39146, Pickens, Mississippi Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 39146, Pickens, Mississippi is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.43 percent of the residents in 39146 has some form of health insurance. 54.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.53 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 39146 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 823 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39146. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 620 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 98 health care providers accessible to residents in 39146, Pickens, Mississippi.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39146 and Primary Care Availability in Pickens**

Evaluating the overall health landscape within ZIP code 39146, encompassing the town of Pickens, Mississippi, requires a multifaceted approach. It necessitates analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians, considering the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of innovative healthcare practices, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. This analysis will provide an 'Overall Health Score' assessment for the region.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is access to primary care. In Pickens, the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the population's ability to receive preventative care, manage chronic conditions, and navigate the healthcare system. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and potentially poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates greater accessibility. Data from various sources, including the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio for ZIP code 39146. This ratio is a crucial indicator of the overall health score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. Are the existing practices well-equipped to handle the needs of the community? Do they offer a comprehensive range of services, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, and chronic disease management? The presence of specialized clinics, such as those focused on diabetes management or geriatric care, can significantly enhance the overall health score. Furthermore, the accreditation status of local hospitals and clinics, as well as patient satisfaction surveys, should be taken into account.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 39146 is essential. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, utilize innovative technologies, and achieve positive health outcomes deserve recognition. This might include practices that have embraced electronic health records (EHRs) for improved data management, patient portals for convenient communication, or patient-centered medical homes that coordinate care effectively. Such practices contribute positively to the overall health score.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Pickens. Telemedicine offers a vital pathway to healthcare, particularly for patients who face transportation barriers or have limited mobility. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient education can significantly improve access to care. The extent to which local practices and hospitals have embraced telemedicine, and the types of telemedicine services they offer, are key factors in evaluating the overall health score.

Mental health is an often-overlooked but critical component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health resources within ZIP code 39146 significantly impacts the health score. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and mental health clinics. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, and the availability of support groups and community mental health programs, are also important considerations. A community with robust mental health resources will generally have a higher health score.

Assessing the overall health score requires a holistic approach. Data points, including the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, must be integrated. Each factor contributes to the overall health score, and a comprehensive analysis will provide a more accurate picture of the health landscape in Pickens.

To determine the overall health score, each factor should be assigned a weight based on its importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted more heavily than the adoption of telemedicine. The scores for each factor are then combined to produce a final score. This score can be presented on a scale, such as a percentage or a letter grade, to provide a clear and concise assessment of the overall health of the community.

The overall health score for ZIP code 39146, and the town of Pickens, Mississippi, is likely to be influenced by the rural nature of the area. Rural communities often face challenges in healthcare access due to factors such as geographic isolation, limited financial resources, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. However, the presence of dedicated healthcare providers, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the availability of community resources can mitigate these challenges and improve the overall health score.

The analysis should also consider any specific health disparities that may exist within the community. Are certain populations, such as the elderly or those with low incomes, facing greater barriers to healthcare access? Addressing these disparities is crucial for improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that the health landscape is dynamic. The overall health score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare access, the quality of care, and the availability of resources. This ongoing monitoring will ensure that the community is continuously striving to improve the health and well-being of its residents.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health score for ZIP code 39146 involves a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The resulting score provides a valuable snapshot of the community's health and can be used to identify areas for improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pickens and visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can reveal valuable insights into healthcare access and availability.