39767, Stewart, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 39767, Stewart, Mississippi is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.41 percent of the residents in 39767 has some form of health insurance. 46.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.07 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 39767 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 105 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39767. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 260 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 188 health care providers accessible to residents in 39767, Stewart, Mississippi.

## COPD Score Analysis: Stewart County, TN (ZIP Code 39767)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services within ZIP code 39767, focusing on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, culminating in a COPD Score ranking. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stewart County, TN, for individuals managing COPD and those seeking primary care.

Stewart County, TN, is a rural area, and access to healthcare, particularly specialized care like pulmonology, can be challenging. The COPD Score reflects this reality, acknowledging the geographical limitations and the potential impact on patient outcomes. The score is not a definitive judgment but a comparative analysis, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

The physician-to-patient ratio in Stewart County is a critical indicator of access. Rural areas often face shortages, and this can significantly impact the ability of patients to receive timely appointments and ongoing care. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, translates to longer wait times, potentially reduced continuity of care, and increased travel distances for appointments.

Data on physician distribution, including the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the overall population, is essential for calculating this ratio. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Tennessee Department of Health provides this information. The analysis would need to compare Stewart County's ratio to state and national averages to gauge its relative position.

The availability of primary care is also influenced by factors beyond physician numbers. Clinic hours, appointment scheduling systems, and the acceptance of new patients all play a role. Practices that offer extended hours, same-day appointments for urgent needs, and online scheduling systems generally score higher in terms of accessibility.

**Standout Practices and Practice Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their services, patient reviews, and adherence to best practices in COPD management. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care, including spirometry testing (a key diagnostic tool for COPD), pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and patient education, are likely to be highly regarded.

Reviewing patient feedback through online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews provides valuable insights into patient experiences. Positive reviews often highlight factors like a caring staff, clear communication, and effective treatment plans. Practices that actively solicit and respond to patient feedback demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.

The analysis also considers the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate better care coordination, medication management, and communication between providers. Practices with robust EHR systems generally score higher, particularly those that utilize these systems to track COPD-specific metrics and outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine offers a crucial solution for overcoming geographical barriers in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management services, are better positioned to serve patients with COPD.

The analysis assesses the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of access to these services, and the technology infrastructure supporting them. Practices that offer virtual visits for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education are particularly valuable. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track oxygen saturation levels or peak flow, can significantly improve COPD management.

**Mental Health Resources:**

COPD often co-exists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Access to mental health resources is, therefore, a vital component of comprehensive COPD care. The analysis examines the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the primary care setting or in the surrounding community.

Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals are co-located with primary care providers, receive higher scores. This integrated approach facilitates better communication and coordination of care. The availability of referrals to mental health specialists, support groups, and educational resources also contributes to a practice's score.

**COPD Score Ranking and Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed above, each practice in ZIP code 39767 would receive a COPD Score. This score would be a composite measure, reflecting the practice's performance across all assessed categories. The scores would then be used to rank the practices, providing a comparative assessment of their strengths and weaknesses.

The final COPD Score ranking would offer a valuable resource for individuals with COPD, helping them make informed decisions about their healthcare. It would also provide insights for healthcare providers, highlighting areas for improvement and encouraging the adoption of best practices.

This analysis underscores the importance of access to quality primary care and the critical role of telemedicine and mental health services in managing COPD effectively, particularly in rural settings. The COPD Score serves as a tool for evaluating and improving healthcare delivery within Stewart County, TN.

For a visual representation of this data, including practice locations, physician-to-patient ratios, and other relevant information, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, enabling a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution in your community.