06419, Killingworth, Connecticut Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 06419, Killingworth, Connecticut is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.96 percent of the residents in 06419 has some form of health insurance. 26.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.64 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 06419 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,239 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06419. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,402 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,548 health care providers accessible to residents in 06419, Killingworth, Connecticut.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 06419 and Primary Care in Killingworth

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area like ZIP code 06419 (Clinton, CT) and the town of Killingworth, CT, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will focus on asthma-related care, primary care availability, and related factors, providing an "Asthma Score" perspective. This score isn't a single number but a composite understanding based on various indicators.

The core of the analysis involves understanding the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within and around 06419, as PCPs are often the first point of contact for asthma management. Physician-to-patient ratios are critical. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per doctor, generally suggests better access to care. However, simply knowing the number of doctors isn't enough. We must also consider the types of practices, their specializations, and their acceptance of new patients.

In Killingworth, the situation might be different. Being a smaller, more rural community, the availability of PCPs *within* the town may be limited. Residents likely rely on PCPs in neighboring towns, including Clinton (06419). This necessitates examining the ease of travel, public transportation options (which are likely limited), and the willingness of practices in Clinton to accept patients from Killingworth.

A significant factor influencing the "Asthma Score" is the presence of pulmonologists and allergists specializing in respiratory conditions. These specialists are essential for diagnosing and managing moderate to severe asthma. The analysis needs to identify the number of these specialists serving the area, their accessibility (appointment wait times), and their acceptance of insurance plans commonly used by residents. Proximity is key, as regular follow-up appointments are often necessary for effective asthma management.

Beyond the number of doctors, the quality of care is paramount. This involves assessing the practices' adherence to national asthma guidelines, their use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient patient management, and their patient education programs. Practices that proactively educate patients about asthma triggers, medication management, and emergency protocols contribute to better patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another important element. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth, and its continued availability can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. Practices offering virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms can positively impact the "Asthma Score." The analysis needs to identify which practices in and around 06419 offer telemedicine services and the types of services available.

Mental health resources also play a crucial role. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. The analysis should explore the availability of mental health services within the practices or through referrals. Practices that integrate mental health support into their asthma management programs demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care.

Standout practices, those that excel in asthma management, should be identified. These practices might be recognized for their patient satisfaction scores, their commitment to patient education, their use of technology, or their integration of mental health services. Identifying these practices can help patients make informed choices and potentially improve their asthma care.

Examining the insurance landscape is also vital. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, directly impacts access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans make it easier for residents to receive the care they need. The analysis needs to identify the insurance plans accepted by the available PCPs, pulmonologists, and allergists.

A further consideration is the availability of after-hours and emergency care. Asthma attacks can occur at any time, and access to prompt medical attention is crucial. The analysis should assess the availability of urgent care centers and emergency rooms in the area and their ability to treat asthma exacerbations.

Considering the specific needs of the Killingworth population, the analysis must account for potential transportation challenges. If public transportation is limited, the availability of practices within a reasonable driving distance becomes even more important. The analysis should consider the average commute times to various medical practices.

The "Asthma Score" for 06419 and Killingworth will be a reflection of these factors. A high score would indicate a strong healthcare infrastructure with a high physician-to-patient ratio, readily available specialists, telemedicine options, robust patient education, mental health integration, and acceptance of a wide range of insurance plans. A lower score would indicate potential challenges in accessing care, such as a shortage of physicians, limited specialist availability, or a lack of telehealth options.

The analysis would also consider the demographics of the area, including the prevalence of asthma in the population. This information can be obtained from public health data and can help to understand the specific needs of the community.

Finally, the analysis should provide recommendations for improving the "Asthma Score." These recommendations might include suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs and specialists, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding patient education programs, and improving access to mental health services.

Ultimately, a comprehensive analysis will help residents of 06419 and Killingworth better understand the state of asthma care in their communities. This will help them make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in your area, including physician locations, practice details, and potential access challenges, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome.