40055, Pendleton, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 40055, Pendleton, Kentucky is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.99 percent of the residents in 40055 has some form of health insurance. 38.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.24 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 40055 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 547 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40055. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 384 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,414 health care providers accessible to residents in 40055, Pendleton, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pendleton, KY (ZIP Code 40055)

This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within Pendleton, Kentucky (ZIP code 40055), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, offering insights into the accessibility and comprehensiveness of care for individuals managing asthma in this specific geographic area. This analysis is built on publicly available data and common industry benchmarks.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible and responsive primary care. In Pendleton, assessing primary care availability requires examining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. Data on the number of PCPs, including family medicine physicians, general internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians, is essential. This data, when combined with the estimated population of 40055, allows for the calculation of a physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to care. However, this is only one piece of the puzzle.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. Assessing this involves evaluating factors like appointment wait times, the availability of same-day appointments for urgent asthma exacerbations, and the implementation of evidence-based asthma management protocols. Practices that adhere to guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) are likely to provide higher-quality care. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate medication reconciliation, allergy tracking, and proactive patient outreach also contributes to improved asthma management.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access. A high ratio, indicating a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access, allowing for more comprehensive care and proactive management of asthma. However, even with a favorable ratio, other factors like insurance acceptance, the availability of specialists, and the willingness of physicians to accept new patients significantly impact access.

Identifying standout practices within Pendleton is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to asthma-specific care, evidenced by factors such as specialized training among staff (e.g., certified asthma educators), the availability of in-office pulmonary function testing, and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that actively monitor asthma control using validated questionnaires and regularly adjust treatment plans based on patient feedback and objective measures of lung function deserve recognition. These practices often serve as models for others in the community.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma management, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption within Pendleton is a key factor in this analysis. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and symptom monitoring. This can reduce the burden of travel, improve adherence to treatment plans, and facilitate early intervention in case of exacerbations. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer virtual visits, the types of services offered through telemedicine (e.g., medication management, education), and patient satisfaction with these services.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, and these conditions can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. This analysis assesses the extent to which practices in Pendleton screen patients for mental health conditions, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. Integration of mental health services contributes to a higher “Asthma Score.”

Evaluating the availability of asthma-specific resources, such as support groups, educational materials, and access to specialized care (e.g., pulmonologists), is another critical aspect of the analysis. The presence of these resources can empower patients to better manage their condition and improve their quality of life. The accessibility of these resources, including their location, hours of operation, and any associated costs, is also considered.

The “Asthma Score” for Pendleton, KY, is a composite assessment. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of asthma-specific resources. Each of these factors is weighted based on its relative importance in achieving optimal asthma management. The final score reflects the overall accessibility, comprehensiveness, and quality of asthma care within the ZIP code. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for individuals managing asthma.

This analysis provides a snapshot of the asthma care landscape in Pendleton, KY. However, the healthcare landscape is dynamic. Data on physician availability, practice offerings, and the adoption of new technologies changes frequently. This analysis is intended to provide a baseline assessment and should be regularly updated to reflect these changes.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources in Pendleton and surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant data points, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.