29164, Wagener, South Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 29164, Wagener, South Carolina is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.90 percent of the residents in 29164 has some form of health insurance. 43.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.38 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 29164 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,403 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29164. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,059 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 212 health care providers accessible to residents in 29164, Wagener, South Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Wagener, SC (ZIP Code 29164)

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within Wagener, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29164) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of care available to individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of effective asthma management.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Wagener, and the surrounding areas that serve the 29164 ZIP code, is a critical starting point. Rural areas often face challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialists, and a general strain on the healthcare system. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) can provide insights into the number of primary care physicians and specialists (particularly pulmonologists and allergists) serving the population within a reasonable radius of Wagener. This data, however, needs to be supplemented by on-the-ground research to understand the actual availability of appointments and the degree to which physicians are accepting new patients.

Identifying "standout practices" involves looking beyond the raw numbers. We need to evaluate the quality of care provided by existing practices. This includes assessing the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, the availability of patient education materials, and the implementation of asthma action plans. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, offer comprehensive follow-up, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education are likely to be more effective in managing asthma. Patient reviews, online ratings, and referrals from other healthcare providers can help identify practices that are highly regarded within the community. Furthermore, we should investigate if any practices participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly relevant in a rural setting. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely. This can be especially beneficial for asthma patients, who may require regular monitoring and medication adjustments. The analysis should investigate the extent to which practices in the 29164 ZIP code offer telemedicine services for asthma management. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools (such as peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities), and online patient portals for communication and prescription refills. The ease of access to these technologies, the level of patient training provided, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan are crucial factors to consider.

Asthma is not only a physical condition; it can also significantly impact mental health. The chronic nature of the disease, the potential for exacerbations, and the lifestyle adjustments required for management can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. This analysis needs to assess the accessibility of mental health services within the Wagener area. This includes identifying the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) who are accepting new patients, the availability of mental health support groups, and the integration of mental health services into the asthma care provided by primary care physicians and specialists. The degree to which practices screen for mental health concerns and offer referrals to appropriate resources is a key indicator of the comprehensiveness of care.

Evaluating the integration of these components is crucial. A high physician-to-patient ratio is not a guarantee of quality care if the available physicians are not equipped to provide evidence-based asthma management. Similarly, the availability of telemedicine is not beneficial if patients lack access to the necessary technology or if the telemedicine services are not integrated into a comprehensive care plan. The analysis should aim to identify practices that excel in multiple areas, offering a holistic approach to asthma management that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of patients. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape, including the strengths and weaknesses of each practice, the availability of resources, and the degree to which these resources are integrated to provide seamless care.

Another important factor to consider is the prevalence of asthma within the Wagener community. Data from the CDC and DHEC can provide insights into the prevalence of asthma in the 29164 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This information can help to contextualize the analysis and to assess the adequacy of the available resources in meeting the needs of the population. Higher prevalence rates may indicate a greater need for specialized asthma care and support services.

Finally, the analysis must acknowledge the limitations of the data available. Publicly available data may not always provide a complete picture of the healthcare landscape. Patient experiences, anecdotal evidence, and the insights of healthcare professionals are all valuable sources of information. The analysis should strive to synthesize information from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the asthma care available in Wagener, SC. This will provide a more accurate and useful 'Asthma Score' analysis.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Wagener, SC, including physician locations, practice specializations, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their detailed mapping solutions can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare access in your community.