29135, Saint Matthews, South Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 29135, Saint Matthews, South Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.36 percent of the residents in 29135 has some form of health insurance. 44.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.51 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 29135 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,900 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29135. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,843 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 583 health care providers accessible to residents in 29135, Saint Matthews, South Carolina.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 29135, encompassing Saint Matthews, South Carolina, necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, their specific practices, and the overall resources dedicated to asthma management. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering various factors influencing patient care and accessibility.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, signifying fewer physicians per capita, can lead to increased wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to specialized care. Publicly available data, such as that from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can offer insights into the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. Comparing this to the population data for Saint Matthews provides a preliminary understanding of access. Further research into the specific specialties offered by these physicians, such as pulmonology, is essential, as asthma management often requires specialized expertise.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes practices that offer: comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patient needs, regular follow-up appointments to monitor asthma control, patient education on triggers and medication management, and access to spirometry and other diagnostic tools. Identifying these practices requires examining physician profiles, patient reviews, and potentially contacting practices directly to inquire about their asthma management protocols. Practices that actively participate in asthma-related community outreach programs or collaborate with local pharmacies and schools to provide education and support would also be considered high-performing.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, facilitating medication adjustments, symptom monitoring, and follow-up appointments. The availability of telemedicine services within the practices in 29135 is a significant factor in the Asthma Score. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for routine check-ups and medication refills, demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. This can be assessed by reviewing practice websites, contacting the practices directly, and examining insurance coverage for telemedicine services.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health services receive higher marks in the Asthma Score. This includes practices that: screen patients for mental health concerns, provide on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals in the community. The availability of mental health support is crucial for holistic asthma care.

Assessing primary care availability in Saint Matthews involves considering the geographic distribution of physicians, the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the availability of evening and weekend appointments. Practices located closer to the patient population, accepting a wide range of insurance plans, and offering flexible appointment times enhance accessibility. The Asthma Score should reflect these factors, as they directly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and convenient care. Information on insurance acceptance can be found on practice websites, through insurance provider directories, and by contacting the practices directly.

The Asthma Score is not a simple numerical value but a comprehensive assessment based on the factors discussed. It represents a qualitative evaluation of the asthma care landscape in 29135. A higher score indicates better access to care, more comprehensive services, and a greater emphasis on patient-centered asthma management. The final score will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall accessibility of primary care services.

To refine the Asthma Score further, consider the following: patient satisfaction surveys, which provide valuable insights into the patient experience; data on asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits, which can indicate the effectiveness of asthma management; and the availability of specialized asthma education programs for both patients and healthcare providers. All these factors would contribute to a more nuanced and accurate assessment.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score should be dynamic, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape. As new practices open, telemedicine adoption increases, and mental health resources become more readily available, the score should be updated to reflect these improvements. Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that the Asthma Score remains a relevant and useful tool for assessing asthma care in Saint Matthews.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP code 29135 and primary care availability in Saint Matthews is a complex evaluation. It is based on a detailed analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, the characteristics of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and overall primary care accessibility. This assessment, while not exhaustive, provides a valuable framework for understanding the current state of asthma care in the area.

For a visual representation of the physician distribution, primary care availability, and other relevant data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear and informative visualization of the healthcare landscape in Saint Matthews, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the factors influencing asthma care.