40165, Shepherdsville, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 40165, Shepherdsville, Kentucky is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.94 percent of the residents in 40165 has some form of health insurance. 37.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.05 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 40165 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,549 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 191 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40165. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,018 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 20,510 health care providers accessible to residents in 40165, Shepherdsville, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Shepherdsville, KY (ZIP Code 40165)

The assessment of asthma care within Shepherdsville, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40165) necessitates a multifaceted approach, evaluating not just the presence of physicians but also the quality of care, accessibility, and supporting resources. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" perspective, considering key factors impacting patient outcomes, particularly concerning primary care access and the integration of modern healthcare practices.

The foundation of asthma care in Shepherdsville, as in any community, rests upon the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and a potential strain on the healthcare system. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing up-to-date, publicly available data from sources like the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the US Census Bureau. However, a general assessment can be made by examining the number of PCPs listed within the ZIP code and comparing it to the population of Shepherdsville. A low ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Primary care accessibility is further influenced by factors beyond the raw number of physicians. The acceptance of new patients by local practices is a crucial indicator. Practices that are consistently accepting new patients demonstrate a commitment to serving the community and expanding access to care. Conversely, practices with closed patient panels may create bottlenecks, forcing patients to seek care outside of the immediate area, potentially hindering timely intervention and management of asthma symptoms. The Asthma Score will reflect this.

The quality of asthma care is another essential component. Assessing this requires evaluating the practices' adherence to established asthma guidelines, such as those published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Factors to consider include the availability of spirometry testing (a key diagnostic tool), the provision of asthma action plans, and the education of patients on proper inhaler technique and medication management. Practices that consistently implement these best practices would receive a higher score.

Standout practices in Shepherdsville, if any, would be those demonstrating exceptional commitment to asthma care. This could involve practices that have specialized asthma clinics, offer comprehensive asthma education programs, or actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. Identifying these practices requires a review of practice websites, patient testimonials, and potentially, interviews with local healthcare professionals. The Asthma Score would highlight these practices.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare, and its role in asthma management is significant. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication refills, and asthma education, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for asthma care would receive a positive score, reflecting their commitment to expanding access and convenience.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they play a critical role. Asthma can be a chronic condition that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their asthma care protocols would be considered to be demonstrating a more holistic approach, leading to an improved Asthma Score. This is especially important because poorly managed mental health can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

The presence of ancillary services also impacts the Asthma Score. Access to respiratory therapists, allergy specialists, and pharmacies that stock asthma medications are all critical components of a comprehensive asthma care system. The availability of these services within Shepherdsville, or in close proximity, would positively impact the overall score.

Evaluating the insurance coverage accepted by local practices is another crucial factor. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, ensure that asthma care is accessible to a broader segment of the population. Practices that have limited insurance options may create barriers to care, particularly for low-income individuals. The Asthma Score will reflect this.

The overall Asthma Score for Shepherdsville (ZIP Code 40165) would be a composite of all these factors. It would reflect the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of asthma care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the accessibility of ancillary services. A high score would indicate a community that is well-equipped to manage asthma effectively, while a low score would highlight areas needing improvement.

The data required to create a truly comprehensive Asthma Score is complex and often requires access to proprietary databases and real-time information. However, the general framework described above provides a valuable starting point for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care within Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Further investigation, including direct outreach to local healthcare providers and a detailed analysis of available data, would be necessary to generate a definitive Asthma Score.

For a more detailed, interactive, and visually compelling understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shepherdsville, including physician locations, practice information, and demographic data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a dynamic and intuitive way to visualize the factors influencing asthma care and primary care availability in your area.