19123, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 19123, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.59 percent of the residents in 19123 has some form of health insurance. 25.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.65 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 19123 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,037 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19123. An estimate of 108 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,797 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 104,341 health care providers accessible to residents in 19123, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Philadelphia (19123) & Primary Care

Analyzing the accessibility and quality of arthritis care within Philadelphia's 19123 ZIP code requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond just the number of physicians. This analysis incorporates physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources, all contributing to an overall "Arthritis Score." Primary care availability throughout Philadelphia is also assessed, as it significantly impacts the initial diagnosis and management of arthritis.

The 19123 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Germantown and East Mount Airy, presents a unique demographic and healthcare landscape. Determining an accurate physician-to-patient ratio for rheumatologists specifically within this area is challenging due to data limitations. Publicly available information, such as that from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, allows for estimations, but the exact number of practicing rheumatologists within the 19123 ZIP code is often difficult to ascertain. However, we can utilize broader Philadelphia data to estimate. Philadelphia County has a population of approximately 1.6 million. Based on available data, there may be a relatively low number of rheumatologists per capita compared to national averages. This suggests potential challenges in timely access to specialized care for individuals with arthritis in the 19123 area, particularly given the aging population and prevalence of chronic conditions.

Evaluating practice characteristics is crucial. Some practices may stand out due to their patient-centered approach, incorporating extended hours, offering specialized services such as physical therapy or occupational therapy, and providing robust patient education programs. These practices often achieve higher patient satisfaction scores and better outcomes. Conversely, practices with limited resources, long wait times, and a lack of comprehensive services might negatively impact the "Arthritis Score." A deeper dive into specific practices within the 19123 ZIP code would involve analyzing online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites to assess their strengths and weaknesses.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Practices embracing telemedicine offer patients greater convenience, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Practices that have fully integrated telemedicine platforms, including secure video conferencing, remote monitoring devices, and patient portals, would receive a higher "Arthritis Score" compared to those with limited or no telemedicine capabilities. The 19123 ZIP code, with its diverse population, could particularly benefit from telemedicine’s accessibility.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked in arthritis care, yet it is critically important. Arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Practices that recognize this and offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health professionals, would receive a higher "Arthritis Score." These practices demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the disease. The 19123 area, with its potential for socioeconomic disparities, underscores the importance of addressing mental health needs in arthritis care.

Primary care availability throughout Philadelphia is a fundamental aspect of arthritis care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing joint pain or other symptoms suggestive of arthritis. The availability of PCPs, their ability to diagnose and manage early-stage arthritis, and their referral practices to rheumatologists are all critical factors. Areas with a shortage of PCPs or limited access to timely referrals would negatively impact the overall "Arthritis Score" for the region. Philadelphia, like many urban areas, faces challenges in primary care access, which can exacerbate the difficulties faced by individuals with arthritis.

Assessing primary care availability involves analyzing the number of PCPs per capita, the geographic distribution of practices, and the wait times for appointments. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and local health departments can provide insights into these factors. Additionally, examining the referral patterns of PCPs to rheumatologists within the 19123 ZIP code is crucial. Efficient and timely referrals are essential for ensuring that patients receive specialized care when needed.

In conclusion, determining a precise "Arthritis Score" for the 19123 ZIP code requires a granular analysis of several factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and primary care availability all play vital roles. While a precise numerical score is difficult to generate without comprehensive data, the analysis indicates potential challenges in access to specialized rheumatology care, particularly given the broader context of primary care availability in Philadelphia. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, embrace telemedicine, and integrate mental health resources are likely to achieve higher scores.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 19123 ZIP code and throughout Philadelphia, consider exploring the visualization capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to analyze physician density, practice locations, access to care, and more. This data can be utilized to identify areas with the greatest need and develop targeted interventions to improve arthritis care accessibility and quality.