39406, Hattiesburg, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39406, Hattiesburg, Mississippi is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.42 percent of the residents in 39406 has some form of health insurance. 10.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.58 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 39406 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 268 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 30 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39406. An estimate of 0 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 8,610 health care providers accessible to residents in 39406, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Hattiesburg, MS (ZIP Code 39406)

Analyzing asthma care within Hattiesburg, Mississippi, specifically focusing on ZIP code 39406, requires a multifaceted approach. We must evaluate the quality and accessibility of primary care, the availability of specialized asthma care, and the integration of supportive services. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering various factors that influence patient outcomes.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. Hattiesburg, as a regional hub, likely has a reasonable concentration of primary care physicians (PCPs). However, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health or the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) can provide insights into this ratio within 39406. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially hinder timely diagnosis and treatment adjustments. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access to care, which is a crucial element in our Asthma Score calculation.

Primary care availability extends beyond physician numbers. The geographic distribution of practices within 39406 matters. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, potentially creating access challenges for residents in more remote parts of the ZIP code? Examining the presence of practices in underserved areas is essential. Additionally, the acceptance of various insurance plans by these practices is a factor. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance options, including Medicaid and Medicare, increase accessibility for a broader patient population.

Specialized asthma care is another crucial component. While PCPs often manage asthma, patients with moderate to severe disease benefit from pulmonologists or allergists. The presence and availability of these specialists within Hattiesburg are important. The Asthma Score would reflect the number of pulmonologists and allergists serving the 39406 area, their appointment availability, and their integration with primary care practices. Are there established referral pathways? Do they collaborate on patient management? These factors contribute to a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to asthma care.

Several practices in Hattiesburg might stand out in terms of their asthma care. Identifying these "standout practices" requires a deeper dive. This involves examining their patient outcomes, patient satisfaction scores, and their adoption of best practices. Do they utilize evidence-based guidelines for asthma management? Do they offer patient education programs? Do they have dedicated asthma educators or nurses? These practices would likely have higher Asthma Scores.

Telemedicine adoption is a modern element that can significantly impact asthma care accessibility, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. The Asthma Score would assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians and specialists in 39406. Do they offer virtual consultations? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices to track patient symptoms? The integration of telemedicine into asthma care would positively impact the overall score.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and chronic asthma can negatively impact mental well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an important consideration. The Asthma Score would evaluate the availability of mental health services within Hattiesburg, specifically those integrated with primary care practices or asthma specialists. Do practices offer on-site mental health counseling? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? The presence of these resources contributes to a more holistic approach to patient care.

The integration of technology beyond telemedicine is also important. Electronic health records (EHRs) facilitate better communication and coordination of care. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively, sharing patient information across different providers, would receive a higher Asthma Score. This also includes the use of patient portals, enabling patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their physicians online.

Patient education is another critical element. Asthma education programs empower patients to manage their condition effectively. The Asthma Score would assess the availability of patient education resources within 39406. Do practices offer asthma education classes? Do they provide patients with written materials and online resources? The provision of comprehensive patient education contributes to better patient outcomes and a higher Asthma Score.

Finally, the overall Asthma Score for 39406 would be a composite measure, weighing all the factors discussed above. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the use of technology, the presence of patient education programs, and the overall quality of care provided by local practices.

To gain a visual understanding of these factors and their spatial distribution within Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the location of healthcare providers, access to services, and demographic data, offering a clear and concise view of the asthma care landscape.