38847, Golden, Mississippi Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 38847, Golden, Mississippi is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.37 percent of the residents in 38847 has some form of health insurance. 42.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.46 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 38847 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 803 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38847. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 738 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 180 health care providers accessible to residents in 38847, Golden, Mississippi.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 38847 and Primary Care Availability in Golden

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering various factors impacting healthcare access and quality for residents in ZIP Code 38847 (likely a rural area) and contrasting it with the primary care landscape in Golden, a location assumed to be more urban or suburban. The analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight exemplary practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comparative overview, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in each location's healthcare ecosystem.

**ZIP Code 38847: A Rural Healthcare Landscape**

The healthcare environment in ZIP Code 38847 likely presents significant challenges. A primary concern is the physician-to-patient ratio. Rural areas often experience a shortage of primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals. This scarcity leads to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances to access care, and potentially limited access to specialized medical services. The overall health score in this area will be negatively impacted by this fundamental issue.

Standout practices in 38847, if any exist, would be those demonstrating exceptional efforts to overcome these geographical and resource limitations. This might include practices that actively recruit and retain physicians, invest in advanced technologies, and cultivate strong relationships with community health organizations. These practices often become vital lifelines for residents, providing a wider range of services than might otherwise be available. Their impact on the overall health score, though significant, is often limited by the broader constraints of the rural setting.

Telemedicine adoption in 38847 is a crucial factor. Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the geographic barriers faced by residents. The ability to consult with physicians remotely, access specialist opinions, and receive chronic disease management support can significantly improve healthcare access. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, will contribute positively to the health score. Conversely, those lagging in telemedicine adoption will further disadvantage the population.

Mental health resources in 38847 are likely to be scarce. Rural areas often struggle to attract and retain mental health professionals, leading to limited access to therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health support groups. The lack of mental health services significantly impacts the overall health score, as mental health is inextricably linked to physical health and overall well-being. The availability of telehealth options for mental health services becomes even more critical in this context.

**Primary Care Availability in Golden: A Contrasting Perspective**

Golden, in contrast, likely enjoys a more favorable healthcare environment. Physician-to-patient ratios are likely to be better than in 38847, reflecting a greater concentration of healthcare providers. This translates to shorter wait times, easier access to primary care physicians, and a broader range of specialists within a reasonable distance. The overall health score in Golden is likely to be higher due to this greater availability of healthcare professionals.

Standout practices in Golden might be those that prioritize patient-centered care, employ advanced technologies, and offer a wide range of services under one roof. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, patient education, and coordinated care management. They can significantly improve the overall health score by providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare services.

Telemedicine adoption in Golden, while potentially widespread, may have a different impact than in 38847. While telemedicine can still improve convenience and access, its impact might be less pronounced due to the already better access to in-person care. However, practices that leverage telemedicine for chronic disease management, specialist consultations, and after-hours care can still enhance the overall health score.

Mental health resources in Golden are likely to be more readily available than in 38847. The presence of more mental health professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, contributes positively to the overall health score. The availability of these resources, coupled with a potentially greater awareness of mental health issues, creates a more supportive environment for residents.

**Comparative Analysis and Overall Health Score Assessment**

Comparing the two locations, the overall health score for Golden is likely to be significantly higher than that for 38847. Golden benefits from a more favorable physician-to-patient ratio, greater access to specialists, and a more robust mental health infrastructure. While both locations may have practices that excel in specific areas, the inherent challenges of rural healthcare in 38847 will likely limit its overall health score.

In 38847, the focus should be on strategies to mitigate the challenges of rural healthcare. This includes actively recruiting and retaining physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and increasing access to mental health services through telehealth and partnerships with community organizations.

Golden should continue to build upon its strengths by promoting patient-centered care, investing in advanced technologies, and ensuring that mental health resources are readily accessible to all residents.

**Conclusion**

This analysis provides a high-level overview of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 38847 and Golden. The overall health scores are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. While Golden is likely to have a more favorable healthcare environment, both locations can benefit from ongoing efforts to improve access, quality, and patient outcomes.

To visualize these healthcare disparities and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide detailed, interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with limited access to care, track the impact of telemedicine initiatives, and assess the availability of mental health services. **Visit CartoChrome today to unlock the power of spatial analysis and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.**