29684, Starr, South Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 29684, Starr, South Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.49 percent of the residents in 29684 has some form of health insurance. 31.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.55 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 29684 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,319 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29684. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 691 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 349 health care providers accessible to residents in 29684, Starr, South Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 29684 and Primary Care in Starr, SC

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 29684, encompassing Starr, South Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach, especially when focusing on asthma management and primary care accessibility. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, considering factors like physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive asthma care. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the resources available to residents and identify areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of asthma management rests on accessible primary care. In Starr, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. Ideally, a lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) indicates better access. However, this is a dynamic metric. The actual ratio in Starr needs to be determined through data collection from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or the American Medical Association (AMA). This data is essential for determining the baseline accessibility of primary care.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are physicians concentrated in specific areas within the ZIP code, creating potential disparities in access for certain populations? Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other clinics specifically designed to serve underserved communities? Understanding the geographical distribution of providers is vital for a comprehensive assessment.

Within primary care practices, specific characteristics influence asthma care quality. The presence of registered nurses (RNs) and certified asthma educators (CAEs) is a significant indicator. These professionals can provide patient education, develop personalized asthma action plans, and monitor patients' conditions, all crucial for asthma control. Practices with dedicated asthma management programs, including regular follow-up appointments and medication reviews, should receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in the modern healthcare landscape. Practices offering virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, allowing physicians to intervene proactively. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms should be recognized for their commitment to patient convenience and improved access.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, but they are integral to a holistic approach. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Practices that integrate mental health screening and provide access to mental health professionals, either in-house or through referrals, demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care. The availability of these resources contributes significantly to a higher "Asthma Score."

Identifying standout practices within ZIP Code 29684 is essential. This requires examining individual practice characteristics, including their commitment to asthma management protocols, patient education, and the use of technology. Practices that demonstrate a patient-centered approach, actively involve patients in their care, and consistently achieve positive outcomes should be recognized as leaders in asthma care. These practices serve as models for others to emulate.

The "Asthma Score" ranking should incorporate all the factors discussed. A practice's score should reflect its physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized staff (RNs, CAEs), telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and overall commitment to asthma management best practices. This score should be transparent, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices.

Data collection is the cornerstone of this analysis. Obtaining accurate information on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources requires collaboration with local healthcare providers, DHEC, and other relevant organizations. This data should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The "Asthma Score" ranking should be dynamic, allowing for adjustments based on new data and evolving best practices. Regular reviews and updates are essential to ensure the ranking remains relevant and reflects the current state of asthma care in ZIP Code 29684.

The implementation of the "Asthma Score" ranking can benefit both patients and healthcare providers. Patients gain valuable insights into the quality and accessibility of asthma care in their community, empowering them to make informed choices. Healthcare providers can use the ranking to benchmark their performance, identify areas for improvement, and adopt best practices.

The analysis should also consider the specific needs of the population within ZIP Code 29684. Are there any specific demographic groups, such as children or the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by asthma? Tailoring asthma management strategies to address the unique needs of these groups is crucial.

The analysis should also consider the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on asthma outcomes. Factors such as housing quality, access to transportation, and socioeconomic status can significantly impact asthma control. Addressing these SDOH is essential for improving asthma outcomes for all residents.

Finally, the "Asthma Score" analysis should be presented in a clear and concise format, easily accessible to the public. This could involve a website, a mobile app, or other communication channels. The goal is to provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To visualize this data and explore the healthcare landscape of ZIP Code 29684, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools, allowing you to create interactive maps that display physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points. This visual representation can significantly enhance the understanding of asthma care accessibility and facilitate data-driven decision-making.