38916, Calhoun City, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 38916, Calhoun City, Mississippi is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.23 percent of the residents in 38916 has some form of health insurance. 51.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.98 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 38916 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,263 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38916. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 715 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 88 health care providers accessible to residents in 38916, Calhoun City, Mississippi.

## COPD Score Analysis: Calhoun City, MS (ZIP Code 38916)

The assessment of COPD care within Calhoun City, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38916), requires a multifaceted approach. A "COPD Score" isn't a formal, standardized metric; instead, it represents a composite evaluation of factors influencing the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This analysis focuses on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine integration, mental health support, and the identification of standout practices within the community.

Calhoun City, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: limited healthcare infrastructure, potential physician shortages, and difficulties in accessing specialized care. This analysis aims to paint a realistic picture, acknowledging these constraints while highlighting opportunities for improvement.

**Primary Care Landscape and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the cornerstone of COPD management. They provide initial diagnoses, ongoing monitoring, medication management, and referrals to specialists. Assessing the availability of PCPs is crucial. This involves determining the number of practicing PCPs within the 38916 ZIP code and calculating the physician-to-patient ratio. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health, along with publicly available information from medical directories, can provide this baseline. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, would significantly depress the COPD Score.

Furthermore, the types of PCPs available matter. Are there family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, or both? The presence of pulmonologists, though not primary care providers, is also relevant. Their proximity and accessibility for referrals are vital for advanced COPD cases. The geographical distribution of these providers within the ZIP code is also a factor. Are they concentrated in one area, or are they more evenly dispersed, ensuring easier access for residents across the community?

**Identifying Standout Practices**

Within Calhoun City, identifying practices demonstrating excellence in COPD care is essential. This involves looking beyond the basic metrics. Are practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives related to COPD management? Do they adhere to evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment? Do they offer patient education programs focused on disease management, including smoking cessation support, proper inhaler technique instruction, and pulmonary rehabilitation?

Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, enabling efficient data tracking and coordination of care, would score higher. Patient satisfaction surveys, if available, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Are patients satisfied with the care they receive? Do they feel supported in managing their condition? These factors contribute to a practice's overall COPD Score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving COPD care in rural areas. It can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring services. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Calhoun City is a key indicator.

Does the practice offer virtual consultations? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters, to track patients' oxygen saturation levels? Are they integrated with specialists who can provide virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs? The extent of telemedicine integration directly impacts the COPD Score, particularly in a community where access to in-person specialist care may be limited.

**Mental Health Resources and COPD**

COPD often co-exists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen COPD symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. The availability of mental health resources within Calhoun City is therefore crucial.

Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, available in the community? Do primary care practices have established referral pathways to these providers? Do they screen patients for mental health concerns? The integration of mental health services into COPD care significantly enhances the overall COPD Score. Practices that recognize the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and actively address these issues would score higher.

**Overall COPD Score and Areas for Improvement**

Based on the factors discussed, a hypothetical COPD Score for Calhoun City would likely reflect the challenges of rural healthcare. The physician-to-patient ratio might be lower than the national average, potentially limiting access to primary care. Telemedicine adoption may be in its early stages, though this is an area ripe for growth. Mental health resources might be limited, requiring patients to travel for specialized care.

Areas for improvement would include increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine capabilities, strengthening referral pathways to mental health services, and promoting patient education programs. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to address these challenges.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

Understanding the healthcare landscape in Calhoun City, particularly concerning COPD care, requires a data-driven approach. Visualizing this data through interactive maps can provide valuable insights. CartoChrome maps can be utilized to explore physician locations, resource availability, and patient demographics. By using CartoChrome maps, you can analyze the data and identify areas of need, and potential solutions.