39428, Collins, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39428, Collins, Mississippi is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.04 percent of the residents in 39428 has some form of health insurance. 41.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.15 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 39428 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,067 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39428. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,256 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,554 health care providers accessible to residents in 39428, Collins, Mississippi.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities, and access to quality healthcare is paramount for effective management. This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 39428 (Collins, Mississippi), evaluating the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive asthma score assessment, identifying strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care. Collins, Mississippi, as represented by ZIP Code 39428, requires a meticulous examination of its primary care infrastructure. Assessing the number of practicing physicians, including general practitioners, family medicine doctors, and internal medicine specialists, is crucial. This physician count must then be compared to the population size of the area to determine the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatments for asthma sufferers.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by these physicians is paramount. This necessitates evaluating the practices themselves. Are they equipped with modern diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? Do they adhere to the latest asthma treatment guidelines, including the use of inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators? Are they actively involved in patient education, empowering individuals to manage their condition effectively? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these aspects would receive higher marks in an asthma score assessment.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Collins. Its adoption by primary care practices within ZIP Code 39428 is a critical factor in this analysis. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups or medication management? Does it provide remote monitoring capabilities, allowing patients to track their symptoms and share data with their physicians? Practices embracing telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel burdens, and potentially enhance adherence to treatment plans, all of which contribute to better asthma control.

The intricate link between asthma and mental health cannot be ignored. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, while these mental health conditions can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is an essential component of a comprehensive asthma score. Do the practices have mental health professionals on staff, or do they have established referral pathways to local mental health providers? Integration of mental health services helps address the holistic needs of asthma patients, leading to improved overall well-being and better asthma management.

Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is a key aspect of the asthma score. The ideal ratio varies, but a higher ratio, reflecting more patients per physician, can strain resources. Researching the specific ratio within ZIP Code 39428 is essential. This data, coupled with the evaluation of practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, forms the basis of the asthma score.

Standout practices, those excelling in asthma care, deserve recognition. These practices might demonstrate exceptional patient education programs, actively participate in asthma research, or implement innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes. Identifying and highlighting these practices can serve as a model for others and encourage the adoption of best practices throughout the community.

The assessment of telemedicine adoption requires a nuanced approach. It's not simply about whether a practice offers telemedicine but how effectively it is integrated into the overall care process. Is it used for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, or medication refills? Does the practice provide technical support to patients to ensure they can easily access and utilize telemedicine services? A robust telemedicine infrastructure can significantly improve asthma care accessibility, especially for patients facing mobility challenges or living in geographically isolated areas.

Mental health resources within primary care are essential. This includes not only the availability of mental health professionals but also the willingness of physicians to screen patients for mental health conditions and the establishment of seamless referral systems. The integration of mental health services into asthma care is crucial for addressing the complex interplay between physical and emotional well-being.

The asthma score is not a static metric; it's a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes monitoring the physician-to-patient ratio, tracking the adoption of new technologies, and evaluating the integration of mental health services. Continuous monitoring ensures that the asthma score remains a relevant and valuable tool for assessing and improving asthma care within ZIP Code 39428.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in ZIP Code 39428 requires a multifaceted approach. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all critical components. This comprehensive analysis provides a snapshot of the current state of asthma care in Collins, Mississippi, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

To visualize this data and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of Collins, Mississippi, and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping platform can help you visualize physician locations, identify areas with limited access to care, and analyze demographic data related to asthma prevalence.