39766, Steens, Mississippi Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 39766, Steens, Mississippi is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.11 percent of the residents in 39766 has some form of health insurance. 18.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.39 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 39766 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 711 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 20 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39766. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 339 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 324 health care providers accessible to residents in 39766, Steens, Mississippi.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Steens, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39766)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Steens, Mississippi (ZIP code 39766) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of physicians but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including access to primary care, mental health resources, and the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, culminating in a call to action for enhanced visualization through CartoChrome maps.

The foundation of any health score lies in the availability of primary care physicians. Steens, a relatively rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: a potentially lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to urban centers. Accurately determining this ratio requires data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Mississippi State Department of Health. These sources provide information on the number of licensed physicians practicing within the ZIP code, and the estimated population. A low physician-to-patient ratio signifies potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments, leading to delayed preventative care and potentially worsening health outcomes.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices are crucial. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several factors. These include patient satisfaction scores, gleaned from online reviews and patient surveys. Furthermore, the scope of services offered is important. Practices that offer a wide range of services, such as on-site laboratory testing, chronic disease management programs (diabetes, hypertension), and preventative screenings, contribute to a higher overall health score. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, also plays a significant role in accessibility for a diverse population.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element in the health score calculation, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine bridges geographical barriers, enabling patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing travel time and associated costs. The extent of telemedicine adoption in Steens can be assessed by examining the practices' websites and patient portals. Do they offer virtual appointments? Do they provide remote monitoring for chronic conditions? The availability of these services directly impacts the health score, improving access to care and promoting proactive health management.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of overall health. Access to mental healthcare providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, is essential for addressing mental health concerns and promoting well-being. Assessing the availability of these resources in Steens involves identifying local mental health clinics, therapists, and support groups. The presence of programs addressing substance abuse and addiction further enhances the health score. The integration of mental healthcare within primary care practices is also a positive indicator, as it facilitates early detection and treatment of mental health issues.

The presence of community health initiatives and outreach programs also impacts the health score. These programs often focus on preventative care, health education, and chronic disease management. Initiatives such as free health screenings, vaccination clinics, and educational workshops on topics like nutrition and exercise contribute to a healthier community and a higher overall health score. The involvement of local hospitals and healthcare organizations in these initiatives is a positive indicator.

Furthermore, the health score is influenced by the social determinants of health. These include factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, safe housing, and transportation. A community with limited access to these resources may experience poorer health outcomes, even with adequate healthcare access. Assessing these determinants requires analyzing demographic data and considering local initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges.

To obtain a more precise health score, a weighted scoring system is needed. Each of the factors discussed above – physician-to-patient ratio, quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, community initiatives, and social determinants of health – must be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For instance, physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight than the availability of support groups, while the quality of primary care might be weighted even higher.

Calculating a health score also involves considering the specific needs of the community. Steens, being a rural area, may have a higher proportion of elderly residents, potentially requiring more resources for geriatric care. The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, also impacts the weighting of various factors. The health score should reflect the unique health challenges and needs of the community.

Data collection is crucial. Gathering data from various sources, including government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and patient surveys, is essential. The data should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

Analyzing the data and calculating the health score is not an easy task. It requires expertise in healthcare data analysis, public health, and community health assessment. The health score should be used to inform decision-making and guide resource allocation. It can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness in the healthcare system and to develop strategies for improvement.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health score for Steens, Mississippi (ZIP code 39766) is a complex undertaking. It necessitates a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including physician availability, primary care quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, community initiatives, and social determinants of health. The health score should be regularly updated and used to inform decision-making and guide resource allocation.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Steens and visualize the data effectively, consider utilizing the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visually rich and interactive representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the health score and the factors that influence it. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps and gain a clearer picture of the health of your community.