40828, Evarts, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 40828, Evarts, Kentucky is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.07 percent of the residents in 40828 has some form of health insurance. 72.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.45 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 40828 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,199 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40828. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 764 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 345 health care providers accessible to residents in 40828, Evarts, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Evarts, KY (ZIP Code 40828)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility, particularly concerning asthma management, within the Evarts, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40828) area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will attempt to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, considering factors like physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all crucial elements in effective asthma care. The inherent limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged, as a definitive score would demand access to proprietary data and real-time information updates. However, through available public resources and industry insights, we can construct a reasonable assessment.

The foundation of asthma care hinges on access to primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio in Evarts and the surrounding Harlan County area is a significant concern. Rural areas often face shortages, and this can directly impact asthma management. Longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances, and potential difficulties in securing specialist referrals are typical consequences of a low PCP density. While precise figures fluctuate, the overall trend indicates a need for improved access to primary care. This scarcity directly affects the "Asthma Score," lowering it due to the fundamental challenge of timely access to care.

Evaluating individual practices requires examining several factors. The quality of asthma management protocols, the presence of certified asthma educators, and the availability of after-hours care are all critical. Standout practices would demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offering resources to help patients understand their condition, triggers, and medication regimens. They would also proactively monitor patients' asthma control, utilizing standardized questionnaires and spirometry to assess lung function. Furthermore, practices that integrate electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate communication with specialists would score higher. The absence of readily available data on individual practice specifics, however, makes a detailed ranking difficult.

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to address the geographic challenges of rural healthcare. Its adoption rate in Evarts is a crucial factor in our "Asthma Score." Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing travel burdens and improving access to care, especially for routine follow-up appointments and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. The availability of reliable internet access, however, is a limiting factor in the widespread adoption of telemedicine in some rural areas.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and the chronic nature of the condition can contribute to mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists and counselors, within the Evarts area is therefore a critical component of our "Asthma Score." Practices that integrate mental health screening into their asthma care protocols and have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would be considered more patient-centered and therefore score higher. The lack of robust mental health services in rural areas often presents a significant barrier to comprehensive asthma management.

Another crucial element is the availability of specialized asthma care. Access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for patients with severe or poorly controlled asthma. The proximity of specialists, and the ease with which patients can be referred to them, directly impacts the quality of care. Practices that have strong referral networks and facilitate timely access to specialists would contribute positively to the "Asthma Score." The limited availability of specialists in rural areas necessitates careful consideration of this factor.

The "Asthma Score" for Evarts (ZIP Code 40828) is thus likely to be moderate. The challenges of rural healthcare, including physician shortages, limited access to specialists, and the potential for inadequate mental health resources, weigh heavily. While individual practices may excel in certain areas, the overall accessibility and comprehensiveness of asthma care are likely to be constrained by these factors. The adoption of telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improvement, but its effectiveness depends on reliable internet access and physician willingness to embrace the technology.

The score would be negatively impacted by the physician-to-patient ratio, the potential for limited access to specialists, and the likely scarcity of mental health resources. The absence of readily available information on individual practice protocols and telemedicine adoption rates further complicates the assessment. However, practices that prioritize patient education, utilize EHRs, and have established referral networks would receive a higher score.

To improve the "Asthma Score," several steps are necessary. Increasing the number of primary care physicians and specialists, expanding mental health services, and promoting telemedicine adoption are all crucial. Investing in community health initiatives, such as asthma education programs and support groups, would also be beneficial. Furthermore, initiatives to improve internet access in rural areas would be essential for the successful implementation of telemedicine.

The analysis, however, is limited by the lack of specific data. A precise ranking would require access to proprietary information on physician availability, practice protocols, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resources. Publicly available data provides a general overview, but it cannot capture the nuances of individual practices and the specific challenges faced by patients in Evarts.

Ultimately, improving the "Asthma Score" for Evarts requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies. Addressing the systemic challenges of rural healthcare is essential to ensure that all residents have access to high-quality asthma care. This analysis, while limited in scope, highlights the key factors that must be considered in this effort.

For a more detailed and visually informative analysis of healthcare accessibility in Evarts, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and potential areas for improvement, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the community.