The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 38849, Guntown, Mississippi is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 89.09 percent of the residents in 38849 has some form of health insurance. 31.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.92 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 38849 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,557 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38849. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 670 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,359 health care providers accessible to residents in 38849, Guntown, Mississippi.
Health Scores in 38849, Guntown, Mississippi
COPD Score | 86 |
---|---|
People Score | 54 |
Provider Score | 81 |
Hospital Score | 70 |
Travel Score | 46 |
38849 | Guntown | Mississippi | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 38849 and Primary Care in Guntown
Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 38849 (which encompasses Guntown, Mississippi) to assess the availability and capabilities of primary care physicians (PCPs) in managing COPD patients. We will explore physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all critical components in delivering comprehensive COPD care.
The initial hurdle in Guntown is the relatively low population density, which often translates to a limited number of healthcare providers. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure and the US Census Bureau. However, based on publicly available information and general trends in rural areas, it is likely that the physician-to-patient ratio in 38849 is higher than the national average. This means there are fewer doctors available to serve a larger population, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to specialized care. This scarcity can be particularly problematic for COPD patients, who require regular check-ups, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the availability of specialized services like pulmonary function testing (PFT), and the integration of chronic disease management programs. Practices that prioritize patient education, provide comprehensive care plans, and actively monitor patient outcomes are crucial for effectively managing COPD. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, such as offering flu shots and pneumonia vaccinations, are vital in minimizing exacerbations and hospitalizations. Researching online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites can provide valuable insights into the quality of care offered by different practices within the ZIP code.
Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing disruptions to their daily lives. For COPD patients, telemedicine can be used for medication management, monitoring symptoms, and providing education about disease management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals, are better positioned to provide convenient and accessible care. Evaluating the availability of telehealth services, including the types of services offered and the ease of use for patients, is crucial in assessing the overall quality of care.
The often-overlooked aspect of COPD management is the impact of the disease on mental health. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is essential for providing holistic care. Assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community is critical. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, either through in-house providers or through referrals to external resources, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the comprehensive needs of their patients. Examining the availability of support groups, counseling services, and access to mental health medications is also important.
The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another critical factor in managing COPD. These programs provide patients with education, exercise training, and support to improve their lung function, reduce symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. Assessing the presence of pulmonary rehabilitation programs within the community, or the ability of local practices to refer patients to such programs, is essential.
Furthermore, understanding the availability of home healthcare services is important. Home healthcare can provide patients with assistance with medication management, symptom monitoring, and activities of daily living. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with advanced COPD who may have difficulty leaving their homes.
Finally, the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial for effective COPD management. EHRs allow physicians to track patient data, monitor medication adherence, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers. Practices that have implemented robust EHR systems are better equipped to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.
In conclusion, assessing the quality of COPD care in ZIP Code 38849 requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, home healthcare services, and the utilization of EHRs. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Guntown and identifying areas for improvement.
For a more comprehensive and visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Guntown, including mapping physician locations, identifying areas with limited access, and visualizing patient demographics, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you analyze healthcare data and identify opportunities to improve access to care for COPD patients and the community.
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