39159, Rolling Fork, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39159, Rolling Fork, Mississippi is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 72.17 percent of the residents in 39159 has some form of health insurance. 40.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 37.28 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 39159 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 750 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39159. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 499 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 46 health care providers accessible to residents in 39159, Rolling Fork, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Rolling Fork, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39159)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly regarding asthma management, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39159) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess the physician-to-patient ratio, examine standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the presence of mental health resources, all within the context of providing effective asthma care. The ultimate goal is to create an "Asthma Score" reflecting the community's capacity to address this chronic respiratory condition.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Rolling Fork, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A limited number of primary care providers translates to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and inadequate ongoing management. This directly impacts the Asthma Score, as timely access to care is crucial for controlling the disease. To assess this, we need to consider the total number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code, including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatricians. We must also account for any providers in adjacent areas that may serve the Rolling Fork population.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. This ratio provides a quantifiable measure of healthcare access. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests a greater burden on existing providers, potentially leading to overbooked schedules and reduced time spent with each patient. Conversely, a lower ratio (more physicians per capita) generally indicates better access and the potential for more comprehensive care. The national average physician-to-patient ratio serves as a benchmark. Rolling Fork's ratio needs to be compared to this benchmark to determine its relative standing. This comparison directly impacts the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices within the community is essential. These practices often demonstrate superior asthma management strategies. This involves assessing the adoption of evidence-based guidelines, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for tracking patient data, and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing them with self-management tools and personalized treatment plans, would score higher. These practices are models for the community and can significantly elevate the overall Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. Its use in asthma management can include virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication management support. The availability and utilization of telemedicine services within Rolling Fork directly influence the Asthma Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring options, will receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but their importance cannot be overstated. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms and hinder effective treatment. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. The Asthma Score must consider the presence and accessibility of these resources.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score should consider the presence of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to specialists is essential for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The availability of these specialists within the community or in nearby areas is a factor that impacts the score.

Data collection is crucial for a comprehensive analysis. This involves gathering information from various sources, including local hospitals, clinics, physician directories, and public health agencies. Publicly available data on demographics, socioeconomic factors, and health outcomes can also be incorporated. The data will then be analyzed to determine the Asthma Score.

The Asthma Score itself should be a numerical value, perhaps on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 representing the highest level of access and quality of care. The score should be broken down into sub-scores for each of the factors discussed above: primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Each sub-score would be weighted based on its relative importance.

For example, primary care availability and physician-to-patient ratio might carry the highest weight, as they are fundamental to access. Standout practices could be weighted based on the number of patients they serve and their adoption of best practices. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resources would be weighted based on their availability and utilization rates.

The final Asthma Score would then provide a clear picture of the community's capacity to manage asthma. It would identify strengths and weaknesses, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. This score would be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members, guiding efforts to improve asthma care in Rolling Fork.

The analysis process should be continuous. Healthcare landscapes change, and the Asthma Score needs to be updated regularly to reflect these changes. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the community remains informed and responsive to the evolving needs of its residents.

By understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within Rolling Fork, targeted interventions can be implemented to improve asthma management. These interventions could include recruiting more primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, increasing access to mental health services, and supporting the development of patient education programs.

The ultimate goal is to create a healthier community for all residents, particularly those living with asthma. The Asthma Score serves as a roadmap for achieving this goal, guiding efforts to improve access to care, enhance the quality of treatment, and ultimately, improve the lives of individuals living with this chronic respiratory condition.

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape of Rolling Fork and beyond? Explore the power of data with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of physician distribution, resource availability, and potential areas for improvement. Click here to discover how CartoChrome can transform your understanding of healthcare access.