29355, Kinards, South Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 29355, Kinards, South Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.97 percent of the residents in 29355 has some form of health insurance. 37.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.04 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 29355 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 124 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29355. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 402 health care providers accessible to residents in 29355, Kinards, South Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Kinards, SC (ZIP Code 29355)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within ZIP Code 29355, which encompasses the town of Kinards, South Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. The "Asthma Score" here will be an assessment of various factors impacting the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing asthma, focusing on primary care availability and the resources available within the community. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all critical elements in effective asthma management.

Kinards, a small, rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas, including limited access to specialized medical care and potential disparities in healthcare resources. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the cornerstone of asthma management. A low PCP-to-patient ratio suggests increased patient wait times, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up appointments, all of which can negatively impact asthma control. Determining the exact ratio within the ZIP code is crucial. Publicly available data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) can provide this information. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would warrant a lower "Asthma Score" for access to care.

Identifying “standout practices” is important. These practices would demonstrate best practices in asthma management. This includes adherence to national guidelines for asthma treatment, patient education programs, and proactive monitoring of asthma control. These practices may utilize spirometry to assess lung function, provide personalized asthma action plans, and offer regular check-ups to adjust treatment as needed. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, promoting self-management skills, and offering educational materials, would receive higher marks in the “Asthma Score” analysis. Furthermore, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes would contribute to a higher overall score.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve asthma care accessibility, particularly in rural areas like Kinards. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, medication management, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices that have integrated telemedicine into their asthma care delivery model would receive a higher score. This includes offering virtual appointments for routine check-ups, providing remote monitoring devices to track lung function, and utilizing telehealth platforms to connect patients with asthma educators and specialists. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a critical factor in the successful implementation of telemedicine.

The connection between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the chronic nature of asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. The integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is therefore essential. Practices that have partnerships with mental health providers, offer on-site counseling services, or screen patients for mental health conditions would receive a higher score. The availability of mental health resources within the community, such as therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, also contributes to the overall "Asthma Score." A lack of these resources would negatively impact the score, highlighting a critical need for improved mental health support for asthma patients.

Assessing the availability of asthma-specific resources, such as asthma educators, respiratory therapists, and specialized asthma clinics, is another critical component of the analysis. The presence of these resources would contribute to a higher "Asthma Score." These professionals can provide specialized education on asthma management, medication techniques, and environmental control measures. The absence of these resources would negatively impact the score, indicating a need for improved access to specialized asthma care.

The "Asthma Score" for Kinards, SC (ZIP Code 29355) would be a composite score, reflecting the various factors discussed. The score would be based on a numerical scale, with higher scores indicating better access to care, more effective asthma management practices, and greater availability of resources. The final score would provide a valuable snapshot of the asthma care landscape within the community.

This analysis would also consider the availability of emergency care services and the proximity to hospitals with specialized respiratory care units. Rapid access to emergency care is crucial for managing asthma exacerbations. The presence of well-equipped emergency departments and specialized respiratory care units would contribute to a higher "Asthma Score."

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the socioeconomic factors impacting asthma management. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to healthy food and housing can all negatively impact asthma control. The analysis would assess the prevalence of these factors within the community and consider their impact on the "Asthma Score." Communities with higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage may require additional resources and interventions to improve asthma outcomes.

Finally, the analysis would consider the presence of environmental factors that can trigger asthma symptoms. This includes air quality, pollen counts, and the presence of allergens in the home. Public health data on these factors would be incorporated into the "Asthma Score" analysis.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kinards and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, healthcare facilities, and the distribution of key resources, consider exploring the power of geospatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can visually represent this data, providing valuable insights into healthcare access and resource allocation. Explore CartoChrome maps today and gain a clearer picture of your community's healthcare needs.