38827, Belmont, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 38827, Belmont, Mississippi is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.26 percent of the residents in 38827 has some form of health insurance. 33.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.34 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 38827 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,059 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38827. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 463 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 122 health care providers accessible to residents in 38827, Belmont, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 38827 and Primary Care in Belmont

This analysis evaluates the accessibility and quality of asthma care in ZIP code 38827, focusing on primary care availability in the broader Belmont region. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, identifies standout practices, assesses telemedicine adoption, and examines the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of effective asthma management. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" analysis, offering insights into the healthcare landscape and potential areas for improvement.

ZIP code 38827, encompassing a specific geographic area, likely experiences unique healthcare challenges. Its rural or suburban characteristics, along with the demographics of the population, influence the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, including pulmonologists and allergists who are critical for asthma care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a primary indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer asthma control. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially better health outcomes. Data regarding the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 38827, and how that compares to state and national averages, would be a crucial element in formulating a complete asthma score.

Primary care availability in Belmont, a broader area encompassing 38827, is also essential. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, prescribing medications, and coordinating care with specialists. The geographic distribution of PCPs within Belmont, considering travel distances and public transportation options, directly impacts patient access. Areas with limited primary care access can force patients to seek care further away, potentially leading to delays in treatment and poorer asthma control. This analysis would assess the number of PCPs, their geographic distribution, and their acceptance of various insurance plans.

Identifying standout practices within the region is vital. These practices may demonstrate exemplary asthma management strategies, such as patient education programs, proactive medication management, and efficient appointment scheduling. Factors to consider include the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs) for improved care coordination, its adherence to national asthma guidelines, and its patient satisfaction scores. Practices actively promoting asthma self-management through education, training on inhaler techniques, and regular follow-up appointments would be considered favorably. This assessment would focus on identifying specific practices that excel in asthma care and highlighting their best practices.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in 38827 to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and asthma education programs remotely. The analysis will assess the extent to which local primary care practices and specialists utilize telemedicine platforms for asthma management. Factors to consider include the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered through telemedicine (e.g., medication refills, symptom monitoring), and the accessibility of technology for patients. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma care models would receive higher scores.

The connection between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, while these mental health conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. This analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within Belmont, including access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. It will also examine the extent to which primary care practices screen patients for mental health conditions and offer referrals to mental health professionals. Practices that integrate mental health support into their asthma care programs would be viewed positively.

Specific data points are essential to accurately assess the quality of asthma care. For example, the percentage of asthma patients in 38827 with controlled asthma, as defined by national guidelines, would be a key indicator. The rate of asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits would also be crucial. Data on medication adherence rates and patient satisfaction levels would further refine the assessment. This data, when available, will be used to assign a numerical "Asthma Score" to the healthcare landscape within 38827 and Belmont.

The Asthma Score would be calculated by weighting the factors mentioned above. The physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, and the presence of standout practices would each contribute significantly. Telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health resources would also be weighted, although perhaps less heavily. The final score would provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, identifying strengths and weaknesses in asthma care.

Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide a clear picture of asthma care accessibility and quality in ZIP code 38827 and the surrounding Belmont area. The "Asthma Score" will serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, highlighting areas that need improvement and guiding efforts to enhance asthma management. The data will be analyzed to determine if the area is a “healthcare desert” or has adequate resources.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including primary care practices, specialists, and pharmacies, and to gain a deeper understanding of access challenges, we recommend exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data discussed in this analysis, allowing you to see the distribution of resources, identify potential gaps in care, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.