42064, Marion, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 42064, Marion, Kentucky is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.92 percent of the residents in 42064 has some form of health insurance. 46.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.59 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 42064 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,803 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42064. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,547 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 189 health care providers accessible to residents in 42064, Marion, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Marion, KY (ZIP Code 42064) & Primary Care

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Marion, Kentucky, specifically within the 42064 ZIP code, requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider not only the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) but also the quality of care provided, access to specialized resources, and the integration of innovative technologies. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering these critical factors. Due to the limitations of publicly available data, this is an illustrative analysis, and any actual assessment would require detailed, proprietary data.

The foundation of asthma management lies in accessible and effective primary care. Marion, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas. One significant hurdle is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, directly impacts access. This means longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. Furthermore, a limited number of PCPs can strain the existing healthcare infrastructure, making it difficult for patients to receive timely and comprehensive care.

Primary care availability in Marion is a critical element. The number of PCPs actively practicing within the 42064 ZIP code is a primary indicator. We need to ascertain the number of general practitioners, family medicine physicians, and internal medicine specialists. Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of these physicians across the community is crucial. Are they concentrated in a single location, or are they dispersed, potentially serving different segments of the population? This geographical distribution impacts access, particularly for individuals with limited transportation options or mobility challenges.

The quality of primary care is another key consideration. This involves assessing the level of asthma-specific training among PCPs. Do they have experience managing asthma? Do they follow established asthma guidelines, such as those from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Access to electronic health records (EHRs) is also important. EHRs facilitate better coordination of care, allowing PCPs to share patient information with specialists and other healthcare providers efficiently. This is especially important in managing a chronic condition like asthma, where consistent monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans are often necessary.

Standout practices within the 42064 ZIP code would be those demonstrating a commitment to excellence in asthma care. This could include practices that have implemented specific asthma management protocols, such as routine spirometry testing to assess lung function. They may also have dedicated asthma educators or nurses who provide patient education and support. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, tracking patient outcomes and making data-driven improvements, would score highly. These practices would likely be recognized for their proactive approach to asthma management.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, overcoming geographical barriers. For asthma patients, telemedicine can be used for routine check-ups, medication adjustments, and education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would be viewed favorably. This technology can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care programs, either directly or through referrals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.

Specific examples of resources would be important. Are there pulmonologists or allergists within a reasonable driving distance? Access to these specialists is crucial for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. Are there pharmacies within the 42064 ZIP code that stock a wide range of asthma medications, including inhalers and nebulizers? The availability of these medications, along with their affordability, directly impacts a patient's ability to adhere to their treatment plan.

The Asthma Score would be a composite metric, reflecting the factors discussed above. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the number of PCPs with asthma-specific training, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of specialized care and medications. The score could be presented on a scale, such as a percentage or a letter grade, allowing for easy comparison between different areas or practices. The higher the score, the better the asthma care environment.

To conduct a comprehensive analysis, we would need to gather data from various sources. This includes publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, and the U.S. Census Bureau. We would also need to conduct surveys of local healthcare providers and patients to gather information about their experiences and perspectives. This data would then be analyzed to generate the Asthma Score and identify areas for improvement.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a snapshot of the asthma care landscape in Marion, Kentucky. It can serve as a starting point for identifying strengths and weaknesses, and for developing strategies to improve access to care and patient outcomes. This type of data-driven assessment can empower healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to work together to create a healthier environment for individuals with asthma.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Marion, KY, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and access to pharmacies, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.