39576, Waveland, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 39576, Waveland, Mississippi is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.53 percent of the residents in 39576 has some form of health insurance. 39.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.34 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 39576 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,540 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39576. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 955 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 747 health care providers accessible to residents in 39576, Waveland, Mississippi.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in 39576 and Primary Care in Waveland

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care, particularly for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), within the Waveland, Mississippi ZIP code of 39576 requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial factors influencing the overall COPD Score. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in this specific geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests greater access to care. However, simply knowing the ratio isn't enough. We need to consider the specialization of those physicians. Are there sufficient pulmonologists or primary care physicians with expertise in COPD management? Data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure, when combined with information from healthcare directories, can provide a reasonably accurate estimate of this ratio within the 39576 ZIP code. This data, however, will likely need to be supplemented with information on physician practice size, patient load, and the availability of appointments.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are critical. Are practices accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for an appointment? Do they offer extended hours or weekend availability? Do they employ registered nurses or respiratory therapists specializing in COPD care? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management, through dedicated staff, specialized equipment (such as pulmonary function testing), and patient education programs, will significantly improve the COPD Score. This also includes the availability of resources like smoking cessation programs.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially for patients with chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring, medication management, and virtual consultations, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering services like remote patient monitoring of vital signs, virtual pulmonary rehabilitation sessions, or video consultations, will score higher. The availability of reliable internet access in the Waveland area will also influence the effectiveness of telemedicine.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health is crucial for COPD patients. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources, such as access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializing in chronic illness, directly impacts the COPD Score. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services, or that have mental health professionals on staff, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. Close collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential.

Identifying standout practices within the 39576 ZIP code requires more than just publicly available data. It necessitates gathering information from multiple sources, including patient reviews, insurance provider networks, and physician referrals. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback, demonstrate a commitment to patient education, and actively participate in quality improvement initiatives will be identified as leaders in COPD care. These practices often excel in patient communication, care coordination, and the implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Analyzing the availability of primary care in Waveland also requires an understanding of the broader healthcare ecosystem. This includes the proximity to hospitals, specialized care centers, and pharmacies. The availability of emergency services and urgent care facilities is also relevant, especially for COPD patients who may experience exacerbations. Access to respiratory therapists and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is crucial for managing COPD symptoms and improving quality of life.

The COPD Score for the 39576 ZIP code is not a static number. It's a dynamic assessment that changes over time, reflecting improvements or declines in healthcare access and quality. Regular updates, based on new data and evolving healthcare practices, are essential. The score should reflect the integration of best practices in COPD management, including early diagnosis, effective treatment strategies, and patient education.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the socioeconomic factors of the Waveland population. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage rates, and access to transportation can significantly impact healthcare access. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for improving the overall COPD Score and ensuring equitable care for all patients.

In conclusion, evaluating the COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 39576 and primary care availability in Waveland requires a comprehensive assessment. It should consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the broader healthcare ecosystem. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, improving the quality of life for COPD patients in this community. This analysis must be continually updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Waveland, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, consider exploring interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can offer a detailed, spatially-oriented understanding of the healthcare environment.