39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.48 percent of the residents in 39174 has some form of health insurance. 0.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.65 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 39174 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 219 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 60 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39174. An estimate of 21 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,507 health care providers accessible to residents in 39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP Code 39174 and primary care availability in Tougaloo, Mississippi, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We must consider physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all crucial components of a comprehensive asthma score assessment. This analysis will delve into these factors, painting a picture of the healthcare landscape and highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access to care. In ZIP Code 39174, understanding the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists relative to the population is critical. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of providers, can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management, and increased asthma-related hospitalizations. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access, potentially translating to better patient outcomes. Specific data on the number of physicians practicing within the zip code is required to determine the exact ratio. The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is also essential. Asthma, being a chronic respiratory condition, often requires specialized care, especially for severe cases.

Primary care availability in Tougaloo, a community within the broader area, presents a different set of considerations. While the overall physician-to-patient ratio within the zip code is important, the specific availability of PCPs in Tougaloo itself is paramount. Do residents have convenient access to primary care clinics? Are there extended hours or weekend availability? The presence of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or other community health resources can significantly impact access, particularly for underserved populations. The proximity of these resources to Tougaloo’s residents is a key determinant of primary care accessibility.

Evaluating standout practices involves identifying those demonstrating excellence in asthma management. This includes practices with robust asthma education programs, comprehensive treatment plans, and a commitment to patient self-management. Features such as regular spirometry testing, personalized asthma action plans, and patient education materials are indicators of quality care. Examining patient satisfaction surveys and outcome data, such as asthma exacerbation rates and hospital readmissions, can help identify practices that are achieving positive results. Practices utilizing evidence-based guidelines and actively participating in quality improvement initiatives often demonstrate superior performance.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including increased access to care, reduced travel time, and improved patient convenience. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient portals are better positioned to provide comprehensive asthma care. The ability to remotely assess a patient’s condition, adjust medication, and provide timely interventions can significantly improve asthma control and reduce the burden of the disease. Analyzing the availability and utilization of telemedicine services within the zip code and in Tougaloo specifically is a critical component of the asthma score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they play a crucial role. Asthma can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care model demonstrate a more holistic approach. This may involve on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, or the use of validated screening tools to identify patients in need of mental health support. Assessing the availability and accessibility of mental health resources within the zip code and in Tougaloo is essential for a complete asthma score assessment.

To calculate an asthma score, each of these factors – physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – must be weighted and scored. The weighting should reflect the relative importance of each factor in achieving optimal asthma control and improving patient outcomes. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio might receive a higher weight than the availability of a specific educational resource. The scoring system could utilize a scale (e.g., 1-5 or 1-10) to evaluate each factor, with higher scores indicating better performance. The overall asthma score would then be calculated by summing the weighted scores for each factor.

To improve asthma care in ZIP Code 39174 and Tougaloo, a multi-pronged approach is needed. This includes increasing the number of PCPs and pulmonologists, particularly in underserved areas; encouraging practices to adopt evidence-based asthma management guidelines; promoting the use of telemedicine; and integrating mental health services into asthma care. Community-based interventions, such as asthma education programs and support groups, can also play a vital role. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health agencies is essential to create a comprehensive and coordinated approach to asthma care.

For a more in-depth visualization of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 39174 and Tougaloo, including the geographic distribution of providers, access to resources, and other relevant data, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you analyze healthcare data and identify areas where improvements are needed.