42276, Russellville, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 42276, Russellville, Kentucky is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.80 percent of the residents in 42276 has some form of health insurance. 46.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.49 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 42276 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,096 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42276. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,668 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,380 health care providers accessible to residents in 42276, Russellville, Kentucky.

Asthma management within Russellville, Kentucky (ZIP code 42276) presents a complex landscape. Evaluating the quality of care necessitates a nuanced understanding of several key factors, including physician availability, practice specializations, integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support. This analysis aims to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, considering these elements to gauge the overall effectiveness of asthma care in the area.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of doctors relative to the population, can strain resources and potentially limit access to timely appointments and comprehensive care. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services or the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, would need to be consulted to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 42276 ZIP code. This data would then be compared against national and state averages to establish a baseline. A significantly lower ratio would negatively impact the “Asthma Score.”

Specialization within primary care practices is also crucial. While all primary care physicians (PCPs) can manage asthma, some have a greater interest in and expertise in respiratory conditions. Identifying practices with physicians who demonstrate a particular focus on asthma management, such as those with additional training or experience in pulmonology or allergy, would positively influence the score. Moreover, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, which is essential for assessing lung function, is a significant factor. Practices equipped with these tools demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is a modernizing factor that can significantly impact asthma management. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased accessibility for patients, particularly those in rural areas. It allows for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices actively incorporating telemedicine into their asthma care protocols would receive a higher score. This includes the use of patient portals for communication, remote monitoring devices, and virtual follow-up appointments. The ease of access and the ability to monitor patients remotely can lead to improved outcomes and reduced hospitalizations.

The integration of mental health resources is a vital component of asthma care, often overlooked. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This might include screening for mental health issues, providing educational materials, or collaborating with mental health providers to address the psychological aspects of asthma. Practices that fail to address mental health considerations would receive a lower score.

Standout practices within the 42276 ZIP code would be those that excel in multiple areas. This includes a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a demonstrated focus on asthma management within the practice, robust telemedicine adoption, and a strong integration of mental health resources. These practices would be considered leaders in asthma care and would significantly improve the overall “Asthma Score” for the area. Identifying these practices would involve a thorough review of practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially direct communication with the practices themselves.

Evaluating the availability of primary care in Russellville requires a broader perspective. The overall accessibility of primary care physicians, regardless of their specific expertise in asthma, is a fundamental factor. This includes assessing the number of PCPs, their geographic distribution within the ZIP code, and the availability of appointments. A shortage of PCPs, or limited appointment availability, would negatively impact the “Asthma Score.”

The presence of urgent care clinics or walk-in clinics also contributes to the assessment. These facilities can provide immediate care for asthma exacerbations, reducing the burden on emergency rooms. The availability of these alternative care options would positively influence the score. The ease of access to these facilities and their ability to manage asthma-related emergencies are essential.

Furthermore, the availability of educational resources for patients is a key element. Practices that provide educational materials about asthma management, including medication usage, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans, demonstrate a commitment to patient empowerment. This can improve patient self-management and lead to better outcomes. These resources might be available in multiple formats, including written materials, online videos, or group education sessions.

The overall “Asthma Score” for Russellville, Kentucky (42276) would be determined by aggregating the scores for each of the above factors. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be given a higher weight than the availability of educational materials. The final score would then be used to assess the overall quality of asthma care in the area.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in Russellville requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing physician availability, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The “Asthma Score” is a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.

For a detailed, interactive map visualizing physician locations, practice specializations, and other relevant data points within the 42276 ZIP code, visit CartoChrome maps. Explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.