40823, Cumberland, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 40823, Cumberland, Kentucky is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.27 percent of the residents in 40823 has some form of health insurance. 72.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 33.37 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 40823 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,139 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40823. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 578 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 125 health care providers accessible to residents in 40823, Cumberland, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Cumberland, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40823)

This analysis provides an assessment of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 40823, focusing on asthma management and primary care accessibility in Cumberland, Kentucky. It considers various factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide an “Asthma Score” ranking. The analysis is designed to inform patients and healthcare providers about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system concerning asthma care.

Cumberland, nestled within the Appalachian region, faces unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The area's demographics, including a potentially higher prevalence of asthma due to environmental factors and socioeconomic conditions, necessitate a robust and accessible healthcare infrastructure. The “Asthma Score” will reflect the capacity of the local healthcare system to effectively address these needs.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

A critical component of the Asthma Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) significantly impacts asthma management. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed asthma management, negatively affecting the Asthma Score. Data from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the US Census Bureau will be crucial in determining this ratio for ZIP code 40823. The analysis will also consider the number of pulmonologists and allergists within the area or within a reasonable commuting distance, as these specialists are vital for complex asthma cases.

Primary care availability extends beyond the raw number of physicians. The analysis will examine the operating hours of primary care practices, including the availability of evening and weekend appointments. Furthermore, the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, will be assessed, as these are crucial for ensuring access to care for a significant portion of the population. The presence of walk-in clinics or urgent care facilities within the area will also be considered, as these can provide immediate care for asthma exacerbations, improving the overall Asthma Score.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their approach to asthma management. This includes assessing their use of evidence-based guidelines, the availability of asthma education programs for patients, and the implementation of asthma action plans. Practices that actively monitor patient adherence to medication regimens and provide proactive follow-up care will receive higher scores. The analysis will also consider the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to facilitate communication and coordination of care between different healthcare providers.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews to gauge the quality of care provided by local practices. Practices with positive patient feedback, particularly regarding communication, empathy, and the effectiveness of treatment plans, will be recognized. The analysis will also look for practices that actively participate in community outreach programs or collaborate with local schools to educate children and families about asthma management.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Implications:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to asthma care, particularly in rural areas like Cumberland. The analysis will assess the extent to which local practices have adopted telemedicine technologies, such as virtual consultations and remote monitoring devices. Practices that offer telemedicine services can provide convenient access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments.

The effectiveness of telemedicine in asthma management depends on several factors. The analysis will consider the availability of reliable internet connectivity in the area, as this is essential for successful virtual consultations. It will also evaluate the training and support provided to both physicians and patients in using telemedicine platforms. Practices that offer remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, such as peak flow meter readings or symptom diaries, can proactively identify and address potential exacerbations, improving the Asthma Score.

**Mental Health Resources and Asthma Management:**

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 is a crucial factor in the Asthma Score. The analysis will examine the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the area or accessible through referral networks.

The integration of mental health services into asthma care is essential. The analysis will look for practices that screen patients for mental health conditions and provide referrals to mental health professionals when needed. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, such as counseling or support groups, will receive higher scores. The availability of resources for managing stress and anxiety, such as mindfulness programs or relaxation techniques, will also be considered.

**Concluding Remarks and Call to Action:**

The “Asthma Score” analysis for ZIP code 40823 will provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Cumberland, Kentucky, concerning asthma management and primary care accessibility. The final score will reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This information will be valuable for patients seeking asthma care, healthcare providers looking to improve their services, and policymakers aiming to enhance healthcare access in the area.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cumberland and visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a detailed view of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.