41764, Smilax, Kentucky Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 41764, Smilax, Kentucky is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.58 percent of the residents in 41764 has some form of health insurance. 66.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.25 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 41764 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 24 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41764. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 139 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 217 health care providers accessible to residents in 41764, Smilax, Kentucky.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Smilax, KY (ZIP Code 41764)

Analyzing the overall health score for the community served by ZIP code 41764, encompassing the area around Smilax, Kentucky, reveals a complex picture. This analysis considers factors critical to healthcare access and quality, including physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform community health initiatives and patient decision-making.

One of the most significant determinants of a community's health score is the physician-to-patient ratio. In rural areas like Smilax, this ratio often presents a significant challenge. While precise figures fluctuate, the general trend indicates a scarcity of primary care physicians compared to the population size. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. The geographical isolation of Smilax exacerbates this issue, making it more difficult to attract and retain medical professionals. This shortage necessitates innovative solutions to bridge the gap in healthcare access.

The presence of standout medical practices is crucial for improving the overall health score. Identifying practices that consistently deliver high-quality care, embrace innovative technologies, and demonstrate a commitment to patient well-being is essential. These practices often serve as models for others, driving improvements across the healthcare landscape. The specific practices in Smilax and the surrounding areas require careful evaluation to assess their performance based on factors such as patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and the range of services offered. Identifying these practices would require detailed research and data analysis beyond the scope of this general overview.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in evaluating healthcare access in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers, providing patients with remote consultations, monitoring, and access to specialists who might not be readily available locally. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption within the medical practices serving Smilax is crucial. Are physicians utilizing telehealth platforms for routine check-ups, chronic disease management, and mental health consultations? The degree of telemedicine integration directly impacts the health score, as it can significantly improve access to care, especially for those with limited mobility or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health, and their availability significantly impacts the health score. The prevalence of mental health conditions is a growing concern across the nation, and rural communities often face additional challenges, including limited access to mental health professionals, stigma surrounding mental illness, and a lack of specialized services. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is essential. Furthermore, assessing the presence of support groups, crisis intervention services, and mental health awareness programs is critical for determining the community's ability to address mental health needs effectively.

The overall health score for Smilax, KY (41764) is likely negatively impacted by the challenges discussed above. The physician shortage, geographical isolation, and limited access to specialized services contribute to a lower score. However, the specific score would depend on a detailed analysis of available data, including physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, mental health resource availability, and the performance of local medical practices.

To improve the health score, several interventions are necessary. Recruiting and retaining primary care physicians is paramount. This could involve offering financial incentives, improving infrastructure, and creating a supportive professional environment. Expanding telemedicine services is crucial for bridging geographical barriers and providing access to specialists. Investing in mental health resources, including hiring mental health professionals, establishing support groups, and promoting mental health awareness, is also essential. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is critical for developing comprehensive and sustainable healthcare solutions.

The health score is dynamic and subject to change. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement. This requires collecting and analyzing data on key health indicators, such as physician-to-patient ratios, access to care, and health outcomes. Regular assessments can help guide resource allocation, identify best practices, and ensure that healthcare services are meeting the needs of the community.

The ability to visualize healthcare data is critical for understanding the challenges and opportunities within the community. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping tools can provide valuable insights by displaying healthcare resources, population demographics, and health outcomes on a map. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and facilitates data-driven decision-making.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Smilax, KY (41764), and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize healthcare data, identify areas of need, and make informed decisions to improve community health. Visit their website today and discover how CartoChrome can empower you to create a healthier future for Smilax.