19140, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 19140, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.60 percent of the residents in 19140 has some form of health insurance. 66.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.48 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 19140 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14,144 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19140. An estimate of 90 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,427 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 96,896 health care providers accessible to residents in 19140, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Philadelphia (19140) & Primary Care Landscape

This analysis delves into the accessibility and quality of arthritis care within the 19140 ZIP code of Philadelphia, evaluating physician availability, practice characteristics, and the broader primary care environment. The goal is to provide an “Arthritis Score” assessment, considering factors that directly impact a patient's journey from diagnosis to management of this chronic condition. This score is not a single, quantifiable number, but rather a composite evaluation based on the elements discussed.

The 19140 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Point Breeze and Grays Ferry, presents a unique healthcare landscape. While the city of Philadelphia boasts a robust medical infrastructure, accessibility can vary significantly based on socioeconomic factors and geographic distribution. Understanding the nuances of this specific area is crucial for assessing arthritis care availability.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access Challenges:**

A critical element of the Arthritis Score is physician availability. The ratio of rheumatologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) to the population in 19140 is a primary indicator. A low ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment initiation. This impacts the Arthritis Score negatively. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratios in 19140 requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. This data should be supplemented by information on appointment wait times, which can further illuminate access challenges.

The availability of PCPs is also critical. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing joint pain or other arthritis symptoms. Their ability to recognize symptoms, initiate preliminary investigations, and refer patients to rheumatologists is essential. A shortage of PCPs, or long wait times to see them, can exacerbate delays in diagnosis and treatment, negatively affecting the Arthritis Score.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

The Arthritis Score also considers the quality of care provided by local practices. This involves evaluating factors like:

* **Physician Experience:** The experience and expertise of rheumatologists in treating various types of arthritis are crucial. Practices with board-certified rheumatologists with extensive experience in managing complex cases would receive a higher rating.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging technologies (e.g., MRI, ultrasound) within or readily accessible to the practice is vital for accurate diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.
* **Treatment Modalities:** The availability of a comprehensive range of treatment options, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and physical therapy, is essential for effective management.
* **Patient Education and Support:** Practices that prioritize patient education, offer support groups, and provide resources on self-management strategies would be considered favorably.

Identifying standout practices involves researching physician profiles, reviewing patient testimonials (while acknowledging the limitations of such reviews), and assessing practice websites for information on services offered and patient-centered care approaches.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Its adoption rate within the 19140 area significantly influences the Arthritis Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine offer several advantages:

* **Increased Accessibility:** Telemedicine can reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.
* **Improved Convenience:** Virtual consultations can be more convenient for patients, saving time and travel costs.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Telemedicine platforms can facilitate remote monitoring of symptoms and medication adherence.

The Arthritis Score benefits from practices that offer telemedicine options for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. Researching the telemedicine capabilities of local practices, including the platforms used and the types of services offered virtually, is crucial.

**Mental Health Resources and Holistic Care:**

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Pain, disability, and the emotional toll of living with a chronic illness can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the healthcare ecosystem of 19140 directly affects the Arthritis Score.

* **Integrated Mental Health Services:** Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals would be rated favorably.
* **Support Groups:** Access to arthritis-specific support groups, either in-person or virtual, can provide valuable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning.
* **Pain Management Programs:** Programs that integrate psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), into pain management strategies can improve patient outcomes.

Evaluating the availability of these resources and the extent to which they are integrated into arthritis care is essential for a comprehensive Arthritis Score assessment.

**Primary Care Availability in Philadelphia:**

The broader primary care landscape in Philadelphia also affects the Arthritis Score for 19140. A robust primary care system ensures that patients have timely access to initial consultations, referrals, and ongoing care coordination. Factors to consider include:

* **PCP Density:** The concentration of PCPs across the city, particularly in areas surrounding 19140, influences access.
* **Insurance Acceptance:** Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, improve access for a diverse patient population.
* **Language Accessibility:** The availability of multilingual providers or interpreters is crucial for serving a diverse community.
* **After-Hours Care:** Access to after-hours care options, such as urgent care clinics or telehealth services, can improve timely access to care.

Analyzing these factors provides a broader context for evaluating the Arthritis Score in 19140.

**Conclusion:**

The "Arthritis Score" for 19140 is a composite assessment, reflecting the interplay of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the broader primary care environment. While this analysis provides a framework for evaluation, it is essential to conduct thorough research, utilizing publicly available data and local resources, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in this specific area.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and areas with high needs, consider exploring the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping tools can provide valuable insights into the accessibility and availability of arthritis care within the 19140 ZIP code and throughout Philadelphia.