29906, Beaufort, South Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 29906, Beaufort, South Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.33 percent of the residents in 29906 has some form of health insurance. 33.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.72 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 29906 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,700 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29906. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,719 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,527 health care providers accessible to residents in 29906, Beaufort, South Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Beaufort, SC (ZIP Code 29906)

Analyzing asthma care within Beaufort, South Carolina (ZIP code 29906) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. Evaluating physician availability, particularly primary care providers, is crucial, as is understanding the resources dedicated to asthma management. This analysis will delve into these factors, aiming to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment for the area.

The foundation of asthma care rests upon accessible primary care. In Beaufort, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment. To accurately assess this, data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the American Medical Association (AMA) must be consulted. The analysis needs to identify the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 29906 ZIP code, alongside the estimated population. This calculation will determine the physician-to-patient ratio, a core component of the Asthma Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices across the area is important. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, leaving others underserved? Geographic information system (GIS) mapping can visually represent this, highlighting potential "healthcare deserts" where access is limited. The Asthma Score must factor in the equitable distribution of care.

Standout practices within the 29906 ZIP code deserve recognition. Identifying practices with specialized asthma management programs, certified asthma educators, or those actively participating in asthma research initiatives can elevate the overall Asthma Score. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to proactive asthma care, including patient education, regular monitoring, and personalized treatment plans. Researching local physician websites, patient reviews, and contacting the Beaufort County Medical Society can help identify these exemplary practices.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly significant, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers the potential for remote consultations, medication management, and asthma education, improving access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The Asthma Score must assess the availability of telemedicine services offered by local primary care practices. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the frequency of telemedicine appointments, and the integration of telemedicine into overall asthma management plans.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, managing asthma can be a source of stress. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore a critical component of a comprehensive asthma care system. The Asthma Score must assess the proximity and accessibility of mental health services within the 29906 ZIP code. This includes identifying mental health providers accepting new patients, the availability of telehealth mental health services, and the integration of mental health screenings into primary care practices.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score needs to assess the availability of specialized asthma resources, such as pulmonologists and allergists. While primary care physicians often manage asthma, access to specialists is essential for complex cases or when symptoms are poorly controlled. The analysis must identify the number of pulmonologists and allergists practicing in or near the 29906 ZIP code and evaluate the ease of access to their services. This includes assessing wait times for appointments and the availability of after-hours care.

The Asthma Score should also incorporate data on asthma prevalence rates within the 29906 ZIP code. This information, often available from DHEC or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides context for the overall need for asthma care in the area. A higher prevalence rate necessitates a more robust and accessible healthcare system.

The analysis must also consider the availability of asthma education programs. These programs, often offered by hospitals, clinics, or community organizations, empower patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their asthma effectively. Assessing the number and type of asthma education programs available in the area, as well as the accessibility of these programs, is essential.

Finally, the Asthma Score should incorporate an assessment of the quality of asthma care provided. This can be achieved by analyzing patient satisfaction surveys, reviewing data on asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and evaluating the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines by local physicians.

Calculating the Asthma Score requires a weighted scoring system. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialized care, should be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The overall Asthma Score will then be calculated by summing the weighted scores for each factor. This score can then be used to compare asthma care in the 29906 ZIP code to other areas or to track improvements over time.

The final Asthma Score will be a numerical representation of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Beaufort, SC (29906). This score, combined with the detailed analysis of the factors mentioned above, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local asthma care system. This information can then be used to inform healthcare planning, resource allocation, and efforts to improve asthma outcomes for residents of Beaufort.

For a comprehensive visual representation of physician locations, patient demographics, and healthcare resource distribution within Beaufort, SC (29906), explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. Gain deeper insights and make informed decisions about healthcare access and planning.