Furthermore, practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient communication and data sharing would be favored.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the asthma score. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool to improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Waterford, where geographical barriers can limit access to specialists and routine check-ups. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for asthma management, offering virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function, would receive higher scores. The ability to conduct virtual visits, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, can significantly reduce the burden on patients, improve medication adherence, and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. The ease of access to these virtual services, including the availability of user-friendly platforms and technical support, will be taken into account.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of asthma management, but they play a vital role. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for providing comprehensive care. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health professionals within the 38685 ZIP code and the extent to which primary care practices integrate mental health screening and referrals into their asthma management protocols. Practices that actively address the mental health needs of their asthma patients will be rated more favorably.

The overall Asthma Score for Waterford will be a composite of these factors. Each element – physician-to-patient ratio, quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – will be assigned a weighted score based on its relative importance. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the asthma care landscape in the area, offering a clear indication of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This score will serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.

A low Asthma Score could indicate several challenges. It might signal a shortage of PCPs, limited access to specialized asthma care, a lack of telemedicine options, and inadequate mental health support. Such a scenario would necessitate targeted interventions, such as recruiting more physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and promoting mental health awareness. Conversely, a high Asthma Score would indicate a well-resourced healthcare system, capable of providing high-quality asthma care.

The assessment will also consider the socioeconomic factors of the community. The prevalence of asthma can vary based on income levels, access to housing, and environmental factors. The analysis will take into account the demographics of Waterford, including income levels, housing conditions, and environmental exposures, to provide a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for asthma management. This will help to identify vulnerable populations and tailor interventions to meet their specific needs.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of asthma education programs and community resources. Programs that empower patients to manage their asthma effectively, such as asthma self-management education classes and support groups, are crucial for improving patient outcomes. The analysis will assess the availability of such programs within Waterford and the extent to which they are accessible to all residents.

In conclusion, the 'Asthma Score' for Waterford, Mississippi (38685) will be a multifaceted assessment. It will consider the availability and quality of primary care, the integration of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the socioeconomic factors of the community. The final score will provide a comprehensive overview of the asthma care landscape, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and asthma prevalence within Waterford and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis. **Visit CartoChrome maps to discover the potential of data visualization in healthcare.**