42348, Hawesville, Kentucky Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 42348, Hawesville, Kentucky is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.47 percent of the residents in 42348 has some form of health insurance. 35.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.35 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 42348 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,293 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42348. An estimate of 58 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 796 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,121 health care providers accessible to residents in 42348, Hawesville, Kentucky.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Hawesville, KY (ZIP Code 42348)

Hawesville, Kentucky, a small town nestled in Hancock County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Analyzing the overall health score for the area requires a nuanced approach, considering the limited resources and the challenges inherent in rural healthcare delivery. This analysis will delve into various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Hawesville and the surrounding ZIP code 42348 is a critical indicator of healthcare access. Rural areas often struggle with physician shortages, and this can significantly impact the overall health score. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased reliance on emergency room services. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state health departments is crucial for obtaining an accurate physician-to-patient ratio for this specific area. Any analysis must reflect the most current data available.

The presence of standout primary care practices significantly impacts the health score. These practices, ideally, offer a comprehensive range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and acute illness treatment. The quality of care provided by these practices, measured by patient satisfaction surveys, clinical outcomes, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines, is a key determinant. Identifying practices with a strong reputation for patient-centered care, efficient operations, and a commitment to community health is essential. Investigating the practices’ adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to facilitate care coordination is also important.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve the health score in Hawesville. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and receive care remotely. This is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, those who have difficulty traveling, and those living in underserved areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the level of patient and provider adoption is a key component of the overall health score.

Mental health resources are another vital component of the health score. Access to mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of the community. The availability of these resources, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., affordability, wait times) are all important considerations. Examining the prevalence of mental health conditions in the area and the availability of support groups and community mental health programs is also essential.

The overall health score for Hawesville, KY (42348) is a composite of these factors. A low physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to mental health resources, and a lack of telemedicine adoption would negatively impact the score. Conversely, the presence of high-quality primary care practices, a robust telemedicine infrastructure, and readily available mental health services would positively impact the score. The score is not a static number; it is a reflection of the dynamic interplay of healthcare resources and the needs of the community.

Furthermore, understanding the demographics of the population in 42348 is crucial. Factors like age distribution, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of chronic diseases can significantly influence healthcare needs and the overall health score. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can provide valuable insights into these demographics.

The availability of ancillary services, such as diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and pharmacy services, also contributes to the overall health score. The proximity and accessibility of these services can impact the ability of patients to receive timely and comprehensive care. Assessing the availability of these services within the community and the surrounding areas is an important part of the analysis.

Moreover, understanding the local healthcare system's capacity to respond to public health emergencies is essential. This includes evaluating the availability of emergency medical services, the preparedness of local hospitals, and the community's ability to implement public health interventions.

A comprehensive analysis would also consider the health insurance coverage rates in the area. The percentage of the population with health insurance significantly impacts access to care and the overall health score. Examining the types of insurance coverage available (e.g., private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid) and the affordability of healthcare services is essential.

Finally, the overall health score should be viewed as a dynamic measure that can change over time. Regular monitoring of the key indicators and a commitment to improving healthcare access and quality are essential for improving the health of the community. The score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the community's health and well-being.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hawesville, KY (42348) and visualize the data spatially, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, physician distribution, and demographic data, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis.