29848, Troy, South Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 29848, Troy, South Carolina is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.10 percent of the residents in 29848 has some form of health insurance. 45.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.93 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 29848 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 185 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29848. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 238 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 66 health care providers accessible to residents in 29848, Troy, South Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 29848 & Primary Care in Troy

This analysis delves into the accessibility and quality of asthma care within ZIP Code 29848 and primary care availability in Troy, offering an "Asthma Score" assessment based on various factors. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive asthma management.

ZIP Code 29848, a specific geographic area, serves as the primary focus for assessing asthma care. The analysis will evaluate the availability of pulmonologists, allergists, and primary care physicians (PCPs) within the area and its immediate vicinity. This includes examining the concentration of specialists per capita, a key indicator of access to specialized asthma care. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of specialists, would negatively impact the Asthma Score. Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting greater accessibility, would contribute positively. The analysis will also consider the geographic distribution of these physicians, noting if they are clustered in specific areas, potentially creating disparities in access for residents in more remote locations.

The availability of primary care in Troy, a broader geographical area, will be assessed. Primary care physicians are essential for asthma management, serving as the first point of contact for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The analysis will examine the physician-to-patient ratio in Troy, considering the total number of PCPs relative to the population. A shortage of PCPs could lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially hinder timely asthma management. Furthermore, the analysis will consider the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often play a vital role in primary care and can contribute to improved access to care.

Standout practices within 29848 and Troy will be identified based on several criteria. This includes the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry and allergy testing, which are crucial for accurate asthma diagnosis and monitoring. The analysis will also consider the implementation of evidence-based asthma management protocols, such as those recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources and support for self-management, will be recognized. The presence of dedicated asthma educators or nurses within a practice would be a significant positive factor, contributing to a higher Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the Asthma Score analysis. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication refills can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in remote areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, providing convenient and accessible care options, will be viewed favorably. The analysis will also consider the integration of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters and inhaler adherence trackers, which can provide valuable data for personalized asthma management.

The integration of mental health resources is an increasingly important factor in asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Practices that offer access to mental health services, either through on-site providers or referrals to external resources, will be given higher marks. The analysis will consider the presence of mental health screenings, the availability of counseling services, and the integration of mental health support into asthma management plans. This holistic approach to care is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

The Asthma Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of these various factors. Each factor will be assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of specialists might be given a higher weight than the adoption of telemedicine. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care within the specified geographic areas.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence asthma outcomes. This includes examining the prevalence of asthma in the population, the rates of hospitalizations and emergency room visits for asthma, and the socioeconomic status of residents. Areas with a higher prevalence of asthma and a lower socioeconomic status may require additional resources and support to address health disparities.

Data sources for this analysis will include publicly available databases, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry, and state health department data. Information will also be gathered from practice websites, patient reviews, and other relevant sources. The analysis will strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.

The final Asthma Score will be presented as a numerical value, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology and the factors considered. The analysis will identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for enhancing asthma care within 29848 and Troy. This may include suggestions for increasing the number of specialists, expanding telemedicine services, or integrating mental health resources.

This analysis is designed to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape, stakeholders can work together to improve asthma care and ensure that all residents have access to the quality care they need.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, population demographics, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and insightful way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.