28367, Norman, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28367, Norman, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.74 percent of the residents in 28367 has some form of health insurance. 52.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.26 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 28367 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 74 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28367. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 29 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,631 health care providers accessible to residents in 28367, Norman, North Carolina.

The analysis below assesses the asthma care landscape for physicians in ZIP code 28367 and primary care availability in Norman, Oklahoma, considering factors crucial to patient well-being, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources.

**Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28367**

ZIP code 28367, likely representing a specific geographic area, requires a nuanced understanding of its healthcare infrastructure to effectively evaluate asthma care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial asthma management interventions. Conversely, a low ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be essential to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within this ZIP code. This data should be compared to national and state averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care and specialist services.

Standout practices within 28367 would be identified by their commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, provide patient education on asthma triggers and management techniques, and have robust systems for monitoring patient outcomes. A review of patient reviews, ratings, and testimonials from sources like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc would offer insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care. Practices employing Certified Asthma Educators (CAEs) would receive significant recognition, as CAEs play a vital role in empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve asthma care accessibility, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient portals for medication refills and communication with healthcare providers would be considered highly progressive. The availability of telemedicine services can significantly reduce the burden of frequent in-person visits, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with asthma.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling services, or that have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This integration is crucial because unmanaged mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively affect treatment adherence.

**Primary Care Availability in Norman, Oklahoma**

Norman, Oklahoma, presents a different scale of analysis compared to a specific ZIP code. Evaluating primary care availability requires a broader perspective. The physician-to-patient ratio for Norman, at the city level, is a crucial starting point. This data, obtainable from sources like the Oklahoma State Department of Health, should be compared to state and national averages. A shortage of primary care physicians can lead to increased wait times, reduced access to preventive care, and potentially higher rates of emergency room visits for conditions that could have been managed in a primary care setting.

The quality of primary care practices in Norman is evaluated by examining factors such as the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), the availability of same-day appointments, and the implementation of chronic disease management programs. Practices that utilize EHRs can improve care coordination and patient safety. The availability of same-day appointments is essential for addressing acute health concerns promptly. Practices that offer comprehensive chronic disease management programs, including asthma management, are better equipped to provide holistic care.

Telemedicine’s role in Norman's primary care landscape is expanding. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are enhancing access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas surrounding Norman. This expansion is crucial for reaching underserved populations and improving overall healthcare accessibility.

Mental health integration within primary care in Norman is a key indicator of quality. Practices that screen for mental health conditions, provide brief counseling services, or have established referral networks to mental health specialists are demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive patient care. Integrating mental health services into primary care settings can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.

**Conclusion**

Assessing asthma care and primary care availability requires a multi-faceted approach. The analysis should encompass physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality indicators, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health resources. By examining these factors, a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape can be achieved.

For a visual representation of these data points, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial understanding of healthcare resources, allowing for a more in-depth analysis and identification of areas with limited access to care. Explore how CartoChrome maps can transform your healthcare analysis.