39083, Hazlehurst, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39083, Hazlehurst, Mississippi is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.96 percent of the residents in 39083 has some form of health insurance. 44.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.04 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 39083 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,471 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39083. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,536 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 194 health care providers accessible to residents in 39083, Hazlehurst, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Hazlehurst, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39083)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Hazlehurst, Mississippi (ZIP code 39083) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not just the presence of physicians but also the accessibility, quality, and integration of care. This analysis will provide an "Asthma Score" framework, evaluating key factors to assess the overall effectiveness of asthma management within this specific community.

**Physician Availability and Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on the availability of qualified medical professionals. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio in Hazlehurst, specifically for primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists, is paramount. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health, combined with information from medical directories and insurance provider networks, is crucial. A low physician-to-patient ratio, especially for PCPs, can indicate limited access to initial consultations, preventative care, and ongoing asthma management. The presence of pulmonologists, specialists in lung diseases, is critical for managing severe or complex asthma cases. Their availability and proximity to patients in Hazlehurst significantly impact the quality of specialized care.

**Standout Practices and Asthma Management Protocols:**

Identifying practices within 39083 that demonstrate exemplary asthma management protocols is essential. This involves evaluating their adherence to national guidelines, such as those established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Key indicators include:

* **Comprehensive Asthma Action Plans:** Do practices provide personalized, written asthma action plans to all patients? These plans are critical for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.
* **Regular Spirometry:** Are lung function tests (spirometry) routinely performed to assess asthma severity and monitor treatment effectiveness?
* **Medication Management:** Do practices emphasize proper inhaler technique training and medication adherence strategies?
* **Patient Education:** Is patient education a priority, covering topics like triggers, symptom recognition, and emergency management?
* **Coordination of Care:** How well do practices coordinate care with specialists, schools, and other healthcare providers?

Practices excelling in these areas would receive a higher "Asthma Score" rating.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma care accessibility, particularly in rural areas like Hazlehurst. Evaluating the adoption of telemedicine by local practices is a key component of the "Asthma Score." This includes assessing:

* **Availability of Virtual Consultations:** Do practices offer virtual appointments for routine follow-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education?
* **Remote Monitoring Capabilities:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring tools, such as peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities, to track patient symptoms and lung function remotely?
* **Digital Patient Portals:** Do practices utilize patient portals for communication, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records?

Practices embracing telemedicine can potentially overcome geographical barriers and improve patient access to care, leading to a higher "Asthma Score."

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management:**

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, assessing the availability of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of the "Asthma Score." This includes evaluating:

* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do local practices have integrated mental health professionals, such as psychologists or counselors, on staff or readily available through referral networks?
* **Screening for Mental Health Conditions:** Do practices routinely screen patients for anxiety and depression?
* **Referral Pathways:** Are clear referral pathways established for patients needing mental health support?
* **Community Resources:** Are patients informed about local mental health resources, such as support groups and counseling services?

Practices that prioritize mental health integration and access to resources will contribute positively to the overall "Asthma Score."

**Primary Care Availability in Hazlehurst:**

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the cornerstone of asthma management. Their availability and accessibility are critical. Assessing primary care availability in Hazlehurst involves examining several factors:

* **Number of PCPs:** Determine the total number of PCPs serving the Hazlehurst area.
* **Office Hours and Appointment Availability:** Evaluate the typical office hours of PCPs and the ease with which patients can schedule appointments.
* **Insurance Acceptance:** Assess the insurance plans accepted by local PCPs, ensuring that patients have access to affordable care.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Gather data on patient satisfaction with PCPs through surveys and reviews.

A robust primary care infrastructure with accessible and patient-centered practices will significantly enhance the "Asthma Score."

**Conclusion:**

The "Asthma Score" for Hazlehurst, Mississippi (39083) is a dynamic measure, reflecting the interplay of physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. A comprehensive assessment requires ongoing data collection and analysis. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current landscape and identifying areas for improvement. It highlights the need for increased physician access, the adoption of evidence-based asthma management protocols, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hazlehurst and beyond, and to analyze the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and patient populations, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping solutions that can help visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care. This can be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to improve asthma care and overall health outcomes.