39664, Smithdale, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39664, Smithdale, Mississippi is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.60 percent of the residents in 39664 has some form of health insurance. 45.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.14 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 39664 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 358 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39664. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 534 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 914 health care providers accessible to residents in 39664, Smithdale, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in 39664 and Primary Care in Smithdale

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within ZIP code 39664, encompassing the Smithdale community, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs), the resources dedicated to asthma management, and the overall accessibility of healthcare services. This analysis will culminate in an "Asthma Score" assessment, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment for individuals with asthma in Smithdale.

The cornerstone of asthma management, especially in a rural setting, is the availability of primary care. Smithdale's primary care availability directly impacts asthma patients. Limited access to PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and increased emergency room visits. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians serving a larger population, often translates to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time per patient visit, and potentially, a less comprehensive approach to asthma care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access and potentially improved outcomes. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health, combined with information from insurance providers and local healthcare networks, is essential to determine the actual physician-to-patient ratio in Smithdale. This ratio directly influences the Asthma Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Do PCPs possess the necessary expertise and resources to effectively manage asthma? This includes their familiarity with current asthma guidelines, their willingness to prescribe appropriate medications (including inhalers and rescue medications), and their ability to educate patients on proper inhaler technique and asthma action plans. The Asthma Score will reflect the demonstrated commitment of PCPs to ongoing asthma education and best practices.

Several practices within 39664 may stand out. These practices will be assessed based on several factors. Practices that offer specialized asthma clinics, staffed by trained respiratory therapists or asthma educators, will receive higher scores. The presence of on-site pulmonary function testing (spirometry) allows for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of asthma severity. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) with asthma-specific modules, facilitating efficient data collection and tracking of patient progress, is also a crucial factor. Practices integrating these elements will likely contribute positively to the overall Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients who face transportation challenges or live in remote locations. The availability of virtual consultations with PCPs or specialists can facilitate timely medication adjustments, provide remote monitoring, and offer educational resources. The Asthma Score will consider the extent to which practices in 39664 utilize telemedicine for asthma management, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual check-ups, medication refills, and patient education) and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health services, including counseling and therapy, is vital for supporting patients in managing their asthma and improving their overall well-being. The Asthma Score will reflect the availability of mental health resources within the Smithdale healthcare ecosystem, including the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices or referrals to external mental health providers.

To determine the Asthma Score, a weighted scoring system will be employed. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, PCP expertise, standout practice features, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability – will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. The score will be calculated by multiplying the score for each factor by its corresponding weight and summing the results. The final Asthma Score will be a numerical value, providing a comparative assessment of the asthma care environment in 39664.

The analysis will also consider the role of local hospitals and emergency departments. The frequency of asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations is a critical indicator of the effectiveness of asthma management in the community. Data on these metrics, collected from hospital records and public health sources, will be incorporated into the Asthma Score to provide a comprehensive picture of the asthma care landscape.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the presence of community-based resources, such as asthma support groups, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. These resources can empower patients to take an active role in managing their asthma and improve their overall health outcomes. The Asthma Score will reflect the availability and accessibility of these community-based programs.

The Asthma Score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the collective efforts of healthcare providers, community organizations, and individuals to improve the lives of people with asthma in Smithdale. It provides a framework for identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. It can be used to guide healthcare planning, resource allocation, and community interventions.

This analysis is a snapshot in time. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Regular reassessment of the Asthma Score is essential to ensure that it remains relevant and reflects the latest developments in asthma care. This ongoing monitoring is crucial for providing the best possible care for asthma patients in Smithdale.

For a visually rich understanding of the healthcare landscape in 39664, including physician locations, resource distribution, and accessibility data, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. CartoChrome’s mapping solutions allow for a dynamic and data-driven visualization of the factors contributing to the Asthma Score.