42784, Upton, Kentucky Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 42784, Upton, Kentucky is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.29 percent of the residents in 42784 has some form of health insurance. 49.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.88 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 42784 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 764 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42784. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 361 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 214 health care providers accessible to residents in 42784, Upton, Kentucky.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Upton, KY (ZIP Code 42784)

This analysis provides an in-depth assessment of asthma care accessibility and quality within Upton, Kentucky (ZIP code 42784), focusing on primary care physician availability, specific practice attributes, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all relevant to managing asthma effectively. The goal is to understand the current landscape and highlight areas for potential improvement, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.

Upton, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The analysis considers the limited geographical area and its impact on access to specialized care, while also exploring the potential for innovative solutions to address the needs of asthma patients.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within a specific ZIP code requires access to real-time, comprehensive data that is often proprietary. However, we can make informed estimations based on publicly available information and demographic data. The population of Upton, KY, is relatively small. This suggests that the physician-to-patient ratio may be less favorable compared to more densely populated areas. The availability of primary care physicians is therefore crucial. The presence of a robust primary care infrastructure is the cornerstone of effective asthma management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing initial diagnoses, developing treatment plans, and monitoring disease progression.

The limited number of PCPs in the area necessitates a careful evaluation of their capacity and the patient load they manage. Overburdened PCPs may have less time to dedicate to asthma-specific care, potentially impacting the quality of care provided. The analysis considers the presence of family medicine practices, internal medicine clinics, and any other providers who offer primary care services within the 42784 ZIP code.

**Standout Practices and Their Attributes:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating various factors, including the qualifications and experience of the physicians, the availability of specialized equipment, and the implementation of evidence-based asthma management protocols. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive asthma management, and a patient-centered approach are considered highly valuable.

The analysis examines the practices' adherence to national asthma guidelines, such as those provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for asthma diagnosis, treatment, and management. Practices that consistently follow these guidelines are more likely to provide high-quality care.

Furthermore, the analysis considers the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT) capabilities, which are essential for assessing lung function and monitoring disease severity. Practices that offer PFTs can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of their patients' asthma.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to asthma care, especially in rural areas like Upton. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing disruptions to their daily lives.

The analysis evaluates the extent to which practices in the 42784 ZIP code have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities (e.g., using wearable devices to track symptoms), and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication and information sharing.

Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma care delivery models are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care, leading to improved patient adherence to treatment plans and better asthma control. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be readily available in the local area.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance:**

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among asthma patients, and these mental health challenges can exacerbate asthma symptoms and worsen overall health outcomes.

The analysis considers the availability of mental health resources within the Upton community. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, who specialize in treating patients with chronic illnesses.

Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care programs are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This may involve offering on-site counseling services, providing referrals to mental health specialists, or incorporating mental health screening tools into routine asthma care.

**Specific Considerations for Upton:**

Given the rural nature of Upton, transportation challenges and limited access to specialized care are key considerations. The analysis explores how practices are addressing these challenges, such as offering transportation assistance to patients or collaborating with specialists in nearby cities.

The analysis also considers the socioeconomic factors that may impact asthma management in Upton. This includes assessing the prevalence of poverty, housing conditions, and environmental factors that can contribute to asthma triggers. Practices that are aware of these factors and provide culturally sensitive care are more likely to achieve positive patient outcomes.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

The overall asthma score for doctors in ZIP code 42784, and the associated primary care availability in Upton, is likely influenced by the area's rural setting and resource limitations. While the small population may present certain advantages, such as a potentially close-knit community, the limited number of healthcare providers and the challenges associated with accessing specialized care are significant considerations.

The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are crucial elements in determining the quality of asthma care in Upton. Practices that prioritize these aspects and demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

To gain a more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Upton, including the location of practices, the distribution of resources, and potential areas for improvement, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare services and the accessibility of care for asthma patients.