40385, Waco, Kentucky Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 40385, Waco, Kentucky is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.40 percent of the residents in 40385 has some form of health insurance. 44.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.00 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 40385 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 592 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40385. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 411 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,179 health care providers accessible to residents in 40385, Waco, Kentucky.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: ZIP Code 40385 and Waco Primary Care

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the medical landscape within ZIP code 40385 (likely a rural area) and the availability of primary care in Waco, Texas. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, notable medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment and identify areas of strength and weakness.

**ZIP Code 40385: A Rural Healthcare Perspective**

The healthcare situation in ZIP code 40385 presents unique challenges and opportunities. Rural areas often face difficulties in accessing medical care due to geographical limitations, a smaller pool of healthcare professionals, and socioeconomic factors. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. In rural settings, this ratio tends to be significantly higher (fewer doctors per capita) than in urban centers. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for patients, and potentially reduced access to specialized care. The specific ratio for 40385 requires localized data, but a high ratio would negatively impact the overall health score.

The presence of standout medical practices is vital. These practices can act as anchors, providing high-quality care and attracting other healthcare professionals to the area. Evaluating the types of services offered, the patient satisfaction levels, and the practice's commitment to community outreach are key factors. A practice offering a broad range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and possibly some specialty services, would positively influence the score. Conversely, a lack of comprehensive care options would detract from it.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly important in rural areas. It can bridge the geographical gap, allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely, access specialist consultations, and receive remote monitoring for chronic conditions. The availability of reliable internet access is a crucial prerequisite for effective telemedicine implementation. The degree to which practices in 40385 have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered remotely and the ease of access for patients, significantly impacts the health score. A high level of telemedicine adoption would be a major positive factor.

Mental health resources are often scarce in rural areas. Assessing the availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health support groups is essential. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices is a significant advantage. The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of overall health and well-being. A lack of accessible mental health services would severely impact the overall score.

**Primary Care Availability in Waco: A City-Level Assessment**

Waco, being a city, likely has a different healthcare landscape than 40385. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely to be more favorable, but it still needs to be analyzed specifically. The distribution of primary care physicians across the city is also important. Are there underserved areas with limited access? This geographic distribution is a key factor in the overall health score.

The quality and reputation of primary care practices in Waco are important. This includes the range of services offered, the use of electronic health records, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices with a strong focus on preventative care and chronic disease management contribute positively to the score. The presence of teaching hospitals or clinics affiliated with medical schools can also indicate a higher standard of care.

Telemedicine adoption in Waco is also important, although the geographical constraints may be less significant than in rural settings. Telemedicine can still improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in areas with limited transportation options. The extent to which primary care practices offer telemedicine services, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring, affects the score.

Mental health resources in Waco are a crucial element. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is assessed. The presence of mental health clinics, community mental health centers, and support groups is also important. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is a key indicator of a patient-centered approach. A robust and accessible mental health infrastructure will significantly boost the overall health score.

**Comparative Analysis and Score Derivation**

Deriving an overall health score requires a quantitative and qualitative analysis. The physician-to-patient ratios are quantifiable and can be compared to national or state averages. The presence and quality of medical practices can be assessed through patient reviews, accreditation status, and the range of services offered. Telemedicine adoption can be measured by the percentage of practices offering virtual appointments and the types of services available remotely. Mental health resources can be assessed by the number of mental health professionals per capita and the availability of mental health clinics and support groups.

Each of these factors is assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of mental health services might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, although all contribute. The scores for each factor are then combined to produce an overall health score.

**Conclusion**

The overall health score for ZIP code 40385 is likely to be lower than that of Waco, given the challenges of rural healthcare. However, the presence of standout practices, high telemedicine adoption, and strong mental health resources can significantly improve the score. Waco, with its larger population and potentially better physician-to-patient ratios, is likely to have a higher overall health score, but the distribution of resources, the quality of care, and the accessibility of mental health services are crucial factors.

For a detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in these areas, including physician locations, practice types, and the distribution of resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. They can provide invaluable insights into healthcare access and resource allocation, enabling informed decision-making and targeted interventions.