02865, Lincoln, Rhode Island Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 02865, Lincoln, Rhode Island is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.68 percent of the residents in 02865 has some form of health insurance. 33.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.14 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 02865 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,167 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02865. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,870 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,709 health care providers accessible to residents in 02865, Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Asthma Score Analysis: Lincoln, RI (ZIP Code 02865)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care physicians in Lincoln, Rhode Island (ZIP Code 02865), focusing on factors relevant to asthma management. The goal is to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for effective asthma care. This score, though not a numerical value, will be a qualitative assessment reflecting the overall healthcare landscape for asthma patients in this specific geographic area.

Physician-to-Patient Ratio: A foundational element of asthma care accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms. Publicly available data, such as that from the Rhode Island Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, combined with physician directories and insurance provider information, is necessary to estimate the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 02865. The analysis would consider the number of board-certified primary care physicians (PCPs), including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatricians, practicing within the zip code. This count is then divided by the estimated population of Lincoln to determine the ratio. A favorable ratio, meaning a higher number of physicians per capita, would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. Conversely, a low ratio would negatively impact the score, indicating potential challenges in accessing timely and consistent asthma care.

Standout Practices: Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key aspects. First, the availability of specialized asthma care within primary care practices is essential. This includes physicians with a specific interest or training in asthma management, potentially including those with board certification in allergy and immunology or experience with advanced asthma therapies. Second, the use of evidence-based asthma guidelines, such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), is crucial. Practices adhering to these guidelines demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, standardized care. Third, the presence of on-site respiratory therapists or asthma educators would be a significant advantage. These professionals can provide patient education, medication management support, and assistance with environmental control strategies, all critical components of effective asthma management. Practices excelling in these areas would receive positive recognition in the Asthma Score analysis.

Telemedicine Adoption: The integration of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma care access, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically underserved areas. The analysis considers the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Lincoln. This includes assessing whether practices offer virtual consultations for routine follow-up appointments, medication refills, or symptom management. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters with digital data transmission capabilities, would also be considered. Practices actively embracing telemedicine, particularly those offering comprehensive virtual care options, would receive a higher score, recognizing their efforts to enhance patient convenience and accessibility.

Mental Health Resources: The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, and these mental health conditions can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. The analysis will evaluate the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. This includes assessing whether practices have on-site mental health professionals, such as psychologists or therapists, or whether they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their asthma patients, either through direct services or strong referral networks, would receive a more favorable score, reflecting their commitment to holistic patient care.

Primary Care Availability in Lincoln: The overall availability of primary care in Lincoln is a crucial factor. This involves evaluating the geographic distribution of primary care practices within the zip code. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, potentially creating access challenges for residents in other parts of Lincoln? The analysis will consider the hours of operation of these practices, including evening and weekend availability, which can be particularly important for asthma patients experiencing acute exacerbations. The acceptance of various insurance plans is another key factor. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans enhance access to care for a broader population. The overall accessibility of primary care, considering geographic distribution, hours of operation, and insurance acceptance, will significantly influence the Asthma Score.

Asthma Score Conclusion: The Asthma Score for Lincoln, RI (ZIP Code 02865) is a qualitative assessment based on the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate a healthcare landscape characterized by a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices with specialized asthma care and adherence to evidence-based guidelines, widespread telemedicine adoption, and strong integration of mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score would reflect potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive asthma care, such as a limited physician-to-patient ratio, a lack of specialized asthma services, limited telemedicine adoption, and inadequate mental health support. The overall goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in Lincoln, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the geographic distribution of primary care practices, physician-to-patient ratios, and other relevant data points within Lincoln, RI (ZIP Code 02865), we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Their platform offers a powerful way to visualize and analyze healthcare data, providing valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers.