29832, Johnston, South Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 29832, Johnston, South Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.65 percent of the residents in 29832 has some form of health insurance. 41.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.03 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 29832 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,137 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29832. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 974 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 971 health care providers accessible to residents in 29832, Johnston, South Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Johnston, SC (ZIP Code 29832)

Analyzing asthma care within Johnston, South Carolina, specifically focusing on the 29832 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll examine the availability of primary care physicians, assess the quality of care through an "Asthma Score" lens, and delve into factors like physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for managing this chronic respiratory condition.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. Johnston, a relatively small community, faces potential challenges regarding primary care availability. A low physician-to-patient ratio can strain resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially impacting the timeliness of asthma diagnosis and treatment adjustments. Conversely, a higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, suggests better access to care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for 29832 necessitates data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from local healthcare providers. This ratio is a critical component of our "Asthma Score" analysis.

The "Asthma Score" itself is a composite metric. It's not a single, universally recognized number, but rather a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of asthma care. This score considers several factors, including the availability of primary care physicians, the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or allergists in the area, and the availability of specialized asthma education programs. Furthermore, the score incorporates data on asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits, which serve as indicators of effective asthma control. A higher "Asthma Score" would indicate a more favorable environment for asthma management.

Standout practices within the 29832 ZIP code are crucial for understanding the landscape of asthma care. Identifying practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma management requires a deeper dive. This includes evaluating their patient outcomes, their adherence to national guidelines for asthma treatment, and their commitment to patient education. Information from patient surveys, online reviews, and data from insurance providers can help identify these standout practices. These practices often implement innovative approaches to care, such as proactive asthma action plans, regular follow-up appointments, and patient education materials.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital aspect of our analysis. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, and its potential benefits for asthma management are significant. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of asthma symptoms. In rural areas like Johnston, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption within primary care practices and specialist offices in 29832 is essential. We would look for practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools, and secure communication platforms for patient-physician interaction.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are critically important. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as therapists and counselors, within the community is a key consideration. Ideally, primary care practices and specialist offices should have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. Collaboration between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health providers ensures a holistic approach to patient care.

The "Asthma Score" also considers the availability of patient education resources. Asthma education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. Patients need to understand their triggers, how to use their medications correctly, and how to recognize and respond to asthma exacerbations. The presence of asthma education programs, patient support groups, and readily available educational materials contributes to a higher "Asthma Score."

To conduct a comprehensive analysis, we would gather data from various sources. These include the South Carolina Medical Association, the American Lung Association, local hospitals, primary care practices, and specialist offices. We would also review publicly available data on asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

The final "Asthma Score" for 29832 would be a numerical representation of the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area. This score would serve as a benchmark for improvement and a tool for identifying areas where resources need to be allocated. This score, however, is just one piece of the puzzle. The information collected would be used to create a detailed report that provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Johnston.

Ultimately, improving asthma care in Johnston requires a collaborative effort. Healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers all have a role to play. By addressing the challenges identified in our analysis and implementing strategies to improve access to care, promote patient education, and integrate mental health services, we can improve the lives of individuals living with asthma in the 29832 ZIP code.

The complex nature of this analysis demands a visual representation. To truly understand the geographic distribution of resources, the location of standout practices, and the areas with the greatest need, a map is essential.
**Visualize the data!** Explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of asthma care in Johnston, SC.