39406, Hattiesburg, Mississippi Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 39406, Hattiesburg, Mississippi is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.42 percent of the residents in 39406 has some form of health insurance. 10.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.58 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 39406 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 268 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 30 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39406. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,610 health care providers accessible to residents in 39406, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39406 and Primary Care Availability in Hattiesburg**

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 39406, encompassing a significant portion of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and its strengths and weaknesses.

One of the most critical metrics is the physician-to-patient ratio. This figure directly impacts access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased strain on existing medical professionals. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures are difficult to obtain due to constant fluctuations, publicly available data from sources like the US Department of Health & Human Services and the Mississippi State Department of Health can provide valuable estimates. Examining these sources, coupled with local hospital and clinic data, is crucial to determine the current ratio within 39406. This ratio should then be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative adequacy of physician availability.

The presence of standout medical practices significantly influences the quality of care. These practices often serve as hubs of innovation and excellence, attracting highly skilled physicians and offering advanced treatment options. In Hattiesburg, several medical institutions warrant close examination. Forrest General Hospital, a major regional medical center, plays a central role. Its reputation, the breadth of its specializations, and its commitment to patient care are key factors. The hospital's affiliated clinics and physician groups should be analyzed for their services, patient satisfaction scores, and adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, smaller, independent practices within the ZIP code should be evaluated. Their specialties, patient reviews, and integration with the broader healthcare network are important.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare remotely via technology, has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It can improve access to specialists, reduce travel burdens for patients, and enhance the efficiency of care delivery. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of medical practices in 39406 involves examining their use of virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools, and online patient portals. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and a willingness to adapt to changing healthcare needs. The availability of telehealth options should be assessed for both primary care and specialist services.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care, directly impacts the well-being of the community. Evaluating mental health resources in 39406 requires identifying the presence of mental health clinics, therapists, and psychiatrists. The accessibility of these resources, including appointment wait times and insurance acceptance, is a key consideration. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices is also important, as this can facilitate early detection and treatment of mental health conditions. Community support programs, such as support groups and educational resources, also contribute to the overall mental health landscape.

The analysis of the healthcare landscape in 39406 must also consider socioeconomic factors. Poverty, education levels, and access to transportation can significantly influence health outcomes. Areas with high rates of poverty may face challenges in accessing healthcare, while low levels of education can affect health literacy and preventative care practices. The availability of public transportation and the geographic distribution of healthcare facilities are also important considerations. Understanding these socioeconomic factors is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving healthcare access for all residents.

Furthermore, it is crucial to assess the coordination and integration of care within the 39406 area. Does the local healthcare system function as a cohesive unit, or are there gaps in communication and collaboration? The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) and the ability of healthcare providers to share patient information seamlessly are key indicators of care coordination. Integrated healthcare systems, where primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals work together to provide comprehensive care, can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

To provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' for 39406, a weighted scoring system should be employed. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability, should be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The specific metrics within each factor should then be evaluated, and scores assigned accordingly. For example, a higher physician-to-patient ratio would receive a higher score, while a low ratio would receive a lower score. The scores for each factor are then combined to generate an overall health score.

This overall score, along with the supporting data and analysis, can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 39406. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement, develop targeted interventions, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of the community. Regular updates to this analysis are essential to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the addition of new medical practices, the adoption of new technologies, and shifts in population demographics.

For a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other critical factors, explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome allows you to visualize complex healthcare data in an intuitive and interactive way, providing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 39406 and beyond.