42378, Whitesville, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 42378, Whitesville, Kentucky is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.08 percent of the residents in 42378 has some form of health insurance. 35.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.29 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 42378 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 890 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42378. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 446 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,122 health care providers accessible to residents in 42378, Whitesville, Kentucky.

The analysis focuses on asthma care within ZIP code 42378, specifically Whitesville, Kentucky, and aims to evaluate the availability and quality of primary care services relevant to asthma management. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, all factors that contribute to an effective asthma score.

Whitesville, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas, including physician shortages and limited specialized care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. National averages for primary care physicians are often cited, but the reality in Whitesville may differ significantly. Data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Kentucky Department for Public Health would be essential to determine the actual ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can strain the healthcare system, making it harder for asthma patients to secure timely appointments and consistent care.

Evaluating the performance of primary care practices within the ZIP code requires a deeper dive. This involves looking at patient outcomes, adherence to asthma treatment guidelines, and patient satisfaction. Publicly available data, such as patient reviews or data from quality reporting programs, could offer insights. Identifying standout practices would mean highlighting those that demonstrate excellent asthma management. This includes practices that proactively manage asthma triggers, provide comprehensive patient education, and coordinate care with specialists when needed. Such practices often have dedicated asthma educators or nurses who work closely with patients.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the asthma score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients in rural areas. It can improve access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or limited transportation options. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual check-ins, medication refills, and remote monitoring of peak flow meters or other vital signs, would likely score higher. The ability to quickly address asthma exacerbations through virtual means can significantly reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

Mental health resources are also a critical component of the asthma score. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health services or referrals to mental health professionals would be considered more comprehensive in their care. This could include on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health clinics, or readily available information about mental health resources in the community. A holistic approach to asthma management considers the patient's emotional and psychological needs.

Specific practices in Whitesville would need individual evaluation. Identifying the number of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is the first step. Then, data on each practice's patient volume, insurance acceptance, and the availability of specialized services, such as pulmonary function testing, must be gathered. The presence of asthma-specific education programs, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for asthma management, and the integration of telemedicine are all important factors.

The quality of care can be assessed by examining patient outcomes. This includes the frequency of asthma exacerbations, the use of rescue medications, and the control of asthma symptoms. Practices that consistently achieve good control of asthma symptoms, as measured by standardized questionnaires or patient reports, would receive higher scores. Patient satisfaction surveys are also valuable. These surveys can provide insights into the patient experience, including ease of access, communication with healthcare providers, and the overall quality of care.

The availability of specialists is another factor to consider. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact, access to pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists is often necessary for managing complex asthma cases. The proximity of these specialists and the ease of referral processes are important. Practices that have established relationships with specialists and can facilitate timely referrals would be better equipped to provide comprehensive asthma care.

In summary, the asthma score for doctors in ZIP code 42378, specifically Whitesville, Kentucky, is a complex evaluation. It encompasses physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. The actual score would depend on a detailed assessment of these factors, including data on patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the availability of specialized services. The goal is to identify and support practices that are providing the best possible care for asthma patients in the community.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and the accessibility of resources, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, providing valuable insights into the healthcare landscape in Whitesville and beyond.