38680, Walls, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 38680, Walls, Mississippi is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.42 percent of the residents in 38680 has some form of health insurance. 30.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.19 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 38680 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,740 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38680. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 613 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,991 health care providers accessible to residents in 38680, Walls, Mississippi.

## COPD Score Analysis: Walls, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38680)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services in Walls, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38680), with a specific focus on resources relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. This is a complex endeavor, as publicly available data on physician performance and practice specifics is often limited. We will rely on available information, industry reports, and reasonable assumptions to create a COPD Score framework.

The COPD Score is a hypothetical metric reflecting the overall suitability of a region for COPD patients. It considers factors like physician availability, access to specialized care, telemedicine infrastructure, and mental health support, all crucial for effective COPD management. The higher the score, the better the resources.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

Walls, Mississippi, is a relatively small community. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Analyzing the ratio requires data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 38680 ZIP code and the population of Walls. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide population estimates. Finding the exact number of PCPs requires cross-referencing online directories, insurance provider listings, and potentially contacting local healthcare facilities. A low physician-to-patient ratio (meaning fewer doctors per capita) would negatively impact the COPD Score. This means longer wait times for appointments and potentially less time dedicated to individual patient needs.

The availability of primary care is not solely about the number of physicians. It encompasses factors like appointment scheduling efficiency, walk-in availability, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. Practices that readily accept Medicare and Medicaid, insurance plans commonly used by COPD patients, would contribute positively to the score. Practices with extended hours or weekend availability further enhance accessibility, boosting the COPD Score.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Care:**

Identifying "standout" practices requires in-depth research. This involves assessing the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or specialists with expertise in respiratory care within the service area. Proximity to larger hospitals or medical centers with pulmonary departments is also a positive factor. Ideally, practices should have dedicated COPD management programs, including patient education, smoking cessation support, and access to pulmonary rehabilitation services. These specialized services are crucial for comprehensive COPD care and contribute significantly to a higher COPD Score.

The presence of respiratory therapists, certified asthma educators, and access to diagnostic tools like spirometry further enhances the quality of care. Practices actively involved in clinical trials or research related to COPD would be considered exceptionally strong, as this indicates a commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers a significant advantage for COPD patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or residing in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring of vital signs receive a higher COPD Score. Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel, improve patient adherence to treatment plans, and facilitate early intervention in case of exacerbations.

The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and peak flow meters, that can transmit data to the physician's office, is a positive indicator. Practices that offer virtual consultations with respiratory therapists or pulmonologists contribute substantially to the score. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, including technical support and accessibility for patients with limited digital literacy, is also important.

**Mental Health Resources and Integrated Care:**

COPD often has a significant impact on mental health. Anxiety, depression, and social isolation are common challenges for COPD patients. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the COPD Score. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model are highly valued. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups specializing in chronic illness.

Collaboration between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health professionals is essential for comprehensive care. Practices that have established referral pathways and communication protocols between these specialists demonstrate a commitment to integrated care. The availability of mental health resources covered by insurance and accessible within the community is also a positive factor.

**The COPD Score Framework:**

The COPD Score is a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor is assigned a weight based on its importance in COPD management. The weights can be adjusted based on the specific priorities of the assessment.

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability (25%):** This reflects the basic access to care.
* **Standout Practices and Specialized Care (30%):** This assesses the quality and depth of specialized resources.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (25%):** This evaluates the accessibility and convenience of care.
* **Mental Health Resources and Integrated Care (20%):** This measures the comprehensiveness of care.

Each factor is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the best possible outcome. The overall COPD Score is then calculated by multiplying each factor's score by its weight and summing the results.

**Limitations and Considerations:**

This analysis is based on available information and assumptions. It is not a definitive assessment of every practice in Walls, Mississippi. The accuracy of the score depends on the availability and reliability of data. The COPD Score is intended to be a guide and should be used in conjunction with other sources of information.

**Call to Action:**

For a more detailed and visually informative analysis of healthcare resources in Walls, Mississippi, and the surrounding areas, including the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help visualize the distribution of healthcare providers, assess geographic accessibility, and identify potential gaps in care. Visit the CartoChrome website to learn more and discover how their mapping solutions can provide valuable insights into healthcare access and resource allocation in your community.