39305, Meridian, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39305, Meridian, Mississippi is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.39 percent of the residents in 39305 has some form of health insurance. 36.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.56 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 39305 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,402 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39305. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,642 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,076 health care providers accessible to residents in 39305, Meridian, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Meridian, MS (ZIP Code 39305)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of asthma care for residents of Meridian, Mississippi, specifically focusing on the 39305 ZIP code. It considers various factors, including physician accessibility, primary care resources, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, to provide an "Asthma Score" perspective. While a precise numerical score is not feasible without granular data access, this analysis offers a qualitative ranking and insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. In Meridian, the overall primary care physician (PCP) to patient ratio is a critical factor. The availability of PCPs, particularly those accepting new patients and participating in various insurance plans, directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely diagnoses, regular check-ups, and asthma action plan development. A high physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with limited insurance acceptance, negatively impacts the Asthma Score. Conversely, a more favorable ratio, with a wider acceptance of insurance, improves the score.

Within the 39305 ZIP code, the concentration of primary care practices is a crucial element. The geographical distribution of these practices affects accessibility. Residents in more rural areas of the ZIP code may face longer travel times to reach a PCP, potentially hindering adherence to treatment plans and increasing the risk of asthma exacerbations. The presence of community health centers and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in the area can significantly improve the Asthma Score, particularly for underserved populations. These centers often provide comprehensive care, including asthma management, and may offer sliding-scale fees, making care more accessible.

Identifying standout practices is essential. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management, evidenced by specialized training of staff, the use of standardized asthma action plans, and proactive patient education, warrant recognition. These practices often have higher Asthma Scores. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, track patient outcomes, and implement evidence-based asthma management strategies contribute positively to the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery. Its impact on the Asthma Score is significant. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in remote areas. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of asthma symptoms and provide timely interventions, potentially preventing hospitalizations. Practices with robust telemedicine platforms and trained staff to manage virtual consultations enhance the Asthma Score.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and vice versa. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screening and offer access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, contribute positively to the Asthma Score. This integration ensures a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of asthma.

The availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is another factor. While primary care physicians are the frontline providers, access to specialists is crucial for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The presence of pulmonologists and allergists within the Meridian area, and their willingness to accept referrals, significantly impacts the Asthma Score. The ease of referral and communication between primary care physicians and specialists further enhances the score.

Patient education and self-management are fundamental to asthma control. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing resources such as written asthma action plans, inhaler technique demonstrations, and information on environmental triggers, contribute to improved patient outcomes and a higher Asthma Score. The availability of educational materials in multiple languages, catering to the diverse population of Meridian, further enhances the score.

The utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) and interoperability between healthcare providers are also important. EHRs facilitate efficient communication, streamline care coordination, and allow for the tracking of patient data, leading to better management of chronic conditions like asthma. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively, sharing information with other providers when necessary, contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

The overall Asthma Score for the 39305 ZIP code is a complex evaluation. It is influenced by the interplay of all the factors discussed. While specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice-specific metrics, and telemedicine adoption rates are needed for a precise numerical score, a general assessment can be made. The presence of community health centers, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services are all positive indicators. Conversely, a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited insurance acceptance, and a lack of specialized asthma care can negatively impact the score.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Meridian, particularly regarding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, the availability of specialists, and the accessibility of care, consider exploring interactive maps and data visualizations. These tools can provide valuable insights into the local healthcare ecosystem.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape of Meridian, MS (ZIP Code 39305), and explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, consider using **CartoChrome maps**. These maps can provide a valuable visual representation of the factors impacting the Asthma Score, allowing for a more informed understanding of healthcare accessibility and resource allocation in the area.