39179, Vaughan, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39179, Vaughan, Mississippi is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.52 percent of the residents in 39179 has some form of health insurance. 40.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.87 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 39179 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 213 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39179. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 290 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 298 health care providers accessible to residents in 39179, Vaughan, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Vaughan, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39179)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 39179, encompassing the small community of Vaughan, Mississippi, necessitates a deep dive into the availability of primary care physicians, specifically their capacity to manage asthma cases. This analysis will assess the existing resources, pinpoint potential shortcomings, and highlight opportunities for improvement, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" ranking. This score, though subjective, will reflect the relative ease with which residents can access comprehensive asthma care within the defined geographical area.

The foundation of asthma management rests on accessible and knowledgeable primary care physicians. Vaughan, being a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: a potentially lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to urban centers. Determining this ratio is crucial. Data from sources like the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) must be consulted to ascertain the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, immediately lowers the Asthma Score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and specialization of these physicians are critical. Do they have experience in treating asthma? Are they board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine, the common specialties for primary care? Do any physicians within the area specialize in pulmonology, the branch of medicine dedicated to respiratory diseases? The presence of pulmonologists, even if based in a nearby town, significantly boosts the Asthma Score. Access to specialists, even if requiring some travel, is vital for complex asthma cases.

The infrastructure supporting these physicians is also vital. Does the local clinic or practice have the equipment necessary for asthma diagnosis and management? This includes spirometry machines for lung function testing, readily available asthma medications, and the capacity to provide patient education on asthma triggers, medication usage, and emergency action plans. The existence of these resources directly impacts the Asthma Score.

Another important factor is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine offers a lifeline in rural areas, bridging geographical barriers and allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. The availability of telehealth appointments for asthma management, including medication refills, follow-up consultations, and even initial assessments, significantly elevates the Asthma Score. The ease of access to telehealth services, including the availability of technology and support for patients, is a key consideration.

Mental health is often overlooked in the context of asthma, but it plays a significant role. Asthma can be a chronic condition that causes anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community or accessible via referral, is crucial. A primary care practice that integrates mental health screening and referral services into its asthma management protocol receives a higher Asthma Score.

Assessing the existing practices within Vaughan requires identifying the key providers and evaluating their services. Are there any standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care? This involves examining their patient reviews, the range of services offered, and their approach to patient education and disease management. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide detailed asthma action plans, and offer regular follow-up appointments will score higher.

The role of the local hospital or healthcare system is also important. Does the hospital have an emergency department equipped to handle asthma exacerbations? Are there respiratory therapists on staff? The availability of emergency care and specialized respiratory services is crucial for managing severe asthma attacks and ensuring patient safety.

To derive the Asthma Score, a weighted system must be employed. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialists, the availability of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by local practices are all assigned weights reflecting their relative importance. The final score is then calculated based on the performance of the healthcare system across these key metrics.

The final Asthma Score for Vaughan, Mississippi (ZIP code 39179) is a composite measure. It reflects the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care available to residents. A low score might indicate a need for increased physician recruitment, expanded telehealth services, and a greater focus on patient education and mental health support. A higher score, conversely, suggests a well-resourced healthcare system capable of effectively managing asthma cases.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Vaughan and to identify opportunities for improvement, visual data analysis is essential. Tools like CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful platform for visualizing physician locations, healthcare resource distribution, and patient demographics. This spatial perspective allows for a more informed assessment of access to care and helps identify areas where resources are lacking.