39769, Sturgis, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 39769, Sturgis, Mississippi is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.02 percent of the residents in 39769 has some form of health insurance. 42.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.88 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 39769 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 331 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39769. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 307 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 672 health care providers accessible to residents in 39769, Sturgis, Mississippi.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39769 and Primary Care in Sturgis

Analyzing the availability of primary care physicians and assessing resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management within ZIP code 39769, encompassing Sturgis, Mississippi, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will attempt to create a hypothetical “COPD Score” based on publicly available data and reasonable assumptions, focusing on physician access, practice characteristics, technological integration, and mental health support, all critical for effective COPD care.

The foundation of any COPD Score in this context rests on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility. A low physician-to-patient ratio immediately presents a challenge. While precise, real-time data on physician numbers and patient demographics is often proprietary, we can make informed estimates. Assuming a population estimate for Sturgis and surrounding areas within 39769, and cross-referencing with state medical board directories, we can tentatively estimate the number of PCPs. A concerningly high patient-to-PCP ratio would negatively impact the COPD Score. This is because individuals with COPD require regular check-ups, medication management, and potentially frequent interventions for exacerbations. Limited access to PCPs can delay diagnosis, hinder timely treatment, and increase the risk of hospitalizations.

The characteristics of existing primary care practices significantly influence the COPD Score. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate working individuals or those with limited transportation options? Are they equipped with spirometry equipment for accurate lung function testing, a cornerstone of COPD diagnosis and monitoring? Furthermore, the presence of respiratory therapists or certified COPD educators within the practice contributes positively to the score. These specialists can provide crucial patient education on medication adherence, breathing techniques, and lifestyle modifications. Practices with comprehensive services and a focus on patient education would naturally receive a higher rating.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including video consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve COPD management, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited. Practices that offer telemedicine services for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and remote monitoring of vital signs would receive a higher score. This allows for more frequent and convenient patient contact, potentially catching exacerbations early and preventing hospitalizations. Conversely, practices with no telemedicine capabilities would negatively impact the COPD Score.

Mental health support is often overlooked in COPD management, but it is crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house counselors or referrals to mental health specialists, would receive a higher score. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive holistic care, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of their condition. The lack of mental health support would lower the COPD Score.

The availability of pulmonary specialists in or near Sturgis also plays a role. While PCPs manage the day-to-day care of COPD patients, access to pulmonologists is essential for complex cases, diagnostic procedures, and specialized treatments. The proximity of pulmonologists and the ease of referral processes from primary care practices are important considerations. A limited number of pulmonologists or difficult referral pathways would negatively impact the COPD Score.

Identifying standout practices within the area is a key element of this analysis. While specific practice names are not included here, the criteria for identifying a high-performing practice include: a low patient-to-PCP ratio, acceptance of new patients, extended hours, telemedicine capabilities, spirometry equipment, respiratory therapists or COPD educators, integrated mental health services, and a streamlined referral process to pulmonologists. Practices that excel in these areas would contribute significantly to a higher overall COPD Score for the region.

The overall COPD Score for ZIP code 39769 would be a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate good access to primary care, practices with comprehensive COPD management capabilities, telemedicine integration, mental health support, and easy access to pulmonary specialists. A low score would suggest limited access, a lack of specialized services, and potential barriers to comprehensive COPD care. The score is a dynamic measure, and the COPD Score would change as resources and services evolve.

This analysis is based on publicly available data and hypothetical assumptions. A comprehensive assessment would require detailed information from local healthcare providers and patient data. However, this framework provides a starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities in COPD management within ZIP code 39769.

For a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sturgis and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to specialized services, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to identify areas with high and low access to care, and visualize the distribution of resources. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to better understand the healthcare landscape of Sturgis and improve COPD care.