39737, Bellefontaine, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39737, Bellefontaine, Mississippi is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 39737 has some form of health insurance. 91.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.58 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 39737 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39737. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 88 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 125 health care providers accessible to residents in 39737, Bellefontaine, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Bellefontaine, MS (ZIP Code 39737)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for asthma management in Bellefontaine, Mississippi, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of effective asthma care. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' analysis for the region.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care. Bellefontaine, a rural community, likely faces challenges regarding physician availability. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly impact asthma management. Patients with asthma require regular check-ups, medication adjustments, and education on triggers and management techniques. A shortage of primary care physicians can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and increased reliance on emergency room visits, ultimately worsening asthma outcomes.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in ZIP code 39737 is crucial. Publicly available data from the Mississippi State Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into the number of primary care physicians practicing within the area and the overall population. Comparing this ratio to state and national averages provides a benchmark for evaluating access. A lower-than-average ratio indicates a potential shortage, placing a greater burden on existing physicians and potentially limiting access to timely care for asthma patients.

Identifying standout practices within Bellefontaine is essential. These practices often demonstrate excellence in asthma management through various means. This includes adherence to national guidelines for asthma treatment, patient education programs, and the implementation of comprehensive asthma action plans. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources on trigger avoidance, medication usage, and recognizing early warning signs of asthma exacerbations, are critical. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, through quality improvement initiatives and patient outcome tracking, should be recognized.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving asthma care access in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and increasing the frequency of follow-up appointments. Evaluating the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Bellefontaine is vital. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and medication refills through telehealth platforms can significantly enhance asthma management. This is especially important for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments due to distance, transportation limitations, or physical constraints.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within Bellefontaine is crucial. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care programs, either through in-house providers or referrals to external specialists, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

The 'Asthma Score' for Bellefontaine, MS (39737) would be influenced by these factors. A high score would reflect a favorable environment for asthma management, characterized by a sufficient physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices with robust asthma management programs, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would indicate challenges in accessing and receiving optimal asthma care, potentially leading to poorer asthma outcomes for residents.

The specifics of each component would contribute to the final score. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio would be a weighted factor, with a lower ratio (fewer physicians per capita) negatively impacting the score. The presence of practices adhering to national asthma guidelines and implementing patient education programs would positively influence the score. Widespread telemedicine adoption would contribute significantly, while limited access to mental health resources would detract from the overall score.

To further refine this analysis and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Bellefontaine, utilizing mapping tools that visualize healthcare data is highly recommended. Tools like CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant healthcare resources, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of access and availability. These tools can also help identify areas with the greatest need for asthma care and inform strategies for improving healthcare delivery in the community.

In conclusion, assessing the 'Asthma Score' for Bellefontaine, MS (39737) requires a detailed examination of several key factors. From physician availability to the integration of mental health resources, each component plays a critical role in determining the quality of asthma care. To gain a comprehensive visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Bellefontaine and to make data-driven decisions about improving asthma care access, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.