39406, Hattiesburg, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 39406, Hattiesburg, Mississippi is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.42 percent of the residents in 39406 has some form of health insurance. 10.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.58 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 39406 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 268 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 30 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39406. An estimate of 0 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 8,610 health care providers accessible to residents in 39406, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

## COPD Score Analysis: Hattiesburg, MS (ZIP Code 39406)

Analyzing the landscape of COPD care within Hattiesburg, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39406) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on key indicators: physician availability, the quality of primary care, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health support, all critical components in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is a challenging task, and the following is a hypothetical assessment based on publicly available data and general industry knowledge.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent follow-up appointments, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes for COPD patients. While precise figures require access to proprietary databases, publicly available information often allows for estimations. For Hattiesburg, it's vital to ascertain the number of pulmonologists and primary care physicians actively practicing within the 39406 ZIP code, and the total population served. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure can provide a foundation. The analysis must then compare the derived physician-to-patient ratio against state and national averages to determine if Hattiesburg faces a shortage or has adequate access.

Primary care availability is inextricably linked to COPD management. Early detection and consistent monitoring are fundamental. The presence of a robust network of primary care physicians (PCPs) who are knowledgeable about COPD and capable of providing initial assessments, referrals to specialists, and ongoing management is essential. The analysis should examine the number of PCPs in the area, their acceptance of new patients, and their willingness to treat patients with COPD. Furthermore, the analysis should explore the availability of specialized equipment in primary care settings, such as spirometry devices, which are vital for diagnosing and monitoring COPD.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. These include the qualifications and experience of the physicians, patient reviews and satisfaction scores (available on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, though these data points should be considered with caution), the breadth of services offered (e.g., pulmonary rehabilitation programs, smoking cessation support), and the practice’s adherence to evidence-based guidelines for COPD management. A practice that actively participates in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrates a commitment to patient education would be considered a strong performer.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in the context of chronic diseases like COPD. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The analysis should assess the availability of telemedicine services offered by local practices and hospitals. This includes evaluating whether physicians offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient education resources. The ease of use of these platforms, the technical support provided to patients, and the integration of telemedicine with the practice's overall care model are also critical considerations.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care. The analysis should investigate the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the Hattiesburg area, and their willingness to treat patients with COPD. It should also explore the availability of integrated care models, where mental health services are offered in conjunction with pulmonary care. The availability of support groups and other community resources for COPD patients and their families is another key factor.

Analyzing the specific practices within 39406 requires a deep dive into available data. For example, the analysis could investigate if a particular practice, perhaps affiliated with a local hospital or health system, has a dedicated pulmonary clinic staffed by board-certified pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. Does this clinic offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs, smoking cessation support, and access to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies? Does the practice utilize telemedicine to provide virtual consultations and remote monitoring? Do they have a strong network of primary care physicians who are well-versed in COPD management and can provide timely referrals?

Another factor to consider is the presence of community-based resources. Are there support groups for COPD patients in the area? Are there programs that provide education and support to patients and their families? Are there partnerships between local healthcare providers and community organizations to improve COPD care? The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by these practices, including the prevalence of COPD risk factors such as smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants.

The analysis should also consider the role of hospitals in COPD care. Are there hospitals in the area that have specialized pulmonary units and offer comprehensive care for COPD patients? Do these hospitals have access to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies? Do they participate in clinical trials and research related to COPD?

In conclusion, assessing the quality of COPD care in Hattiesburg (39406) is complex. It requires a thorough evaluation of physician availability, primary care quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. While a definitive "COPD Score" is not possible without comprehensive data access, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the key factors that influence the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of care and help identify potential disparities in healthcare access.