39363, Stonewall, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39363, Stonewall, Mississippi is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.75 percent of the residents in 39363 has some form of health insurance. 53.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.30 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 39363 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 267 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39363. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 298 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 235 health care providers accessible to residents in 39363, Stonewall, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Stonewall, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39363)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Stonewall, Mississippi, specifically within ZIP code 39363, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability and quality of primary care, particularly focusing on asthma management, and will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests upon accessible and qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). In Stonewall, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of asthma. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access. Data collection from local hospitals, clinics, and physician directories is essential to determine the precise ratio within the 39363 ZIP code. Public health resources, such as the Mississippi State Department of Health, can also provide valuable insights into this critical metric.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the physicians' experience and expertise in asthma management. Are the PCPs well-versed in current asthma guidelines, including the use of inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and other necessary medications? Do they routinely perform pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to assess lung function and monitor disease progression? Do they offer patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and self-management strategies? The ‘Asthma Score’ must reflect the proficiency of local PCPs in these areas.

Identifying standout practices within Stonewall is vital. These practices may demonstrate exceptional asthma management protocols, patient education programs, or a commitment to continuous improvement. This could involve reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, analyzing asthma-related hospitalization rates for their patient populations, and assessing their adherence to national asthma guidelines. Practices that actively engage in patient education, provide personalized asthma action plans, and offer regular follow-up appointments should be recognized for their commitment to comprehensive asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care access, particularly in rural communities like Stonewall. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. This can reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine follow-ups, and improve access for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among local PCPs and their integration into asthma management protocols is crucial for the ‘Asthma Score’.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, who can provide counseling, therapy, and medication management for patients struggling with the psychological effects of asthma. The ‘Asthma Score’ should reflect the accessibility of these resources within the Stonewall community. Are there readily available mental health services, or are patients forced to travel long distances to receive care?

Data collection and analysis are essential to produce an accurate ‘Asthma Score’. This involves gathering information from various sources, including local hospitals, clinics, physician directories, patient surveys, and public health agencies. The data should be carefully analyzed to assess the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each of these factors should be weighted appropriately to reflect their relative importance in asthma management.

The ‘Asthma Score’ itself should be a clear and concise metric, providing a readily understandable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Stonewall. It could be presented as a numerical score, a letter grade, or a combination of both. The score should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used to calculate it, along with specific recommendations for improvement. This could include suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs, improving asthma management protocols, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing access to mental health resources.

The final ‘Asthma Score’ should be a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It can empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, guide healthcare providers in improving their asthma management practices, and inform policymakers about areas where resources are needed. Regular updates to the ‘Asthma Score’ are crucial to track progress and ensure that the healthcare landscape in Stonewall continues to evolve to meet the needs of its residents.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact asthma management. These include poverty, housing conditions, and access to healthy food. These factors can influence asthma triggers, medication adherence, and overall health outcomes. The ‘Asthma Score’ should acknowledge these factors and their potential impact on asthma management in the community.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care landscape in Stonewall, Mississippi, requires a thorough examination of primary care availability, physician expertise, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The ‘Asthma Score’ should be a comprehensive and informative tool that empowers patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve asthma management and promote the overall health and well-being of the community.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Stonewall and visualize the data used in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data visualization. **Visit CartoChrome maps to see how mapping can reveal patterns and insights related to healthcare access and asthma prevalence in your community.**