42347, Hartford, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 42347, Hartford, Kentucky is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.54 percent of the residents in 42347 has some form of health insurance. 45.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.90 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 42347 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42347. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,078 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 816 health care providers accessible to residents in 42347, Hartford, Kentucky.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities, especially in areas with environmental triggers and limited access to quality healthcare. This analysis focuses on evaluating the asthma care landscape for doctors within ZIP code 42347 (Hartford, Kentucky) and assesses primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" assessment.

The Asthma Score is a composite measure reflecting the quality and accessibility of asthma care. Factors considered include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, telemedicine availability, integration of mental health resources, and overall community health initiatives. The higher the score, the better the asthma care environment.

Hartford, Kentucky, presents a unique challenge due to its rural setting. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can strain healthcare resources and limit access to timely appointments and specialized care. While specific, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratios require ongoing data collection, publicly available sources such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state health departments can provide estimates. These figures, alongside data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists actively practicing in the area, are essential for calculating the initial score.

Primary care availability is another critical component. PCPs are often the first point of contact for asthma management. The availability of PCPs accepting new patients, offering extended hours, and providing comprehensive asthma education significantly impacts the Asthma Score. Hartford's rural nature might pose challenges to primary care access. Analyzing the number of practices, their patient load, and the presence of nurse practitioners or physician assistants (PAs) who can assist in asthma management is vital.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by practices in 42347 directly affects the Asthma Score. Practices offering virtual consultations for asthma management, medication refills, and follow-up appointments improve accessibility and convenience for patients, especially those with mobility issues or transportation limitations. Examining the types of telemedicine platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, secure messaging) and the availability of remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters with digital tracking) is crucial.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, but their integration significantly impacts patient outcomes. Asthma can be triggered or exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and depression. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, within or in close proximity to primary care practices, is a key factor in the Asthma Score. The presence of integrated behavioral health programs, where mental health professionals collaborate with PCPs to provide comprehensive care, is highly beneficial.

Standout practices in Hartford, if any, would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. Identifying practices demonstrating exemplary asthma management practices, such as patient education programs, asthma action plans, and regular spirometry testing, is essential. Practices participating in quality improvement initiatives, using evidence-based guidelines, and achieving positive patient outcomes deserve recognition. Any practice with a dedicated asthma specialist or a strong focus on asthma education would be a significant asset.

The overall community health initiatives in Hartford also contribute to the Asthma Score. These include programs aimed at reducing environmental triggers, such as air quality monitoring and interventions to control allergens in homes. Public health campaigns promoting asthma awareness, education, and early intervention also play a vital role. Partnerships between healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations to address asthma-related issues would positively impact the score.

The Asthma Score is not a static measure; it evolves with changes in healthcare practices and community resources. Regular reassessment is necessary to reflect these changes accurately. The final score would be a numerical value, perhaps on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible asthma care environment. The score would be accompanied by a detailed breakdown of the factors considered, including the physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource integration, and community health initiatives.

To illustrate, a practice scoring highly might have a reasonable physician-to-patient ratio, offer telemedicine consultations, integrate mental health services, and actively participate in community asthma awareness programs. Conversely, a practice scoring lower might have a limited physician-to-patient ratio, no telemedicine options, and a lack of mental health integration. The score would be a useful tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in Hartford.

The process of calculating the Asthma Score involves gathering data from various sources, including healthcare providers, public health agencies, and patient surveys. Data privacy and confidentiality are paramount. All data collected would be anonymized and aggregated to protect patient information. The methodology for calculating the score would be transparent and clearly defined.

The analysis of asthma care in Hartford, Kentucky, provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving patient outcomes. The Asthma Score framework allows for a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. It is a tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to collaboratively work towards a healthier community.

For a detailed visual representation of healthcare access, physician locations, and community resources in Hartford, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a dynamic view of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to visualize data, identify gaps in care, and make informed decisions.