02858, Oakland, Rhode Island Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02858, Oakland, Rhode Island is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 02858 has some form of health insurance. 28.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 95.18 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 02858 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 62 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02858. An estimate of 8 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 77 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,389 health care providers accessible to residents in 02858, Oakland, Rhode Island.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Oakland, RI (02858) Primary Care Landscape

This analysis delves into the primary care landscape of Oakland, Rhode Island (ZIP code 02858), focusing on factors relevant to asthma management. We'll examine physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, culminating in a synthesized 'Asthma Score' assessment for healthcare providers in the area. This score aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to asthma patients seeking primary care.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible and responsive primary care. In Oakland, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures fluctuate, public health data suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians compared to the national average. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially hindering timely intervention for asthma exacerbations. Increased appointment wait times and limited access to specialists can be a significant burden.

Several factors influence a practice's suitability for asthma patients. The availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a major plus. PFTs, like spirometry, are essential for diagnosing and monitoring asthma severity. Practices equipped with this technology can provide more comprehensive care, reducing the need for referrals and facilitating quicker diagnosis and treatment adjustments. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in asthma education programs for patients and families demonstrate a commitment to proactive asthma management.

Telemedicine is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, and its adoption rate within Oakland's primary care practices is a critical consideration. Practices offering telehealth appointments, especially for follow-up visits and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, allowing physicians to proactively address potential problems. The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on reliable internet access and patient comfort with technology.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is particularly relevant in asthma. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is a crucial element of our Asthma Score. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of asthma patients. Integration of mental health services can improve patient outcomes.

Identifying standout practices within Oakland is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care, integrating multiple factors. We would look for practices with a high percentage of board-certified physicians, a demonstrated history of patient satisfaction, and proactive engagement in community health initiatives related to asthma. Practices that have implemented electronic health records (EHRs) with asthma-specific templates and automated reminders for medication refills and follow-up appointments are often better positioned to provide coordinated care.

The Asthma Score for each practice will be a composite measure, incorporating the elements discussed. It’s important to remember that this score is a relative assessment, designed to provide a comparative view of the available resources. The score will consider: physician-to-patient ratio, availability of on-site PFTs, the practice's telemedicine capabilities, the presence or referral to mental health resources, and the practice's involvement in asthma education. Each component will be weighted based on its impact on asthma management.

The weighting system will prioritize factors directly impacting patient access and clinical outcomes. For example, availability of on-site PFTs and integration of mental health services will be weighted heavily. Telemedicine capabilities and patient education initiatives will also contribute significantly to the overall score. Physician-to-patient ratio, while important, will carry a moderate weight, as the impact of a lower ratio can be mitigated by other factors, such as efficient appointment scheduling and the use of telehealth.

The final Asthma Score will be presented as a numerical value, allowing for a straightforward comparison of practices. The score will be accompanied by a brief narrative summary highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each practice, based on the available data. This analysis does not constitute medical advice, and patients should always consult with their physician to determine the best course of treatment.

Our analysis is based on publicly available data and information gathered from healthcare directories and practice websites. The accuracy of this analysis is dependent on the completeness and accuracy of the data sources. Furthermore, this analysis is a snapshot in time, and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Practices are continually adapting to new technologies and patient needs.

The goal of this analysis is to empower patients in Oakland, Rhode Island, to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By providing a comprehensive overview of the resources available for asthma management, we hope to improve patient outcomes and contribute to a healthier community.

To visualize the primary care landscape in Oakland, RI (02858), and explore the distribution of resources, we encourage you to utilize the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and visual representation of healthcare data, allowing you to explore the location of practices, physician availability, and other relevant information.