29584, Patrick, South Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 29584, Patrick, South Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.28 percent of the residents in 29584 has some form of health insurance. 38.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.03 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 29584 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 531 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29584. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 428 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,187 health care providers accessible to residents in 29584, Patrick, South Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 29584 and Primary Care in Patrick

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality in the context of asthma management within ZIP Code 29584, which encompasses the town of Patrick, South Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider the availability of primary care physicians, their capacity to manage asthma cases, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and ultimately, how these factors contribute to an "Asthma Score" reflecting the overall healthcare environment for asthma sufferers. We will focus on specific details and avoid generic lists to provide a more nuanced understanding.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. In Patrick, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the Asthma Score. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a decline in the quality of care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. We need to ascertain the actual PCP-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 29584. This includes not only the number of practicing physicians but also their patient load, which varies depending on factors like practice size, specialization, and the age and health of the patient population.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Are PCPs in Patrick well-versed in asthma management guidelines? Do they have experience treating asthma patients, including those with complex cases? This requires investigating the training and experience of local physicians. Are they board-certified in family medicine or internal medicine? Do they participate in continuing medical education (CME) programs focused on respiratory health? The answers to these questions directly affect the Asthma Score.

Another key component of the Asthma Score is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for asthma management, especially in rural areas like Patrick where geographical barriers can limit access to care. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and patient education. Does the primary care infrastructure in 29584 support telemedicine? Are PCPs equipped with the necessary technology? Are patients able to access and utilize telemedicine services? The presence and utilization of telemedicine significantly enhance the Asthma Score, particularly for those who may struggle to travel to appointments.

Mental health considerations are also critical. Asthma is not just a physical condition; it can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a vital component of the Asthma Score. Are mental health professionals readily available in Patrick? Are there partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers? Do PCPs screen for mental health issues in their asthma patients? Integrated care, where mental and physical health services are coordinated, leads to better patient outcomes and improves the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices is also crucial. Some practices may excel in asthma management. These practices may have dedicated asthma specialists, implement innovative asthma action plans, or provide comprehensive patient education programs. Examining patient reviews, practice accreditations, and any specific asthma-focused programs offered by local practices can help identify these standout performers. Such practices can act as models for others and significantly contribute to a higher Asthma Score.

To further analyze the Asthma Score, we must consider the availability of specialized care. While primary care is the cornerstone, access to pulmonologists (lung specialists) is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of pulmonologists, and the ease with which patients can be referred to and seen by them, impacts the Asthma Score. Long travel times to see a specialist can negatively affect the score.

Furthermore, consider the availability of ancillary services. Are there readily accessible pharmacies for medication refills? Are there respiratory therapists available for patient education and support? Are there local resources for asthma education and support groups? These supporting services are integral to comprehensive asthma care and contribute to a higher Asthma Score.

The overall Asthma Score for ZIP Code 29584 is a composite of all these factors. A high score indicates a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to manage asthma effectively. This includes easy access to primary care, experienced physicians, the utilization of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices. Conversely, a low score indicates areas for improvement, such as limited access to care, a lack of telemedicine adoption, and a need for enhanced mental health support.

The specific details – the physician-to-patient ratios, the telemedicine adoption rates, the presence of mental health partnerships, and the existence of specialized asthma programs – are critical to determining the final Asthma Score. Without this detailed information, the analysis remains incomplete. Gathering this data is the next step.

Analyzing the data requires a spatial component. Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and the accessibility of those resources for residents of Patrick is crucial. This is where mapping tools become invaluable.

To visualize the data and gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 29584, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can display the location of primary care practices, specialists, pharmacies, and other relevant resources. They can also incorporate data on physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. By visualizing this information, you can quickly identify areas with high and low Asthma Scores and pinpoint areas where improvements are needed. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patients to understand and improve asthma care in Patrick.