39638, Gloster, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39638, Gloster, Mississippi is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.97 percent of the residents in 39638 has some form of health insurance. 53.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.18 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 39638 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 996 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39638. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 530 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 205 health care providers accessible to residents in 39638, Gloster, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Gloster, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39638)

Analyzing the provision of asthma care within Gloster, Mississippi (ZIP code 39638) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We must consider the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of asthma management practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all of which significantly impact the patient experience and outcomes. This analysis will provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, focusing on key indicators and highlighting areas of strength and weakness within the community.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In a rural setting like Gloster, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Unfortunately, precise physician-to-patient ratios for 39638 are difficult to obtain without specific, real-time data from healthcare providers. However, it is safe to assume, given the rural nature of the area, that the ratio likely falls below the national average. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation for asthma sufferers. Patients may have to travel considerable distances to access care, adding to the burden of managing their condition.

Beyond the sheer number of physicians, the quality of care provided is paramount. Assessing “standout practices” requires a deep dive into their asthma management protocols. Key elements include: adherence to national guidelines (e.g., those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program), comprehensive patient education on triggers and medication use, regular pulmonary function testing, and individualized asthma action plans. Without access to specific practice data, it is difficult to definitively rank practices. However, a review of online patient reviews and the presence of board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within the practice would indicate a higher level of care.

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address the challenges of rural healthcare access. Its adoption within Gloster, and specifically by the primary care physicians serving the 39638 ZIP code, is a crucial factor in our Asthma Score. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication refills, and asthma education sessions. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living far from medical facilities. We would evaluate the adoption rate based on the availability of telehealth appointments, the types of services offered remotely (e.g., virtual check-ups, medication management), and the technological infrastructure available to support these services (e.g., internet access, patient portal). A higher adoption rate would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within Gloster is therefore a crucial component of our analysis. We need to assess the proximity of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, therapists, counselors), the availability of mental health services covered by insurance, and the integration of mental health screening and support within primary care practices. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their asthma patients would receive a higher score.

The Asthma Score would be determined by a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted at 25%, quality of care at 30%, telemedicine adoption at 25%, and mental health resources at 20%. Each factor would then be scored individually, and the overall Asthma Score would be calculated. This score would provide a snapshot of the asthma care landscape in Gloster, highlighting areas for improvement.

The impact of these factors extends beyond individual patient outcomes. Adequate asthma care can reduce hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and missed school or work days, leading to significant cost savings for the healthcare system and improved economic productivity for the community. Conversely, inadequate care can lead to exacerbations, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs.

To improve the Asthma Score for Gloster, several strategies could be implemented. Increasing the number of primary care physicians, particularly those with expertise in asthma management, is a priority. Promoting the adoption of telemedicine by existing practices would improve access to care. Integrating mental health screening and support into primary care would address the psychological needs of asthma patients. Investing in patient education programs and asthma action plan development would empower patients to manage their condition effectively.

The creation of a comprehensive Asthma Score requires access to a wealth of specific, up-to-date data. This includes physician demographics, practice profiles, telemedicine adoption rates, mental health resource availability, and patient outcomes data. This information is often difficult to obtain, making a precise score challenging to generate.

Ultimately, improving asthma care in Gloster requires a collaborative effort. Healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers must work together to address the challenges and create a supportive environment for asthma sufferers. This includes increasing access to care, improving the quality of care, and addressing the mental health needs of patients.

For a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, access to care, and population health metrics in Gloster and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide an invaluable tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, identifying areas of need, and informing strategic decision-making. Explore the possibilities of CartoChrome maps to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and improve asthma care outcomes.