39769, Sturgis, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39769, Sturgis, Mississippi is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.02 percent of the residents in 39769 has some form of health insurance. 42.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.88 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 39769 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 331 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39769. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 307 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 672 health care providers accessible to residents in 39769, Sturgis, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Sturgis, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39769)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, within Sturgis, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39769), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components impacting asthma control and patient well-being. This analysis will provide an ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, though the actual score cannot be quantified within the parameters of this response.

The cornerstone of effective asthma care is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Sturgis is paramount. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health and publicly available sources should be examined to ascertain the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and ongoing care. Rural areas often face this disparity, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and increased asthma exacerbations. Furthermore, it is important to assess whether the PCPs in the area are board certified and have experience in treating asthma patients.

Evaluating the practices themselves is crucial. This involves examining the services offered, the quality of care provided, and the integration of asthma-specific protocols. Are practices equipped with spirometry equipment, a standard diagnostic tool for asthma? Do they have established asthma action plans for patients, outlining medication adjustments and emergency protocols? Do they offer patient education sessions on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and self-management strategies? Practices that prioritize these elements demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care, positively impacting the ‘Asthma Score’.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Its adoption by practices in Sturgis can significantly impact asthma management. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of patients' symptoms. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments, reducing the burden of travel time and associated costs. Practices that embrace telemedicine, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, would be viewed favorably in this ‘Asthma Score’ assessment.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma control. Asthma, a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Conversely, mental health issues can worsen asthma symptoms and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a critical factor. Does Sturgis have access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists? Are these resources accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive? Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their asthma care protocols, or collaborate with mental health providers, would receive a higher rating in this analysis.

Identifying standout practices within Sturgis is essential. This involves recognizing those that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care. These practices might have a dedicated asthma educator, a robust patient education program, or a high rate of asthma control among their patients. They may have adopted innovative approaches, such as group asthma classes or partnerships with local pharmacies to improve medication adherence. Identifying and highlighting these practices can serve as a model for others and provide patients with information to make informed decisions about their care.

In conclusion, assessing the ‘Asthma Score’ for physicians in ZIP Code 39769 requires a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability are all critical components. The ability to identify and support practices that provide high-quality, patient-centered asthma care is crucial for improving the health and well-being of individuals in Sturgis. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of asthma care and identifying areas for improvement.

The data used for this analysis is readily available. CartoChrome maps can be used to visualize this data and better understand healthcare access in Sturgis.