38746, Gunnison, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 38746, Gunnison, Mississippi is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.37 percent of the residents in 38746 has some form of health insurance. 64.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.95 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 38746 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 120 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38746. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 64 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 357 health care providers accessible to residents in 38746, Gunnison, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 38746 & Primary Care in Gunnison

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Gunnison, Mississippi, specifically within the 38746 ZIP code, evaluating factors crucial for effective asthma care. These factors include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to an "Asthma Score" assessment.

The cornerstone of asthma management often begins with a PCP. In Gunnison, assessing the availability of PCPs is the first step. Data on physician-to-patient ratios is critical. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially hindering timely asthma care. Researching the number of active PCPs practicing within the 38746 ZIP code and comparing this number to the population size provides a preliminary understanding of access. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical licensing boards will be essential for this calculation.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the 38746 ZIP code is crucial. This involves researching practices known for their expertise in asthma management. This might include practices with board-certified allergists or pulmonologists, or those that have demonstrated a commitment to asthma education and patient self-management. Reviewing online patient reviews, if available, can offer insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care. Additionally, investigating if any practices participate in asthma-specific quality improvement programs or have received recognition for their asthma care practices would be beneficial.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in 38746 is vital. Do practices offer virtual consultations for asthma management, medication refills, or follow-up appointments? Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with asthma, allowing for remote monitoring of symptoms and timely interventions. Investigating the availability of telehealth platforms, the types of services offered virtually, and the insurance coverage for these services will contribute to the Asthma Score.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, while these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care is a significant factor. Does the practice offer on-site mental health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Are there resources available to address the emotional and psychological impact of asthma? The presence and accessibility of mental health support services will directly influence the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, evaluating the availability of asthma education and self-management programs is essential. Does the practice provide educational materials, such as pamphlets or online resources, about asthma triggers, medication use, and emergency action plans? Do they offer training on the proper use of inhalers and peak flow meters? Patient education empowers individuals to manage their asthma effectively, reducing the frequency of exacerbations and improving their overall quality of life.

The geographical distribution of healthcare resources within the 38746 ZIP code also plays a role. Are PCPs and specialists concentrated in one area, or are they distributed throughout the community? The proximity of healthcare facilities to patients' homes can significantly impact access to care. Analyzing the geographic distribution of practices and the availability of transportation options for patients will be an important consideration.

Another critical aspect is the responsiveness of healthcare providers to patient needs. Do practices have efficient appointment scheduling systems? Are they accessible via phone and email? Do they offer after-hours care or emergency services? The ability of patients to easily access care when needed is crucial for effective asthma management.

Insurance coverage also impacts access to care. Assessing the acceptance of various insurance plans by PCPs in 38746 is essential. Are there practices that accept Medicaid or other public insurance programs? The affordability of healthcare services is a significant barrier for many individuals, and the availability of insurance options will influence the Asthma Score.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is becoming increasingly common in healthcare. EHRs can improve care coordination, allowing PCPs to share patient information with specialists and other healthcare providers. Investigating the adoption of EHRs by practices in 38746 and their ability to share patient data will be beneficial.

Finally, the overall Asthma Score will be a composite of all these factors. The score will reflect the availability of PCPs, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of asthma education, the geographical distribution of resources, the responsiveness of healthcare providers, the acceptance of insurance plans, and the use of EHRs. A higher score indicates better access to and quality of asthma care.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 38746 and Gunnison, visualizing the data geographically is invaluable. CartoChrome Maps can be utilized to map the distribution of PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare resources within the ZIP code. This visual representation can highlight areas with limited access to care and identify potential disparities. By mapping data on physician-to-patient ratios, insurance coverage, and other relevant factors, CartoChrome Maps can provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape, enabling informed decision-making and targeted interventions to improve asthma care.

To explore the healthcare landscape of 38746 and Gunnison visually, and to gain a deeper understanding of the factors impacting asthma care, consider using CartoChrome Maps. Their interactive mapping capabilities can help you visualize the data and identify areas where improvements are needed.