38603, Ashland, Mississippi Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 38603, Ashland, Mississippi is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.83 percent of the residents in 38603 has some form of health insurance. 48.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.56 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 38603 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 494 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38603. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 574 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 164 health care providers accessible to residents in 38603, Ashland, Mississippi.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Ashland, MS (ZIP Code 38603)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Ashland, Mississippi (ZIP code 38603) necessitates a multifaceted examination. This analysis considers factors ranging from physician availability and practice quality to telemedicine adoption and mental health resources, ultimately culminating in an "Overall Health Score" evaluation. The score, while not a precise numerical value, reflects the relative strengths and weaknesses of the community's healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.

A primary concern in rural areas like Ashland is the physician-to-patient ratio. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts access to preventative care, chronic disease management, and overall health outcomes. A low ratio, meaning a limited number of doctors serving a larger population, can lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and potentially, reduced quality of care. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health and national datasets, when analyzed specifically for ZIP code 38603, will be crucial in determining the precise ratio. This data will need to be compared against both state and national averages to gauge the relative strength or weakness of the local healthcare system. The presence of specialists, though not directly primary care, also plays a role, as referrals are often necessary, and a lack of specialists can further strain the system.

Evaluating the quality of primary care practices within Ashland requires a deeper dive. This includes assessing the number of board-certified physicians, the range of services offered (e.g., pediatric care, geriatric care, women's health), and patient satisfaction levels. Publicly available data sources, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and patient review websites (e.g., Healthgrades, Vitals), provide insights into these aspects. However, the reliability of these sources can vary, and a comprehensive analysis would ideally involve direct observation and interviews with healthcare providers and community members. Identifying standout practices, those with consistently high patient satisfaction scores, a wide array of services, and a commitment to preventative care, would significantly boost the overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. The extent to which Ashland's primary care practices have embraced telemedicine – through virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online patient portals – directly influences the community's health score. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their operations, providing accessible and user-friendly platforms, would be seen as positive contributors. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine adoption would negatively impact the score, particularly for individuals with limited transportation options or mobility issues.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, therapists, counselors) and support services within Ashland is crucial. This includes assessing the presence of mental health clinics, the availability of individual and group therapy, and the accessibility of crisis intervention services. A community with robust mental health resources would receive a higher score. Conversely, a lack of these resources, coupled with potential stigma surrounding mental health issues, would significantly detract from the overall health score. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, allowing for easier access to mental health screening and initial treatment, would be a significant positive indicator.

Beyond direct healthcare services, the availability of supporting resources also impacts the health score. This includes access to pharmacies, specialized medical equipment, and community health programs. The presence of pharmacies offering a wide range of medications and convenient services, such as medication delivery, contributes positively. Similarly, community health programs focused on preventative care, chronic disease management, and health education can improve the overall health of the population. The existence of these supporting resources strengthens the health score, while their absence weakens it.

Analyzing the specific practices within Ashland, such as any family medicine clinics or internal medicine specialists, is crucial. Identifying the number of physicians, the types of services offered, and patient feedback is essential. The presence of a hospital or urgent care facility within a reasonable distance also contributes positively. The absence of these facilities would increase the reliance on emergency services, which can be costly and less effective for routine care.

The overall health score for Ashland, MS (38603) will be determined by the interplay of all these factors. A community with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, high-quality primary care practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, robust mental health resources, and supportive community programs would receive a higher score. Conversely, a community facing challenges in any of these areas would receive a lower score. The final assessment will represent a holistic view of the healthcare landscape within Ashland, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. This assessment will be an ongoing process, requiring regular updates and analysis to reflect changes in the healthcare system.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ashland, including the location of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize geographical data, allowing you to analyze healthcare access and identify potential areas for improvement.