38768, Rome, Mississippi Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 38768, Rome, Mississippi is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 73.33 percent of the residents in 38768 has some form of health insurance. 57.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.33 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 38768 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38768. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 18 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 424 health care providers accessible to residents in 38768, Rome, Mississippi.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 38768 & Primary Care in Rome

This analysis evaluates the overall health landscape within ZIP code 38768 and the primary care availability in Rome, focusing on key indicators to provide an informed health score assessment. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This is not a definitive ranking, but an assessment based on publicly available data and general industry trends.

**ZIP Code 38768: A Rural Perspective**

ZIP code 38768, likely representing a rural or semi-rural area, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Rural areas often struggle with a shortage of physicians, particularly primary care doctors. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for care, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or similar sources would be essential to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within this specific ZIP code. A ratio significantly higher than the national average would indicate a pressing need for increased physician recruitment and retention efforts.

Evaluating the quality of existing practices requires an examination of several factors. Patient reviews, available through platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, provide insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall patient experience. Accreditation status, such as accreditation by the Joint Commission or other recognized bodies, signals a commitment to quality and safety standards. Furthermore, the presence of board-certified physicians within the practices indicates a higher level of expertise and specialized training. The presence of multiple specialty practices would also be a positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly crucial in rural areas. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care remotely, especially for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services. The availability of telemedicine options, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, would significantly improve the overall health score. The ability for practices to offer telehealth would be a major plus.

Mental health resources are often lacking in rural settings. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors is critical. The presence of mental health services within primary care practices, such as integrated behavioral health specialists, is a positive indicator. Partnerships with local mental health organizations and the availability of crisis intervention services are also essential components of a comprehensive healthcare system. The availability of these resources significantly impacts the overall health score.

**Primary Care Availability in Rome: A City's Considerations**

Rome, a city with a presumably larger population base, likely presents a different set of challenges and opportunities for primary care availability. The physician-to-patient ratio, while potentially better than in rural areas, still needs careful examination. The ratio can vary significantly within a city, depending on the distribution of physicians and the demographics of different neighborhoods. The analysis must consider the distribution of primary care physicians across the city.

Practice quality assessments in Rome should consider the same factors as in 38768: patient reviews, accreditation status, and board certification of physicians. In addition, the presence of specialized services, such as on-site labs, imaging centers, and chronic disease management programs, would enhance the overall health score. The availability of evening and weekend appointments can also improve access to care for working individuals.

Telemedicine adoption in Rome is also important. While geographical barriers are less significant, telemedicine can still improve convenience and access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those who prefer virtual consultations. The availability of telehealth options, integrated into primary care practices, is a positive indicator.

Mental health resources in Rome should be more readily available than in rural areas, but the analysis must still assess the adequacy of these resources. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, along with the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, is crucial. The presence of mental health clinics and support groups, as well as partnerships with local mental health organizations, would be beneficial.

**Comparative Analysis and Overall Health Score**

Comparing the two locations requires a nuanced approach. ZIP code 38768 may face challenges related to physician shortages and limited resources. Rome, with its larger population base, may have a more favorable physician-to-patient ratio but could still face issues related to access, affordability, and the distribution of resources.

The overall health score for each location would be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a significant factor, followed by the quality of practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The specific weighting of each factor would depend on the relative importance of each factor in the context of the specific location.

For 38768, a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and scarce mental health resources would negatively impact the score. For Rome, a good physician-to-patient ratio, high-quality practices, and comprehensive mental health services would positively impact the score.

Ultimately, the overall health score is a snapshot of the healthcare landscape at a specific point in time. It is essential to consider the dynamic nature of healthcare and the ongoing efforts to improve access, quality, and affordability.

**Visualize the Data: CartoChrome Maps**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in these areas, consider visualizing the data using interactive maps. CartoChrome maps can be used to display physician locations, practice quality ratings, telemedicine availability, and the distribution of mental health resources. These maps can help you identify areas with the greatest need for healthcare services and inform strategic planning for healthcare providers and policymakers.

**Call to Action**

Explore the power of data visualization and gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape. Contact us to learn more about how CartoChrome maps can help you analyze and visualize healthcare data, identify trends, and improve healthcare access in your community.