41759, Sassafras, Kentucky Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 41759, Sassafras, Kentucky is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.71 percent of the residents in 41759 has some form of health insurance. 77.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 20.52 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 41759 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 110 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41759. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 17 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 227 health care providers accessible to residents in 41759, Sassafras, Kentucky.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in 41759 and Primary Care in Sassafras

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the availability and quality of healthcare services within ZIP Code 41759 and the broader context of primary care access in Sassafras. The assessment considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in these areas.

**41759: A Deep Dive into Healthcare Access**

ZIP Code 41759, located in a rural area, presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The primary concern is the physician-to-patient ratio. Rural areas often face a shortage of medical professionals, resulting in a higher patient load per doctor. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a decline in the quality of care. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure would be vital to determine the precise ratio within 41759. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, would negatively impact the overall health score.

Identifying standout medical practices within 41759 is crucial. These practices, through their commitment to patient care, innovation, and community involvement, often serve as beacons of quality healthcare. Assessing their performance requires examining factors like patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., preventative care, chronic disease management), and their integration with local hospitals or specialist networks. Practices demonstrating a strong commitment to patient education and community outreach would further elevate the overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical component of healthcare in rural settings. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. The extent of telemedicine adoption in 41759, including the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities for patients with chronic conditions, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for streamlined communication, directly impacts the overall health score. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine would contribute positively to the score.

The availability of mental health resources is another significant factor. Mental health is often overlooked in rural communities, leading to a higher prevalence of untreated mental illnesses. Assessing the availability of psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and support groups within 41759 is essential. The presence of integrated mental health services within primary care practices, the availability of crisis intervention services, and the accessibility of mental health resources for children and adolescents would all positively influence the overall health score.

**Primary Care Availability in Sassafras: A Broader Perspective**

While the analysis of 41759 focuses on a specific geographic area, evaluating primary care availability in Sassafras requires a broader perspective. This involves assessing the overall density of primary care physicians within the region, considering factors such as population size, geographic distribution, and the presence of underserved populations.

The physician-to-patient ratio remains a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating a greater availability of primary care physicians, would lead to a higher overall health score. This analysis needs to consider the number of primary care physicians, including general practitioners, family doctors, and internal medicine specialists, practicing within Sassafras and its surrounding areas.

The geographic distribution of primary care practices is also important. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving other parts of Sassafras underserved? The proximity of patients to primary care providers, considering factors like travel time and access to transportation, is a critical element.

The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health centers can significantly improve primary care access, especially for low-income and uninsured populations. These centers often provide comprehensive services, including primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services, on a sliding-fee scale. Their presence and accessibility would positively impact the overall health score.

The adoption of value-based care models, where physicians are incentivized to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, is also relevant. Practices participating in these models often prioritize preventative care, chronic disease management, and patient education, contributing to better health outcomes.

**Synthesis and Conclusion**

The overall health score for both 41759 and primary care availability in Sassafras is determined by a combination of these factors. A high score reflects a robust healthcare system with adequate physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of high-quality medical practices, the widespread adoption of telemedicine, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score indicates challenges in accessing care, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes.

The analysis emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making in healthcare. Accurate and up-to-date information on physician-to-patient ratios, the location of medical practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources is essential for assessing healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement.

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