38753, Inverness, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 38753, Inverness, Mississippi is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.92 percent of the residents in 38753 has some form of health insurance. 48.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.55 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 38753 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 426 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38753. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 161 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 159 health care providers accessible to residents in 38753, Inverness, Mississippi.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Inverness, MS (ZIP Code 38753)**

This analysis delves into the accessibility and quality of asthma care within Inverness, Mississippi (ZIP code 38753), focusing on primary care physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform patients and healthcare providers. This evaluation considers factors crucial for effective asthma management, including timely access to care, comprehensive treatment approaches, and support for patients’ overall well-being.

Inverness, a rural community, presents unique challenges in healthcare delivery. The primary concern is the potential for limited access to primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for asthma sufferers. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health, and publicly available information regarding local practice sizes and patient panels, are essential to estimate this ratio accurately. This data, combined with information on specialist availability, like pulmonologists, is critical for a complete picture.

The "Asthma Score" also evaluates the characteristics of local primary care practices. Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management best practices. This includes adherence to national guidelines for asthma treatment, such as those established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). The presence of certified asthma educators (CAEs) within a practice is a significant positive factor. CAEs provide crucial patient education on asthma triggers, medication usage, and self-management techniques, which are essential for controlling the condition. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma action plans, tailored to individual patient needs, also score favorably.

The integration of telemedicine is another critical component of the "Asthma Score." Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow readings, and online access to patient portals score higher. Telemedicine can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, saving patients time and travel expenses. It also allows for more frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms and medication adjustments, which can lead to better asthma control. The availability of telehealth services, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication refills, is a significant advantage.

Beyond medical care, the "Asthma Score" considers the availability of mental health resources. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with the potential for exacerbations and hospitalizations, can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. Practices that offer or have referral pathways to mental health services, such as therapists or counselors, are viewed more favorably. This integration of mental health support is crucial for holistic asthma management, addressing the psychological impact of the condition. The score is influenced by the availability of mental health professionals and their accessibility to patients.

Specific examples of standout practices within Inverness, if available, would be highlighted. This would involve identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care. This might include practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, use electronic health records to track asthma outcomes, and offer extended hours or weekend appointments to improve patient access. Practices that actively engage with the community through educational programs or support groups would also receive high marks. The analysis would also look for practices that have strong patient satisfaction ratings, as indicated by patient surveys or online reviews.

The assessment also considers the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact for most asthma patients, access to pulmonologists or allergists is essential for patients with more severe or complex asthma. The "Asthma Score" evaluates the proximity of these specialists and the ease with which patients can obtain referrals. The availability of specialized testing, such as pulmonary function tests (PFTs), is also considered.

The "Asthma Score" is dynamic and can change over time. Healthcare practices are constantly evolving, and new technologies and treatment approaches are continually emerging. Regular updates to the assessment are necessary to ensure its accuracy and relevance. This includes monitoring changes in physician availability, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score also considers changes in healthcare regulations and guidelines, such as updates to asthma treatment recommendations.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" analysis for Inverness, Mississippi (ZIP code 38753) provides a comprehensive evaluation of asthma care accessibility and quality. It considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide valuable information to patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders, empowering them to make informed decisions and improve asthma management in the area. This analysis is a snapshot of the current healthcare landscape, and further research and data collection may be needed to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date assessment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Inverness, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and other relevant resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to explore the distribution of resources and identify potential areas for improvement.