38768, Rome, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 38768, Rome, Mississippi is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 73.33 percent of the residents in 38768 has some form of health insurance. 57.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.33 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 38768 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 38768. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 18 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 424 health care providers accessible to residents in 38768, Rome, Mississippi.

**COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Rome, MS (38768)**

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians in Rome, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38768), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the healthcare landscape, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical for COPD patients. While a formal "COPD Score" is not a standardized metric, this analysis will provide a ranking based on key indicators, allowing for a relative comparison and highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

The foundation of effective COPD care rests on accessible primary care. In Rome, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing publicly available data from the Mississippi State Department of Health and the US Census Bureau. Assuming a population of roughly 3,000 residents in the 38768 ZIP code, and an estimated number of primary care physicians (PCPs) – including family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners – it's possible to calculate a ratio. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) generally indicates reduced access, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups, proactive management, and improved patient outcomes. This ratio, once calculated, will form the basis for a comparative ranking.

Evaluating the characteristics of primary care practices is essential. Are there solo practices, or are there larger group practices? Group practices often offer advantages such as shared resources, extended hours, and access to a broader range of specialists. The presence of respiratory therapists or certified COPD educators within a practice is a significant positive indicator. These professionals can provide crucial support, including patient education, pulmonary rehabilitation guidance, and medication management. The availability of on-site spirometry testing, a critical diagnostic tool for COPD, is another important factor. Practices that offer this service streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient convenience.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like COPD. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide education through telehealth platforms can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring of vital signs (using wearable devices), and online patient portals, will receive a higher ranking. The ease of access to these telehealth services, and the training provided to patients to use them, are also important considerations.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within or in close proximity to primary care practices is crucial. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals, will be highly rated. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). The integration of mental health screening into routine check-ups is another important indicator of a practice's commitment to holistic patient care.

Specific practices in Rome, MS, will be evaluated based on these criteria. This analysis will identify any standout practices that demonstrate excellence in COPD care. These practices may have a lower physician-to-patient ratio, a comprehensive range of services, advanced telemedicine capabilities, and strong mental health support. The analysis will also highlight areas where improvements are needed. For example, if there is a shortage of specialists, a lack of telemedicine adoption, or limited mental health resources, the overall ranking for the area will be negatively impacted.

The evaluation will consider the availability of respiratory specialists, such as pulmonologists, in the broader region. While not directly within the 38768 ZIP code, the proximity and accessibility of these specialists are critical for patients requiring advanced care or specialized interventions. The presence of a local hospital with a dedicated pulmonary department or respiratory therapy services will also be a positive factor.

The analysis will assess the availability of resources for COPD patients. This includes access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, support groups, and patient education materials. Practices that actively promote these resources and provide patients with information about them will receive a higher ranking. The availability of smoking cessation programs is also a critical component of COPD management, and practices that offer these programs, or have strong referral relationships with them, will be favorably evaluated.

The overall "COPD Score" for Rome, MS (38768) will be based on a weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will carry significant weight, reflecting its impact on access to care. The presence of specialist services, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to support programs will also be weighted, reflecting their importance in comprehensive COPD management. The resulting score will provide a relative ranking of the healthcare landscape in the area, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This analysis is intended to be informative and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.

For a visual representation of these factors and their geographic distribution, consider exploring the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, providing a clear and insightful overview of the healthcare landscape in Rome, MS, and beyond.