42450, Providence, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 42450, Providence, Kentucky is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.20 percent of the residents in 42450 has some form of health insurance. 44.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.60 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 42450 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 667 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42450. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 713 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 881 health care providers accessible to residents in 42450, Providence, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Providence, KY (ZIP Code 42450)

This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP code 42450 (Providence, KY), evaluating the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on asthma management. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This score will consider factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive asthma care.

Providence, a small city in western Kentucky, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its rural setting often translates to limited access to specialized medical services, including pulmonology and allergy specialists, which are critical for optimal asthma management. The analysis begins by assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in primary care, the initial point of contact for most asthma patients. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care and potentially shorter wait times for appointments. Conversely, a higher ratio may indicate longer wait times and potentially strained resources, impacting the ability of primary care physicians to dedicate sufficient time to asthma management.

The quality of primary care is assessed by examining the practices and providers in the area. Standout practices are identified based on their adherence to national asthma guidelines, patient satisfaction scores, and the availability of comprehensive asthma management programs. These programs may include patient education, asthma action plans, and regular follow-up appointments. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a significant positive indicator, as these professionals play a vital role in empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. The analysis also examines the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, which is essential for accurately assessing lung function and diagnosing asthma.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in the asthma score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas. It enables patients to receive timely medical advice, medication refills, and follow-up appointments without the need for travel. The analysis assesses the extent to which primary care practices in Providence utilize telemedicine platforms, the types of services offered virtually, and patient satisfaction with these services. Practices with robust telemedicine programs receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to providing accessible and convenient care.

The integration of mental health resources is an increasingly important aspect of asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The analysis examines the availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referrals. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists receive higher scores. This integration ensures that patients receive holistic care, addressing both their physical and psychological needs.

The Asthma Score considers the overall infrastructure of healthcare in Providence. This includes the presence of local hospitals, pharmacies, and emergency services. The availability of these resources is critical for managing asthma exacerbations and ensuring timely access to care during emergencies. The analysis evaluates the proximity of primary care practices to these essential services and the efficiency of the referral process.

The evaluation also considers the availability of community resources that support asthma management. This includes support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications. The analysis examines the extent to which primary care practices collaborate with community organizations to provide these resources and promote patient education.

The analysis also considers the insurance landscape in Providence. The prevalence of different insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, is considered. The acceptance of different insurance plans by primary care practices is assessed, as this directly impacts patient access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans are viewed more favorably, ensuring that a broader population can access their services.

The assessment also considers the availability of after-hours care. Asthma symptoms can occur at any time, and access to timely medical advice and treatment is crucial. The analysis examines the availability of after-hours clinics, urgent care centers, or on-call physicians. Practices that offer 24/7 access to medical advice or have established protocols for after-hours care receive higher scores.

The analysis also considers the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs streamline patient care by providing healthcare providers with instant access to patient medical history, medication lists, and test results. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively are viewed more favorably, as they can improve care coordination and reduce the risk of medical errors.

The analysis also considers the availability of translation services. Providence has a diverse population, and the ability to communicate effectively with patients who speak different languages is crucial. The analysis examines the availability of translation services within primary care practices. Practices that offer translation services or have access to language interpreters receive higher scores, ensuring that all patients can understand their medical information and receive appropriate care.

The final Asthma Score is a composite score based on all these factors. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Providence, KY (ZIP code 42450). The score will be categorized into different levels, such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor," to provide a clear and concise evaluation. This score can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by community organizations to develop targeted interventions to improve asthma care in the area.

The Asthma Score is not a static measure; it is intended to be a dynamic tool that is updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This ongoing assessment will help to ensure that the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Providence continue to improve over time.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Providence, KY (ZIP code 42450), explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their mapping tools can provide valuable insights into physician locations, resource availability, and demographic data, enhancing your understanding of asthma care in the area.