39332, Hickory, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39332, Hickory, Mississippi is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.13 percent of the residents in 39332 has some form of health insurance. 33.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.71 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 39332 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 942 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39332. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 153 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,220 health care providers accessible to residents in 39332, Hickory, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39332 & Primary Care in Hickory

This analysis assesses the quality of asthma care and primary care access within ZIP code 39332, encompassing the city of Hickory, Mississippi, and evaluates the availability of resources critical to managing asthma. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, pinpointing strengths and weaknesses to inform both patients and healthcare providers. This analysis considers factors such as physician availability, telemedicine integration, mental health support, and overall practice quality.

The physician-to-patient ratio in ZIP code 39332, while not readily available as a precise, publicly published statistic, can be inferred through a combination of data sources. The US Census Bureau, the Mississippi State Department of Health, and various healthcare directories provide the raw data needed to estimate this ratio. This requires cross-referencing population figures for the ZIP code with the number of practicing physicians specializing in primary care, pulmonology, and allergy/immunology. The resulting ratio provides a baseline understanding of access to care. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and receiving prompt medical attention, particularly during asthma exacerbations.

Primary care availability in Hickory is crucial for asthma management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing routine checkups, medication management, and referrals to specialists when necessary. Assessing primary care access involves examining the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the geographic distribution of practices within the city. Areas with limited primary care access may disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including those with asthma, who require consistent medical oversight.

Standout practices within ZIP code 39332 are identified through a combination of factors. Patient reviews, online ratings, and the practices' commitment to evidence-based asthma management protocols are all considered. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback from patients, demonstrate a commitment to patient education, and actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) programs related to asthma care are considered superior. Furthermore, practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments for urgent needs are also highly valued. These practices often demonstrate a patient-centered approach and a dedication to providing accessible and high-quality care.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in asthma management, particularly in rural areas like Hickory. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, monitor their symptoms, and receive medication refills without requiring in-person visits. The availability of telemedicine services within practices in ZIP code 39332 is assessed by examining the practices' websites, patient portals, and their participation in telehealth platforms. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and virtual asthma education programs are considered to be at the forefront of providing convenient and accessible care.

Mental health resources are critical for individuals with asthma. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore an essential component of comprehensive asthma care. This analysis evaluates the availability of mental health providers within the ZIP code, the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, and the availability of support groups and educational resources for patients. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns and offer referrals to mental health professionals are considered to be providing more holistic care.

Specific examples of practices that excel in these areas are considered. While specific names are not mentioned to avoid bias, practices that have implemented patient portals for easy communication, offer asthma education classes, and actively participate in community outreach programs are given high marks. Practices that have embraced telemedicine to provide virtual consultations and remote monitoring also receive positive recognition. The overall aim is to identify and highlight practices that are leading the way in providing comprehensive and patient-centered asthma care.

The assessment of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 39332 involves a holistic approach, considering all aspects of asthma management. This includes the availability of physicians, the accessibility of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, identifying areas where improvements are needed. This analysis is intended to be a starting point for further investigation and improvement.

The overall score for asthma care in ZIP code 39332 is determined by weighting each of the factors discussed above. Physician-to-patient ratios, primary care access, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are all assigned a specific weight based on their relative importance. The scores for each factor are then combined to produce an overall score, reflecting the overall quality of asthma care available in the area. This scoring system allows for a clear and concise understanding of the healthcare landscape.

This analysis recognizes that healthcare is constantly evolving. New technologies, treatment options, and care models are continuously emerging. Therefore, the assessment of asthma care in ZIP code 39332 is an ongoing process. Regular updates and revisions are necessary to ensure that the analysis remains current and reflects the latest developments in healthcare. This commitment to continuous improvement is essential to providing the best possible care for individuals with asthma.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice locations, and the availability of mental health services, and to explore the data further, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that allow you to explore the healthcare landscape in detail, identify areas with limited access to care, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.