39571, Pass Christian, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39571, Pass Christian, Mississippi is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.23 percent of the residents in 39571 has some form of health insurance. 36.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.32 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 39571 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,266 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39571. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,559 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,023 health care providers accessible to residents in 39571, Pass Christian, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pass Christian, MS (ZIP Code 39571)

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care in Pass Christian, Mississippi, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must examine the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the quality of care provided, the integration of technology, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all within the context of ZIP Code 39571. This analysis will culminate in an "Asthma Score" assessment, providing a snapshot of the current situation.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. In Pass Christian, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, inadequate asthma control. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows for more personalized care and better management of chronic conditions. Publicly available data, such as that from the Mississippi State Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, is essential to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. This data will be a key component of our Asthma Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by PCPs is paramount. Asthma management involves regular check-ups, medication adjustments, education on triggers, and the development of personalized action plans. Practices that actively engage in these aspects of care will score higher. We need to assess whether practices in 39571 routinely offer spirometry testing to assess lung function, provide patient education materials, and have protocols in place for managing asthma exacerbations. This information can be gleaned from publicly available practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially, interviews with local healthcare providers.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These are the clinics or individual physicians who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care. They may excel in patient communication, offer extended hours, or have specialized training in asthma management. Look for practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for seamless communication between providers and better tracking of patient progress. Patient testimonials and online reviews, while often subjective, can offer valuable insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical element. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Pass Christian. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially reach a wider patient base, improve adherence to treatment plans, and reduce the need for emergency room visits. Assessing the availability and utilization of telemedicine services will contribute significantly to the Asthma Score.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, managing a chronic condition like asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the community is therefore a crucial component of our analysis. We need to determine the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, in Pass Christian. Furthermore, we must assess whether PCPs have established referral pathways to mental health services and whether there is a coordinated approach to addressing the mental and physical health needs of asthma patients. The integration of mental health care into asthma management is a significant factor in determining the overall Asthma Score.

Analyzing the specific practices in Pass Christian requires a deeper dive. We would need to identify the major primary care providers within the ZIP code. This would involve searching online directories, contacting local hospitals, and reviewing insurance provider networks. Once identified, we can then research each practice's website, looking for information on asthma management services, patient education materials, and telemedicine options. Patient reviews on sites like Healthgrades or Vitals can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

The Asthma Score itself will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. It will incorporate the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear and concise assessment of the asthma care landscape in Pass Christian. The higher the score, the better the overall asthma care environment.

To calculate the score, we would assign points to each factor based on its importance. For example, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio might receive a high score, while the absence of telemedicine options would result in a lower score. The weighting of each factor will be determined based on its relative impact on asthma management.

The final Asthma Score will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will allow patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. It will help healthcare providers identify areas for improvement and benchmark their performance against other practices. And it will assist policymakers in allocating resources to address the specific needs of the community.

The data gathering process will be iterative. We will start with publicly available information and then seek to supplement it with primary research, such as interviews with local healthcare providers. This will ensure that the Asthma Score is as accurate and comprehensive as possible. The goal is to provide a clear and objective assessment of the asthma care landscape in Pass Christian, MS, and to identify opportunities for improvement.

This analysis is a starting point. It is designed to provide a framework for understanding the complexities of asthma care in a specific geographic area. The findings can then be used to inform strategic planning and to improve the quality of life for individuals living with asthma in Pass Christian.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pass Christian, MS, including physician locations, practice information, and demographics, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their data visualization tools can provide a powerful and intuitive way to understand the factors influencing asthma care in your community.