19142, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 19142, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.22 percent of the residents in 19142 has some form of health insurance. 54.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.79 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 19142 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,943 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19142. An estimate of 90 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,495 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 94,301 health care providers accessible to residents in 19142, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Philadelphia (19142) Primary Care Landscape

The assessment of primary care availability and quality, particularly concerning arthritis management, within Philadelphia's 19142 ZIP code requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis delves into physician-to-patient ratios, highlights standout practices, examines telemedicine adoption, and explores the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in delivering comprehensive arthritis care. The goal is to provide an 'Arthritis Score' reflecting the ease of access to quality care for individuals managing this chronic condition.

Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios provides a fundamental understanding of access. The 19142 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Graduate Hospital and Point Breeze, likely experiences a variable physician density. Areas closer to hospitals and medical centers might boast a higher concentration of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, including rheumatologists. However, the overall ratio needs to be considered. A high patient-to-physician ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, a less personalized care experience. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available physician directories are essential to determine the actual ratio. This data should be cross-referenced with census data to accurately reflect the population served.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include patient reviews, the availability of on-site services like physical therapy and imaging, and the presence of specialized arthritis care programs. Practices that actively participate in research or clinical trials related to arthritis treatments often demonstrate a commitment to staying at the forefront of care. Moreover, practices that emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, integrating PCPs, rheumatologists, physical therapists, and potentially, mental health professionals, are more likely to provide holistic care. Practices with strong patient education programs and a focus on shared decision-making are also highly valued.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly relevant, particularly in the context of chronic conditions like arthritis. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in areas with limited in-person options. The 'Arthritis Score' must consider the extent to which practices in 19142 offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals. The ease of scheduling virtual appointments, the availability of remote monitoring devices (e.g., for tracking activity levels or pain), and the integration of telehealth services into the overall care plan are critical factors.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health resources is crucial for effective arthritis management. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or refer patients to mental health services, such as therapists or psychiatrists, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The 'Arthritis Score' should assess the availability of on-site mental health professionals, the ease of referral to external mental health providers, and the integration of mental health considerations into the overall treatment plan.

Specific examples of standout practices in 19142 would be identified through comprehensive research. The analysis would examine patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, as well as physician profiles on the American Medical Association (AMA) website. The presence of board-certified rheumatologists within a practice is a strong indicator of specialized expertise. Practices that are part of larger healthcare systems, such as Penn Medicine or Jefferson Health, often have access to more resources and a wider range of specialists. The analysis would also consider the availability of bilingual staff to serve the diverse population of the area.

The 'Arthritis Score' would be calculated based on a weighted system, assigning points to each of the factors discussed above. Physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource availability, and the presence of specialized arthritis programs would each contribute to the overall score. The score would be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear comparison of the quality and accessibility of arthritis care within the 19142 ZIP code.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. The availability of data can vary, and the information available online may not always be fully up-to-date. Patient experiences can also vary widely, and the analysis would be based on publicly available information. Furthermore, the 'Arthritis Score' is intended to be a general assessment and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

The final 'Arthritis Score' would provide valuable insights into the primary care landscape in 19142, allowing individuals with arthritis to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It would also highlight areas where improvements in care are needed, such as increasing physician density, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing the integration of mental health resources. This analysis is a step towards empowering patients and improving the overall quality of care for those managing arthritis within this Philadelphia ZIP code.

To visualize and further explore the primary care landscape and physician density in the Philadelphia area, including the 19142 ZIP code, consider using CartoChrome maps. Their interactive platform allows you to analyze geographic data, identify healthcare resources, and gain a deeper understanding of access to care.