38655, Oxford, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 38655, Oxford, Mississippi is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.40 percent of the residents in 38655 has some form of health insurance. 24.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.77 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 38655 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,153 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38655. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,910 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,571 health care providers accessible to residents in 38655, Oxford, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Oxford, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38655)

Oxford, Mississippi, a city steeped in history and vibrant with university life, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly concerning asthma management. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 38655 ZIP code, focusing on factors crucial to effective asthma care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources.

The cornerstone of asthma management is consistent primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a fragmented approach to care. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, publicly available data, such as that from the Mississippi State Department of Health and the American Medical Association, provides estimates. In 38655, the ratio needs careful evaluation. The presence of the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in nearby Jackson, while offering specialized care, doesn't directly translate to increased PCP availability within Oxford.

The quality of primary care also hinges on the practices themselves. Several practices in Oxford likely stand out in their approach to asthma management. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based treatment protocols are essential. These practices often employ certified asthma educators, nurses trained in asthma management, and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and ensure continuity of care. The best practices also proactively reach out to patients with asthma to schedule routine check-ups.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly relevant, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased accessibility, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It can also facilitate more frequent monitoring of asthma symptoms and medication adherence. The adoption rate of telemedicine among PCPs in Oxford is an important indicator of the overall healthcare landscape. Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide timely interventions, adjust treatment plans as needed, and reduce the burden of frequent office visits.

Asthma is frequently linked to mental health challenges. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and the chronic nature of the condition can contribute to emotional distress. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of asthma care. PCPs who collaborate with mental health professionals, either within their practice or through referrals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The presence of counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists in Oxford, and the ease with which patients can access these services, significantly impacts the overall quality of asthma management.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources involves examining the number of mental health professionals per capita, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times). A robust network of mental health providers is vital for addressing the emotional and psychological needs of asthma patients.

A comprehensive asthma score for doctors in 38655 would consider all these factors. It would weigh the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care offered by individual practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Practices with lower ratios, those with a strong focus on patient education and evidence-based treatment, those actively using telemedicine, and those with strong mental health collaborations would receive higher scores.

The score would also consider the presence of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists and pulmonary specialists, to ensure that patients have access to the full spectrum of asthma care. Furthermore, the score would factor in patient satisfaction surveys, which provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the effectiveness of care.

A lower physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with the adoption of telemedicine and strong mental health collaborations, would indicate a more favorable environment for asthma management. The presence of certified asthma educators, comprehensive asthma action plans, and a commitment to evidence-based medicine would further enhance the score. Conversely, a higher ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and a lack of mental health resources would negatively impact the score.

The analysis must also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma management. Poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and environmental factors can significantly affect asthma outcomes. Therefore, the analysis should consider the demographics of the 38655 ZIP code and the presence of community health initiatives aimed at addressing these disparities.

The effectiveness of asthma management also depends on patient adherence to treatment plans. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide clear and concise instructions, and offer support for medication adherence are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. The use of EHRs to track patient progress and identify potential barriers to adherence is also crucial.

In conclusion, evaluating the asthma score for doctors in 38655 requires a multifaceted approach. It necessitates a careful assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care offered by individual practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The presence of certified asthma educators, comprehensive asthma action plans, and a commitment to evidence-based medicine are also crucial. The analysis must also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors and patient adherence to treatment plans.

For a visual representation of these factors, including the geographic distribution of physicians, the locations of specialized services, and the accessibility of mental health resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare data, providing valuable insights into the healthcare landscape of Oxford, Mississippi, and beyond.