38914, Big Creek, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 38914, Big Creek, Mississippi is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.15 percent of the residents in 38914 has some form of health insurance. 51.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.63 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 38914 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 235 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38914. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 132 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 86 health care providers accessible to residents in 38914, Big Creek, Mississippi.

## COPD Score Analysis: Big Creek, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38914)

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management in Big Creek, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38914) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, culminating in a COPD score assessment.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the population and its needs. Big Creek, a rural community, likely faces unique challenges related to healthcare access. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau, alongside local health department reports, provides a baseline understanding of the demographics, including age distribution, socioeconomic factors, and prevalence of chronic conditions like COPD. This data informs the weighting of various factors in the COPD score calculation.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. In rural areas, this ratio often lags behind urban centers. A low ratio indicates a potential strain on existing healthcare resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care and timely interventions. The analysis will identify the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 38914 ZIP code and compare it to the estimated population. This will provide a baseline understanding of the accessibility of primary care services. Further research will need to be done to determine the number of pulmonologists and other specialists that are available within a reasonable driving distance.

**Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices:** The quality of care is not solely determined by the number of physicians. The characteristics of the primary care practices in Big Creek are also important. This includes factors such as:

* **Accreditation:** Are practices accredited by recognized organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)? Accreditation often signifies a commitment to quality standards and patient-centered care.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Are patient satisfaction scores available through surveys or online reviews? Positive patient experiences are indicative of good care.
* **Specialized COPD Care:** Do practices have specific protocols or programs for COPD management? This includes access to pulmonary function testing (PFT), respiratory therapists, and smoking cessation programs.
* **Chronic Disease Management Programs:** Do practices offer structured programs for managing chronic conditions, including COPD? These programs often involve patient education, regular monitoring, and medication management support.

Identifying standout practices involves recognizing those that excel in these areas. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offer specialized COPD management, and have positive patient outcomes will be highlighted.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care in rural areas. The analysis will assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Big Creek. This includes:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups or medication management?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring devices to track patients' vital signs and symptoms?
* **Tele-education:** Do practices provide online educational resources for COPD patients?

Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies are likely to be more accessible and provide more convenient care options.

**Mental Health Resources:** COPD can significantly impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. The analysis will assess:

* **Mental Health Providers:** Are there mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) practicing within or near Big Creek?
* **Integrated Care:** Do primary care practices offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or referrals to mental health specialists?
* **Support Groups:** Are there COPD support groups or other community resources available for patients?

The presence of accessible mental health resources is a positive indicator of a supportive healthcare environment.

**COPD Score Calculation:** Based on the analysis of the factors above, a COPD score will be assigned. The score will be calculated using a weighted system, with each factor contributing a percentage to the overall score. The weighting will be based on the relative importance of each factor in determining the quality and accessibility of COPD care. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialized COPD care might receive a higher weighting than the availability of online educational resources.

The score will be presented on a scale, providing a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in Big Creek. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the weighting system.

**Conclusion:** The COPD score for Big Creek, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38914) will be a composite measure reflecting the availability of primary care physicians, the characteristics of local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in this rural community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources available in Big Creek, including the locations of primary care practices, specialists, and mental health providers, consider using **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome maps can help visualize data, revealing patterns and insights that might be missed in traditional reports.