41630, Garrett, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 41630, Garrett, Kentucky is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.24 percent of the residents in 41630 has some form of health insurance. 50.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.63 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 41630 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 209 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41630. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 160 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,172 health care providers accessible to residents in 41630, Garrett, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Garrett, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41630)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area like Garrett, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41630) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on asthma care, primary care availability, and related resources. We'll examine the landscape of physicians, particularly primary care providers, and their capacity to serve the community. Furthermore, we will assess the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and other factors impacting the overall Asthma Score for the region.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Garrett, and by extension, the broader ZIP code 41630, is a critical starting point. Rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially leading to a lower ratio compared to urban centers. This means fewer physicians are available to serve a larger population, impacting access to care, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Data from state and national sources, such as the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to ascertain the precise physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio necessitates longer wait times for appointments and potentially limits the ability of patients to receive timely and consistent care.

Primary care availability is directly linked to asthma management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for asthma patients. They diagnose, manage, and coordinate care. The number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, their acceptance of new patients, and their ability to provide comprehensive asthma care are essential factors. This involves assessing their familiarity with asthma guidelines, their access to specialist referrals (e.g., pulmonologists, allergists), and their capacity to provide patient education on asthma triggers, medication management, and emergency protocols. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services, contributes to the overall availability.

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management often exhibit specific characteristics. These might include: implementing asthma action plans, utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and medication adherence, offering patient education sessions, and actively participating in quality improvement initiatives. Furthermore, practices that are accessible, offering convenient appointment scheduling, extended hours, or weekend availability, significantly enhance the patient experience. These practices serve as models for others and contribute to a higher overall Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve asthma care in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, overcoming geographical barriers. This can include virtual consultations with PCPs or specialists, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and medication management support. The availability of reliable internet access is a prerequisite for telemedicine implementation. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially increase access to care, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and improve patient outcomes.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are critical. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are common among asthma patients. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the community is essential. Ideally, these professionals should be integrated into the primary care setting or have established referral pathways with local PCPs. This integration ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs.

To calculate an accurate Asthma Score, several factors must be considered and weighted appropriately. These include the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of PCPs, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The specific weighting of each factor would depend on its perceived importance and the availability of reliable data. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio might receive a higher negative weight, while the presence of telemedicine capabilities might receive a positive weight.

Data collection for this analysis requires a multi-pronged approach. Publicly available data from the state and federal government, such as the Kentucky Department for Public Health and HRSA, can provide information on physician demographics, healthcare facility locations, and socioeconomic indicators. Additionally, surveys of local healthcare providers and patient feedback are invaluable for assessing the quality of care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

The final Asthma Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of asthma care in Garrett, Kentucky. The score would provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the current state of healthcare and identifying areas for improvement. It could also be used to track progress over time, as healthcare providers implement new strategies and resources.

The analysis would also need to consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the population served by the healthcare providers in ZIP code 41630. Factors such as poverty rates, insurance coverage, and educational attainment can significantly impact access to care and patient outcomes. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for improving the Asthma Score and ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need.

Ultimately, a comprehensive Asthma Score analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in Garrett, Kentucky. It highlights areas of strength and weakness, informing efforts to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and ultimately, improve the health and well-being of the community.

Want to visualize this data and explore the healthcare landscape of Garrett, Kentucky, and other areas? Consider using CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential areas for improvement.