29653, Hodges, South Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 29653, Hodges, South Carolina is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.57 percent of the residents in 29653 has some form of health insurance. 48.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.83 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 29653 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 673 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29653. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,035 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,594 health care providers accessible to residents in 29653, Hodges, South Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 29653 and Primary Care in Hodges

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 29653, encompassing the area around Hodges, South Carolina, evaluating the availability of primary care physicians and related resources, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score considers various factors, from physician-to-patient ratios to the integration of telemedicine and mental health support, crucial elements in effective asthma care.

The foundation of good asthma management lies in accessible and consistent primary care. In Hodges, the primary care landscape is significantly impacted by its rural nature. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. National averages often don't reflect the reality in areas like Hodges. To accurately assess this, we need data on the number of practicing primary care physicians within a reasonable radius (e.g., 10-15 miles) of the center of Hodges, and the total population they serve. A high ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and ongoing care. This directly impacts the ability of patients to receive preventative care, manage chronic conditions, and address acute asthma exacerbations promptly.

The “Asthma Score” will be negatively impacted by a high physician-to-patient ratio.

Standout practices within the 29653 ZIP code would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This goes beyond simply prescribing medication. We are looking for practices that offer patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and personalized asthma action plans. These plans are essential for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Practices that actively engage in regular follow-up appointments, monitor patient progress, and adjust treatment plans accordingly are crucial. The availability of on-site respiratory therapists or nurses specializing in asthma management would significantly boost a practice's score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for routine check-ups and medication refills, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine can also facilitate rapid responses to acute asthma episodes, potentially preventing hospitalizations. Practices that have integrated telehealth platforms, offering secure video conferencing and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. This technology can bridge geographical barriers and enhance the overall patient experience.

The “Asthma Score” will be positively impacted by telemedicine adoption.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but their importance cannot be overstated. Asthma, a chronic respiratory illness, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Practices that recognize this and offer, or have established referral pathways to, mental health professionals are demonstrating a holistic approach to patient care. This could involve on-site therapists, partnerships with local mental health clinics, or the integration of mental health screenings into routine appointments. Addressing the psychological aspects of asthma management can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and overall quality of life.

The "Asthma Score" will be positively impacted by the availability of mental health resources.

Evaluating the quality of care also involves assessing the availability of specialized services. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) is critical for patients with more complex or severe asthma. The distance to the nearest pulmonologist, the wait times for appointments, and the availability of specialized diagnostic testing (e.g., pulmonary function tests) all contribute to the overall "Asthma Score." Practices that have strong referral relationships with pulmonologists and can facilitate timely access to specialist care will be viewed favorably.

The "Asthma Score" will be positively impacted by the availability of specialist care.

Furthermore, the "Asthma Score" needs to consider the availability of emergency care. Given that asthma can lead to life-threatening exacerbations, the proximity to a hospital with an emergency room equipped to handle respiratory emergencies is crucial. The response time of emergency medical services (EMS) and the hospital's capacity to provide rapid and effective treatment are essential factors. The score will be negatively impacted by a lack of access to emergency care.

The "Asthma Score" will be negatively impacted by a lack of access to emergency care.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" for doctors in ZIP code 29653 and primary care availability in Hodges is a complex evaluation. It requires a careful consideration of physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices with a focus on patient education and personalized care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of specialist care, and access to emergency services. A comprehensive assessment would involve gathering data from various sources, including local healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patient surveys. This data would then be analyzed to assign a score reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of asthma care in the area.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 29653, including the location of healthcare providers, hospitals, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a spatial representation of the data, enabling a more intuitive understanding of healthcare accessibility and identifying potential areas for improvement.