38774, Shelby, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 38774, Shelby, Mississippi is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.69 percent of the residents in 38774 has some form of health insurance. 51.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.57 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 38774 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 378 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38774. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 156 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 504 health care providers accessible to residents in 38774, Shelby, Mississippi.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 38774 and Primary Care in Shelby

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP Code 38774, with a particular focus on their capacity to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We will also consider the broader context of primary care availability in Shelby, offering insights into physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This assessment provides a COPD score, reflecting the overall preparedness of the local healthcare system to address the needs of COPD patients.

ZIP Code 38774, likely encompassing a defined geographic area, presents a unique healthcare landscape. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per resident, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 38774 is crucial. Publicly available resources, such as those from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services or state medical boards, should be consulted. This ratio directly impacts the COPD score; a lower ratio will negatively affect the score, reflecting potential difficulties in securing prompt medical attention for COPD exacerbations or routine checkups.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by available primary care physicians is paramount. Are these physicians board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine? Do they possess specific expertise in pulmonary care or chronic disease management? The presence of specialized training and experience significantly elevates the COPD score. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to COPD management, such as those utilizing standardized protocols for diagnosis and treatment, offering patient education programs, and actively monitoring patient outcomes, deserve recognition. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to established guidelines, such as those published by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).

Standout practices in the area should be identified. This requires looking beyond basic metrics. Consider practices that actively participate in clinical trials related to COPD, demonstrating a commitment to advancing knowledge and providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. Furthermore, practices that actively engage with their patients through regular communication, personalized care plans, and readily available support staff enhance the COPD score. Identifying these exemplary practices can serve as a model for other healthcare providers in the area.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in improving access to care, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of symptoms, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring tools, are better positioned to support COPD patients. The availability of telemedicine services directly contributes to a higher COPD score, reflecting improved access and convenience.

The integration of mental health resources is another vital aspect. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that recognize this and offer or facilitate access to mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric support, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues and have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will receive a higher COPD score. The availability of these resources is essential for comprehensive COPD management.

The broader context of primary care availability in Shelby is important. While this analysis focuses on 38774, understanding the overall healthcare landscape of the county is essential. Are there significant disparities in access to care based on socioeconomic status or geographic location? Are there any underserved populations within Shelby? Addressing these broader issues is crucial for improving the overall health of the community and ensuring equitable access to COPD care.

The COPD score is not a static measure. It should be continually updated based on changes in physician availability, practice improvements, and the adoption of new technologies. Regular reassessment is crucial to track progress and identify areas that require further attention. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the healthcare system remains responsive to the evolving needs of COPD patients.

Data collection is key. Gathering information from various sources, including physician directories, insurance providers, patient surveys, and public health agencies, is essential for a comprehensive assessment. This data should be analyzed to identify trends, patterns, and areas of strength and weakness. This detailed analysis informs the COPD score and guides future improvements.

Finally, the analysis must be easily accessible and understandable. The information should be presented in a clear and concise manner, avoiding technical jargon. The goal is to empower patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and improve the quality of COPD care in ZIP Code 38774 and Shelby.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare services and help identify areas where improvements are needed.