40140, Garfield, Kentucky Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 40140, Garfield, Kentucky is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.97 percent of the residents in 40140 has some form of health insurance. 57.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.83 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 40140 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 220 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40140. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 146 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 198 health care providers accessible to residents in 40140, Garfield, Kentucky.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Garfield, KY (ZIP Code 40140)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 40140, encompassing Garfield, Kentucky, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not just the presence of physicians, but also the accessibility, quality, and integration of healthcare services. This analysis provides an ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, evaluating key factors and highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

The foundation of any health assessment lies in the availability of primary care. Garfield, a relatively small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas. Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial metric. A low ratio indicates a shortage of primary care physicians, potentially leading to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and reduced access to preventative care. The national average is around 1:1,000, but rural areas often struggle to meet this standard. Without specific data for Garfield, it's reasonable to assume the ratio might be higher, indicating a potential access problem.

Standout practices, if any, would play a vital role in mitigating these challenges. Identifying practices with a strong reputation for patient care, comprehensive services, and a commitment to the community is essential. This includes evaluating the range of services offered, the experience of the medical staff, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day availability are particularly valuable in addressing access issues. Information on the quality of care, such as adherence to evidence-based guidelines and patient outcomes, would further refine this assessment.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve healthcare access in Garfield. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and patient adoption rates are key. Practices actively embracing telemedicine can significantly improve the overall health score by expanding access to care.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial. Garfield, like many rural communities, may face shortages in this area. Assessing the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the integration of mental health services with primary care are essential. Partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers can improve access to mental health care and promote holistic patient well-being.

The economic and social determinants of health also influence the overall health score. Factors such as income levels, education, access to healthy food, and housing quality can significantly impact health outcomes. Addressing these factors through community initiatives and social support programs can complement healthcare services and improve the overall health of the community.

The assessment must also consider the integration of healthcare services. Does the community have a coordinated care system where primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other healthcare providers work together to provide seamless care? Effective communication and information sharing between healthcare providers are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

To arrive at an ‘Overall Health Score,’ a weighted approach is necessary. Each factor discussed above – physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and social determinants of health – contributes to the final score. The weighting of each factor should reflect its relative importance in the context of Garfield. For instance, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of mental health resources might be given higher weights due to their critical impact on access to care.

Based on this analysis, the ‘Overall Health Score’ for Garfield, KY (ZIP code 40140) is likely to be moderate, with areas of both strength and weakness. The potential for a lower physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with possible limitations in mental health resources, would likely pull the score down. However, the presence of standout practices and proactive telemedicine adoption could improve the score. The final score would depend on the specific data available for each factor and the weighting assigned to each.

To improve the ‘Overall Health Score,’ several recommendations are essential. Recruiting and retaining primary care physicians is a priority. Incentives, such as loan repayment programs and support for practice development, could attract physicians to the area. Expanding mental health services, through telehealth, partnerships with larger healthcare systems, and community-based programs, is crucial. Promoting telemedicine adoption by both providers and patients can significantly improve access to care. Addressing social determinants of health through community initiatives, such as food banks, housing assistance programs, and educational opportunities, is also essential.

This comprehensive analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the health landscape in Garfield, KY. It highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to improve the ‘Overall Health Score’ and ensure that residents have access to the healthcare they need. Further investigation into specific data points, like physician availability, practice performance, and mental health service utilization, would provide a more precise and actionable assessment.