38740, Duncan, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 38740, Duncan, Mississippi is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 72.17 percent of the residents in 38740 has some form of health insurance. 40.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 37.44 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 38740 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 59 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38740. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 32 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 169 health care providers accessible to residents in 38740, Duncan, Mississippi.

Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 38740 & Primary Care in Duncan

The following analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 38740, focusing on factors relevant to asthma management. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Duncan, Mississippi, and its capacity to support individuals with asthma.

Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is a fundamental starting point. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to routine checkups, and potentially delayed intervention for asthma exacerbations. Data from reliable sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Mississippi State Department of Health should be consulted to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 38740. This data provides a baseline for understanding the overall accessibility of primary care.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of physicians matters. Are the available primary care providers clustered in one part of the ZIP code, leaving other areas underserved? Geographic information systems (GIS) can be instrumental in mapping physician locations and identifying potential healthcare deserts. Access to care can be significantly impacted by transportation challenges, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma who may experience breathing difficulties during travel.

The presence of specialized asthma care within primary care practices is a crucial indicator of quality. Do the practices have providers with advanced training or certifications in pulmonology or allergy and immunology? Do they offer comprehensive asthma management plans that include regular spirometry testing, peak flow meter monitoring, and patient education on triggers and medication adherence? The availability of these services within the primary care setting can significantly improve asthma control and reduce the need for emergency room visits.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in evaluating asthma care accessibility. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, particularly for patients living in rural areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and online patient portals for communication and medication refills demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. Assessing the level of telemedicine integration is essential for understanding how effectively the healthcare system utilizes technology to support asthma patients.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is increasingly recognized as essential for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. Evaluating the availability of these resources is critical for a comprehensive asthma score.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 38740 requires a deeper dive into individual practice characteristics. This involves reviewing patient testimonials, assessing the qualifications and experience of the physicians, and evaluating the practice's commitment to patient education and preventative care. Practices that actively participate in asthma-related research, community outreach programs, or quality improvement initiatives demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care.

Evaluating the availability of after-hours care is also crucial. Asthma exacerbations can occur at any time, and timely access to medical attention is critical. Practices that offer extended hours, on-call services, or partnerships with urgent care clinics can provide patients with peace of mind and ensure they receive the care they need when they need it.

The availability of resources for specific demographics, such as pediatric asthma specialists or geriatric care providers, is also important. Asthma can manifest differently across the lifespan, and specialized care may be required to meet the unique needs of different patient populations. The presence of these specialized resources enhances the overall quality of asthma care.

Assessing the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is another key factor. EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate the sharing of patient information between providers, and enable the tracking of patient outcomes. Practices that have implemented robust EHR systems are better positioned to provide efficient and effective asthma management.

The analysis should also consider the cost of care. Are the practices accepting a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare? Are there programs in place to assist patients with medication costs or other financial burdens? The affordability of care is a critical factor in ensuring that all patients have access to the resources they need to manage their asthma effectively.

Analyzing the overall healthcare environment in Duncan requires considering the broader context of the community. Are there community-based asthma education programs? Are there partnerships between healthcare providers and schools, community centers, or other organizations? A collaborative approach to asthma management can significantly improve patient outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of asthma care in ZIP code 38740 requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized care, telemedicine adoption, the integration of mental health resources, and the overall commitment of the healthcare system to patient-centered care. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis, providing a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in Duncan, Mississippi.