40484, Stanford, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 40484, Stanford, Kentucky is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.67 percent of the residents in 40484 has some form of health insurance. 48.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.60 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 40484 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,748 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40484. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,098 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 658 health care providers accessible to residents in 40484, Stanford, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Stanford, KY (40484)

This analysis delves into the availability of primary care and assesses the potential for effective asthma management within Stanford, Kentucky (ZIP code 40484). We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, consider the adoption of telemedicine, and investigate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in determining an “Asthma Score” for this community. The ultimate goal is to understand the landscape of care and identify areas for improvement to better serve individuals with asthma.

Stanford, a small city in Lincoln County, likely faces challenges common to rural areas when it comes to healthcare access. A low population density can translate to fewer healthcare providers, potentially impacting physician-to-patient ratios. While precise figures require ongoing data collection and are constantly evolving, a preliminary assessment suggests a potential scarcity of primary care physicians relative to the population size. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially, inadequate management of chronic conditions like asthma.

The quality of asthma care depends heavily on the expertise and resources available within primary care practices. Identifying "standout practices" involves assessing several key factors. First, the presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is crucial. These specialists can provide individualized patient education on asthma triggers, medication management, and proper inhaler technique. Second, practices equipped with spirometry testing capabilities, a diagnostic tool for assessing lung function, are essential for accurate asthma diagnosis and monitoring. Third, the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate care coordination and data sharing with specialists is a significant advantage. Finally, a commitment to patient-centered care, including proactive communication and readily accessible appointment scheduling, further enhances the quality of care.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for expanding healthcare access in rural communities. Its adoption within Stanford's primary care landscape is a significant factor in our asthma score analysis. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. This is particularly beneficial for patients who face transportation barriers or have limited mobility. The extent of telemedicine integration, including the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients, significantly impacts the overall asthma score. Practices actively embracing telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to providing convenient and accessible care, which is particularly important for individuals managing a chronic condition.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is well-established, and this is particularly true for asthma. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. The availability of mental health resources within Stanford is therefore a critical component of our asthma score analysis. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, as well as support groups and educational programs. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their routine care demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being, contributing to improved asthma outcomes. The ability to seamlessly connect patients with mental health services is a crucial factor in achieving a high asthma score.

Evaluating the overall "Asthma Score" requires synthesizing the above factors. A high score would indicate a community with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, practices with certified asthma educators and spirometry capabilities, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score would suggest a community facing challenges in these areas, potentially leading to poorer asthma control and a reduced quality of life for affected individuals. The score is not a static number but rather a dynamic assessment reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape within the community.

The challenges of assessing healthcare access in a specific ZIP code are multifaceted. Data availability, privacy concerns, and the constant flux of healthcare providers and services require ongoing monitoring and analysis. However, understanding the current state of affairs is the first step towards improvement. For instance, the local health department, community organizations, and healthcare providers must collaborate to address any identified shortcomings. This might involve initiatives to recruit more primary care physicians, expand telemedicine services, and increase access to mental health resources.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthcare environment that supports effective asthma management and empowers individuals to live healthy and fulfilling lives. This requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses both the availability and the quality of care. The ongoing assessment of the "Asthma Score" serves as a valuable tool for monitoring progress, identifying areas for improvement, and advocating for the resources needed to meet the healthcare needs of the Stanford community.

For a comprehensive visual representation of healthcare resources in Stanford, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and mental health services, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive visualization of healthcare access, helping you understand the geographic distribution of resources and identify potential gaps in care.