41465, Salyersville, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 41465, Salyersville, Kentucky is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.84 percent of the residents in 41465 has some form of health insurance. 62.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.23 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 41465 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,659 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41465. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,746 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 529 health care providers accessible to residents in 41465, Salyersville, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Salyersville, KY (ZIP Code 41465)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of asthma care within Salyersville, Kentucky (ZIP code 41465), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) resources and related services. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telehealth adoption, and the availability of mental health support, all critical components of comprehensive asthma management.

Salyersville, a rural community, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. Geographic isolation, limited transportation options, and socioeconomic factors can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and effective asthma care. A comprehensive asthma score must therefore account for these realities.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Salyersville is a crucial starting point. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure will be consulted to determine the number of practicing PCPs within the 41465 ZIP code. This data will then be compared to the estimated population of Salyersville to calculate the ratio. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the Asthma Score. The ideal ratio is a moving target, but a comparison to national and state averages will provide context.

Beyond raw numbers, the qualifications and experience of the available PCPs are essential. Are there board-certified physicians? Do they have experience managing chronic respiratory conditions like asthma? Information on physician credentials, specializations, and years of experience will be gathered from public sources, including physician profiles and online reviews. Practices with physicians specializing in pulmonology or allergy and immunology, even if located outside the immediate ZIP code but accessible to patients, will positively influence the score.

Identifying standout practices is vital. This involves assessing the quality of care delivered by individual practices. Factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the availability of asthma-specific education programs, and the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines will be considered. Practices that proactively manage asthma through regular checkups, medication management, and patient education will receive higher ratings. The presence of dedicated asthma educators or respiratory therapists within a practice will significantly boost its score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telehealth offers a valuable tool for asthma management, providing remote consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of patients' respiratory health. The availability of telehealth services, including the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients will be evaluated. Practices actively utilizing telehealth to improve asthma care will be viewed favorably.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact a patient's quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a critical component of the Asthma Score. This assessment will include the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) and the accessibility of mental health services, including whether these services are offered within the primary care practices or through readily accessible community resources. Practices that integrate mental health screening and support into their asthma care will receive a higher score.

The availability of support services, such as asthma support groups and educational programs, will also be factored into the analysis. These resources empower patients to manage their condition effectively and improve their overall well-being. The presence of these resources and their accessibility to patients will positively influence the Asthma Score.

The overall "Asthma Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted importance of each factor. The weighting will reflect the relative importance of each factor in providing comprehensive and effective asthma care. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the presence of qualified physicians will carry significant weight, while the availability of support groups might be weighted slightly less.

The final Asthma Score will be presented as a numerical value, along with a narrative summary of the findings. The narrative will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the asthma care landscape in Salyersville, providing actionable insights for patients and healthcare providers. The analysis will also identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician access, expanding telehealth services, and improving mental health support.

This analysis acknowledges the complex interplay of factors that influence asthma care. It recognizes the challenges faced by rural communities and aims to provide a realistic and practical assessment of the resources available in Salyersville. The goal is to provide a valuable tool for patients, providers, and policymakers to improve asthma care and outcomes within the community.