40374, Sharpsburg, Kentucky Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 40374, Sharpsburg, Kentucky is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.49 percent of the residents in 40374 has some form of health insurance. 56.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.82 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 40374 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 692 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40374. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 363 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,742 health care providers accessible to residents in 40374, Sharpsburg, Kentucky.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Sharpsburg, KY (ZIP Code 40374)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Sharpsburg, Kentucky, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, identifies standout practices, examines telemedicine adoption, and evaluates the presence of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ for the community.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator. A low ratio, signifying fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times, reduced access to care, and potential strain on existing medical professionals. Analyzing this ratio within the 40374 ZIP code necessitates data from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the US Census Bureau. The ideal ratio is subjective, but a benchmark could be the national average, which fluctuates. A significantly higher ratio in Sharpsburg would raise concerns about accessibility.

Identifying standout practices involves scrutinizing several factors. This includes the number of physicians within a practice, the range of services offered (e.g., preventative care, chronic disease management, women’s health), patient reviews, and accreditation status. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems, such as those in Lexington or surrounding areas, might benefit from greater resources and specialized expertise. Conversely, smaller, independent practices often provide a more personalized approach. The ‘Overall Health Score’ must weigh both advantages.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth, and its continued integration offers several benefits, particularly in rural communities. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and provide convenient consultations for routine follow-ups. Evaluating telemedicine adoption requires assessing the number of practices offering virtual appointments, the types of services available via telehealth, and patient satisfaction with these services. A higher adoption rate generally contributes positively to the ‘Overall Health Score’.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is crucial. This analysis must consider the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and their acceptance of insurance. Partnerships between primary care physicians and mental health providers, such as integrated behavioral health models, can enhance care coordination and improve patient outcomes. A robust mental health infrastructure significantly boosts the ‘Overall Health Score’.

Specific practices within the 40374 ZIP code need detailed examination. This involves identifying the names of primary care providers, their specialties, and their affiliations. Research into their patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc provides valuable insights into patient experiences. The presence of specialized services, such as on-site labs or imaging, also contributes to the overall assessment. The ‘Overall Health Score’ will be influenced by the breadth and quality of care provided by these individual practices.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the geographical distribution of healthcare facilities within the ZIP code and its surrounding areas. Accessibility is about more than just the number of doctors; it's also about the distance patients must travel to receive care. The proximity of urgent care centers, hospitals, and pharmacies is also important. If residents must travel long distances for specialized care, the ‘Overall Health Score’ could be negatively impacted.

The presence of community health initiatives and programs also contributes to the overall health picture. This includes programs focused on preventative care, chronic disease management, and health education. Local health departments, community centers, and non-profit organizations often play a crucial role in providing these services. The ‘Overall Health Score’ benefits from the existence of a strong community-based healthcare infrastructure.

The evaluation of telemedicine adoption must extend beyond simply offering virtual appointments. It should consider the ease of use of the technology, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telehealth services into the overall care plan. Practices that effectively integrate telemedicine into their workflows and provide a seamless patient experience will receive higher marks. The ‘Overall Health Score’ will reflect the quality and accessibility of these virtual care options.

Mental health resource assessment should also delve into the availability of support groups and other community-based mental health programs. These programs can provide valuable support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. The presence of these resources, along with the availability of mental health professionals, will be factored into the ‘Overall Health Score’. The more comprehensive the mental health support network, the better the overall health outlook.

Ultimately, the ‘Overall Health Score’ for Sharpsburg, KY (40374) will be a composite measure. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality and breadth of services offered by primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of community health initiatives. This score will provide a snapshot of the health landscape in the community, offering insights into strengths and areas needing improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, population demographics, and other relevant data points within Sharpsburg, KY (40374), consider exploring CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping platform offers detailed visualizations and data analysis capabilities, providing valuable context for understanding the health landscape of the area.