40988, Stoney Fork, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 40988, Stoney Fork, Kentucky is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.95 percent of the residents in 40988 has some form of health insurance. 52.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.93 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 40988 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 91 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40988. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 69 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,019 health care providers accessible to residents in 40988, Stoney Fork, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors & Primary Care in Stoney Fork (ZIP Code 40988)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, particularly primary care and asthma management, within the Stoney Fork area (ZIP Code 40988) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, assesses the presence of standout medical practices, evaluates the adoption of telemedicine, and examines the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to construct an 'Asthma Score' that reflects the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing asthma within this specific geographic region.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Stoney Fork, a rural community, this ratio is likely a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of doctors per capita, can significantly impact access to care. Longer wait times for appointments, difficulty establishing a relationship with a primary care physician, and challenges in receiving timely follow-up care are all potential consequences. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, cross-referencing it with local practice information. Any analysis must account for the types of physicians available, with a focus on primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, and allergists, who are crucial for asthma management.

The presence of standout medical practices within the area significantly influences the 'Asthma Score'. These practices are characterized by several key attributes. Firstly, they demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based asthma management guidelines. This includes employing standardized diagnostic procedures, implementing individualized treatment plans, and regularly monitoring patient outcomes. Secondly, standout practices prioritize patient education. They empower patients to understand their condition, recognize triggers, and effectively manage their medications. Thirdly, these practices often incorporate advanced technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs), to improve care coordination and communication. Identifying these practices involves researching local physician directories, reviewing patient testimonials (while maintaining patient privacy), and analyzing publicly available data on practice performance metrics, if available.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in assessing the 'Asthma Score'. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and the use of mobile health applications, can significantly enhance access to care, particularly in rural areas like Stoney Fork. For asthma patients, telemedicine offers several advantages. It enables patients to receive timely consultations with specialists, monitor their symptoms remotely, and adjust their treatment plans as needed. The level of telemedicine adoption within the area can be evaluated by surveying local practices, examining their websites, and researching their participation in telehealth programs. Factors like the availability of reliable internet access, the willingness of physicians to adopt telemedicine technologies, and the reimbursement policies of insurance providers also play a significant role.

The integration of mental health resources is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Access to mental health support, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential for comprehensive asthma care. The 'Asthma Score' must reflect the availability of these resources within the community. This requires assessing the presence of mental health providers, the availability of mental health services within primary care practices, and the accessibility of support groups and other community resources. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is a sign of a strong healthcare system.

To construct the 'Asthma Score', each of these factors – physician-to-patient ratio, presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources – needs to be carefully weighted and assessed. The physician-to-patient ratio might receive a significant weighting, reflecting its fundamental impact on access. The presence of standout practices could be weighted based on the number and quality of practices meeting specific criteria. Telemedicine adoption could be weighted based on the percentage of practices offering telehealth services and the types of services offered. The integration of mental health resources could be weighted based on the availability of mental health providers and the degree of collaboration between primary care and mental health professionals.

The final 'Asthma Score' would then be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within the Stoney Fork area. This score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would allow patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, help providers identify areas for improvement, and inform policy decisions aimed at improving access to care and health outcomes.

The specific details of each of these factors will vary. For example, the exact physician-to-patient ratio will fluctuate depending on the data source and the methodology used. The number of standout practices may be limited, especially in a rural area. Telemedicine adoption rates will depend on the technological infrastructure and the willingness of providers to embrace new technologies. The availability of mental health resources will be influenced by the overall healthcare landscape and the specific needs of the community.

Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the 'Asthma Score' in Stoney Fork requires a thorough investigation, drawing on multiple data sources, and considering the unique characteristics of the community. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the key factors influencing asthma care and for assessing the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the area.

The results of this analysis, including the physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the level of telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, can be visualized and explored using interactive mapping tools. Consider using CartoChrome maps to visualize the healthcare landscape in Stoney Fork, identify areas with limited access to care, and explore the distribution of healthcare resources.