39440, Laurel, Mississippi Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 39440, Laurel, Mississippi is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.52 percent of the residents in 39440 has some form of health insurance. 47.39 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.90 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 39440 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,611 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39440. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,112 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,177 health care providers accessible to residents in 39440, Laurel, Mississippi.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Laurel, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39440)

This analysis provides an in-depth assessment of the overall health landscape for residents within ZIP Code 39440 (Laurel, Mississippi), focusing on primary care physician availability and related healthcare resources. The goal is to determine an 'Overall Health Score' based on various factors, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, notable medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health services.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on access to primary care. In Laurel, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing current data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the Mississippi State Department of Health. This data, ideally, should be coupled with local population figures for 39440 to generate an accurate assessment. A lower ratio (more physicians per capita) generally indicates better access to care. Conversely, a high ratio might signal potential challenges in securing timely appointments and receiving adequate preventative care. The analysis will consider this ratio as a core component of the Overall Health Score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices are essential. Laurel boasts several medical practices that should be individually assessed. These assessments should incorporate factors such as patient reviews, accreditation status, and the range of services offered. For example, practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems might have access to more resources and specialists, potentially improving the Overall Health Score. Practices with a strong focus on preventative care and chronic disease management would also contribute positively to the score. Conversely, practices with limited hours or long wait times would negatively impact the assessment.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The extent to which Laurel's primary care physicians utilize telemedicine platforms is a key factor. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are likely to score higher. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues, transportation barriers, or those living in remote areas. The analysis will evaluate the availability of telemedicine options, including the types of services offered and the ease of use for patients.

Mental health resources are a crucial element of overall well-being, and their availability in Laurel is a significant factor. The analysis will investigate the presence of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the 39440 ZIP code. The availability of these professionals, as well as their accessibility (e.g., accepting new patients, insurance coverage) will be assessed. Furthermore, the analysis will explore the presence of mental health support groups, crisis intervention services, and partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers. A robust mental health infrastructure will contribute positively to the Overall Health Score.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialty care within Laurel. While the primary focus is on primary care, the presence of specialists (e.g., cardiologists, endocrinologists) can impact the Overall Health Score. The proximity of these specialists, the ease of referral from primary care physicians, and the availability of specialized services will be considered. The presence of a local hospital or medical center, along with its range of services, will also be factored into the assessment.

To determine the Overall Health Score, a weighted scoring system will be used. Each factor (physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and specialty care availability) will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio and the quality of primary care practices might be given higher weights than telemedicine adoption, depending on the specific circumstances. The analysis will then assign a score to each factor based on available data and research. The weighted scores will be combined to generate a final Overall Health Score, which will be presented as a numerical value or a descriptive rating (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor).

Data sources for this analysis will include publicly available information from government agencies (e.g., HRSA, Mississippi State Department of Health), healthcare provider websites, patient reviews, and potentially, local community organizations. The accuracy of the Overall Health Score is contingent on the availability and reliability of the data. The analysis will strive to use the most current and credible information available.

The final Overall Health Score will provide a comprehensive snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Laurel, Mississippi (39440). It will highlight areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed. This information can be used by residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation. The analysis will also identify potential opportunities for improvement, such as expanding telemedicine services, increasing the number of mental health providers, or improving the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists.

This analysis is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Residents of Laurel should consult with their primary care physicians for personalized healthcare recommendations.

The information presented in this analysis can be further visualized and explored using interactive mapping tools. Consider utilizing CartoChrome maps to visualize the distribution of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant data points within the 39440 ZIP code. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the healthcare landscape, enabling a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the community.