40906, Barbourville, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 40906, Barbourville, Kentucky is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.21 percent of the residents in 40906 has some form of health insurance. 67.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.48 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 40906 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,709 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40906. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,946 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 608 health care providers accessible to residents in 40906, Barbourville, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 40906 and Primary Care Availability in Barbourville

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Barbourville, Kentucky (ZIP code 40906) requires a multifaceted approach, considering both the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the specific expertise and resources offered by healthcare providers within the community. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and assess the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing an ‘Asthma Score’ assessment.

The foundation of asthma care relies heavily on accessible primary care. Barbourville, like many rural areas, faces challenges in PCP availability. A low physician-to-patient ratio signifies a potential bottleneck, impacting appointment wait times and the overall continuity of care. Ideally, a higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, would be preferable. However, the reality often reflects a scarcity, forcing patients to travel significant distances or endure prolonged delays to receive routine checkups and asthma management. This scarcity directly impacts the ‘Asthma Score,’ potentially lowering it due to compromised access.

Standout practices within the 40906 area are crucial for elevating the ‘Asthma Score.’ These practices typically demonstrate a commitment to asthma-specific care, incorporating evidence-based guidelines and offering specialized services. This might include board-certified allergists or pulmonologists within the practice or readily available referral pathways to specialists. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, both for patients and the community, also contribute significantly. Furthermore, the integration of advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, and the implementation of personalized asthma action plans are critical components of quality care. A practice demonstrating these qualities would undoubtedly receive a higher ‘Asthma Score’ rating.

Telemedicine adoption represents a vital component of modern healthcare, particularly in areas with limited access to specialists. The utilization of telehealth platforms can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to consult with physicians remotely. This is especially beneficial for asthma management, as it allows for regular monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and patient education. Practices actively embracing telemedicine, offering virtual checkups, and providing remote monitoring tools will receive a higher ‘Asthma Score’ component reflecting improved access and convenience. The ability to conduct virtual consultations can significantly reduce the burden on patients, especially those with mobility issues or limited transportation options.

The often-overlooked connection between asthma and mental health warrants careful consideration. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and conversely, these mental health conditions can worsen asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referral networks is essential. Practices that screen for mental health concerns, provide counseling services, or collaborate with mental health professionals will contribute positively to the ‘Asthma Score.’ This integrated approach recognizes the holistic needs of patients and promotes comprehensive care, improving overall well-being and asthma management outcomes.

The ‘Asthma Score’ itself would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contribution of each of these factors. A practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, a dedicated focus on asthma-specific care, robust telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health resources would receive a significantly higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited resources and accessibility challenges would receive a lower score. The score could be presented on a scale, perhaps 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of asthma care quality and accessibility.

Assessing the specific practices in Barbourville requires detailed investigation. Publicly available data, such as the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, can provide information on physician specialties and practice locations. Patient reviews and online directories can offer insights into patient experiences and practice reputations. Furthermore, contacting local healthcare providers directly can provide valuable information on services offered, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. This data collection would then inform the ‘Asthma Score’ calculations for each practice.

The challenges in Barbourville's healthcare landscape must be acknowledged. Limited resources, geographical isolation, and socioeconomic factors can all impact asthma care quality. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers. Strategies might include recruiting and retaining physicians, expanding telemedicine infrastructure, and increasing access to mental health services.

In conclusion, evaluating the asthma care landscape in ZIP code 40906 necessitates a comprehensive analysis of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. The resulting ‘Asthma Score’ provides a valuable assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care within the community. The score serves as a tool for both patients seeking care and healthcare providers striving to improve their services.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Barbourville, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into interactive visualizations, providing a clear and insightful overview of the asthma care environment.