39564, Ocean Springs, Mississippi Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 39564, Ocean Springs, Mississippi is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.80 percent of the residents in 39564 has some form of health insurance. 28.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.54 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 39564 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,531 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39564. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,971 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,599 health care providers accessible to residents in 39564, Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Ocean Springs, MS (ZIP Code 39564)

This analysis provides an "Asthma Score" assessment for primary care physicians and the overall healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 39564 (Ocean Springs, Mississippi), focusing on factors relevant to asthma management. The "score" is implicitly derived through the depth of the analysis, considering various aspects of care, accessibility, and resources.

Ocean Springs, a coastal community, faces unique environmental challenges that can exacerbate asthma symptoms, including high humidity, pollen exposure, and potential for mold growth. Therefore, accessible and effective asthma care is crucial. This analysis examines the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of asthma-specific services, and the integration of supportive resources.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Ocean Springs requires accessing current, detailed data from sources like the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, publicly available data suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians, a common challenge in many rural and suburban areas. This shortage can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying asthma diagnoses and treatment initiation. This situation underscores the importance of efficient appointment scheduling, telehealth options, and readily available urgent care facilities.

The availability of primary care is further complicated by factors like insurance acceptance, particularly the prevalence of Medicaid and Medicare patients in the area. Practices that accept a broader range of insurance plans are likely to experience higher patient volumes, potentially affecting the time each patient receives. Therefore, evaluating the insurance networks of each practice is a vital component of the overall "Asthma Score" assessment.

**Standout Practices and Asthma-Specific Services:**

Identifying "standout" practices requires examining specific services offered, physician expertise, and patient reviews. Practices that prioritize asthma management often employ certified asthma educators (CAEs) or respiratory therapists. These professionals provide crucial patient education on medication adherence, trigger avoidance, and proper inhaler technique. The availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (spirometry) for diagnosis and monitoring is another key indicator of a practice's commitment to asthma care.

Furthermore, practices that actively participate in asthma-related research or quality improvement initiatives demonstrate a commitment to staying current with best practices. Examining the practice's online presence, including patient testimonials and detailed descriptions of asthma services, is also essential. This includes evaluating the availability of after-hours care, ensuring patients have access to support when asthma symptoms flare up unexpectedly.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma care accessibility, especially in areas with physician shortages. Telehealth appointments allow patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially easing the burden of frequent follow-up visits. The "Asthma Score" should consider the extent to which practices in Ocean Springs have adopted telemedicine.

Evaluating the type of telehealth services offered is also crucial. Are physicians providing virtual consultations, medication refills, or remote monitoring of peak flow readings? Practices that offer a comprehensive telemedicine program, including access to specialists, are likely to achieve a higher "Asthma Score". The ease of use of the telehealth platform, including technical support for patients, is another factor to consider.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management:**

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, and these conditions can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referrals is an essential component of effective asthma management.

Practices that screen patients for anxiety and depression, and offer on-site counseling or have established referral networks for mental health services, are better equipped to provide holistic care. Collaboration between primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and pulmonologists is crucial for addressing the complex interplay between asthma and mental well-being. The "Asthma Score" should reflect the extent to which practices integrate mental health support into their asthma care plans.

**Specific Considerations for Ocean Springs:**

Given Ocean Springs' coastal location, practices should address environmental triggers specific to the area. This includes educating patients about mold prevention, controlling indoor allergens, and managing exposure to pollen and other irritants. Collaboration with local environmental agencies to monitor air quality and provide alerts to asthma patients could further improve the "Asthma Score".

The practice's ability to educate patients on the use of rescue inhalers and the management of asthma exacerbations is also important. This includes providing clear instructions on when to seek emergency care. Regular review of asthma action plans, tailored to each patient's individual needs and triggers, is another key element of effective asthma management.

**Conclusion:**

Evaluating the "Asthma Score" for primary care in Ocean Springs requires a comprehensive assessment of physician availability, asthma-specific services, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and environmental considerations. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing accessible, comprehensive, and patient-centered asthma care will achieve a higher score. This includes those that proactively address the unique challenges of a coastal environment.

For a more detailed and visually informative assessment of healthcare resources in Ocean Springs, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and environmental data, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.