39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.48 percent of the residents in 39174 has some form of health insurance. 0.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.65 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 39174 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 219 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 60 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39174. An estimate of 21 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,507 health care providers accessible to residents in 39174, Tougaloo, Mississippi.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39174 and Primary Care in Tougaloo

Analyzing the landscape of COPD care within ZIP code 39174, encompassing the Tougaloo area, requires a multi-faceted approach. The core of this analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the resources they provide for managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This includes evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of effective COPD management.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In Tougaloo, the specific ratio for PCPs needs careful scrutiny. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a high ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data collection from the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure and professional directories is essential to determine the exact ratio within 39174. Furthermore, this data must be compared to both state and national averages to provide context and gauge the relative adequacy of primary care resources in the area.

Identifying standout practices involves looking beyond simple numbers. The quality of care is paramount. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management should be highlighted. This requires examining factors such as: the presence of certified respiratory therapists, the availability of pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site, and the implementation of evidence-based COPD treatment protocols. Patient reviews and testimonials, when available, offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, empathy, and the overall quality of care. Investigating the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability is also crucial. Seamless information sharing between PCPs, specialists, and hospitals improves care coordination and reduces the risk of medical errors.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve COPD care in rural areas like Tougaloo. Telehealth allows patients to remotely consult with their physicians, receive medication refills, and participate in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Assessing the adoption rate of telemedicine among PCPs in 39174 is essential. This involves determining which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the accessibility of these services for patients with limited internet access or technological proficiency. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their COPD management programs should be recognized as leaders in this area.

Mental health is often overlooked in COPD care, but it is a crucial component of overall well-being. Patients with COPD frequently experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in evaluating the quality of COPD care. This requires investigating the presence of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers) within primary care practices or in the broader community. It is important to assess whether PCPs are trained to screen for mental health issues and whether they have established referral pathways to mental health services. The integration of mental health services into COPD care can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Specific examples of practices that excel in COPD management should be highlighted. This could include practices that have implemented comprehensive COPD education programs for patients, offer home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, or actively participate in clinical trials related to COPD. These practices serve as models for other providers in the area and demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. Highlighting these practices can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and encourage other providers to improve their services.

The analysis should also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on COPD care in Tougaloo. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and limited health literacy can all create barriers to accessing and adhering to COPD treatment plans. The analysis should examine whether practices are taking steps to address these challenges, such as offering financial assistance, providing transportation services, or using culturally sensitive communication materials. Addressing these social determinants of health is essential to ensuring equitable access to COPD care for all residents of 39174.

Data sources for this analysis would include publicly available information from the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and professional directories like the American Medical Association (AMA). Patient reviews and testimonials from platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Furthermore, direct communication with primary care practices in the area is essential to gather information on their services, staffing, and telemedicine capabilities.

The final ‘COPD Score’ for the area should be a composite score reflecting the various factors discussed above. This score should be clearly defined, with each component weighted appropriately based on its importance in COPD management. The score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing patients and healthcare providers to easily understand the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in 39174. This score should be a dynamic measure, updated regularly to reflect changes in the availability and quality of care.

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the COPD care landscape in ZIP code 39174. It emphasizes the importance of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. By focusing on these key components, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in Tougaloo and identify opportunities for improvement. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD in the area.

For a detailed visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, consider exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps allow for a dynamic and insightful exploration of the healthcare landscape in 39174.