19102, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19102, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.83 percent of the residents in 19102 has some form of health insurance. 15.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 92.50 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 19102 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 129 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 514 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19102. An estimate of 118 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 674 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 109,064 health care providers accessible to residents in 19102, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts public health, especially in urban environments. This analysis examines asthma care within ZIP Code 19102 in Philadelphia, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, and access to crucial support services. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific area.

Philadelphia, like many older cities, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery. Socioeconomic factors, environmental pollution, and housing conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and complicate treatment. ZIP Code 19102, encompassing areas like Center City, presents a diverse population with varying levels of access to care.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. Analyzing data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association can reveal the density of primary care physicians and pulmonologists in 19102. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced continuity of care, which are detrimental to asthma management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups and proactive intervention.

The availability of primary care physicians is crucial. Primary care doctors often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, prescribing medications, and coordinating specialist referrals. Examining the number of primary care practices accepting new patients within 19102 is essential. Practices with open appointment slots and accepting various insurance plans contribute significantly to accessible healthcare.

Beyond physician numbers, the characteristics of individual practices play a vital role. Practices that prioritize asthma management often have dedicated respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and specialized equipment for lung function testing. They may also participate in asthma-specific quality improvement programs, demonstrating a commitment to best practices. Identifying these standout practices is crucial for patients seeking comprehensive care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions like asthma. The adoption of telemedicine by practices in 19102 can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of symptoms, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Examining the extent of telemedicine integration, including the availability of virtual appointments and remote monitoring devices, is critical in assessing the quality of asthma care.

Asthma often co-exists with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and negatively impact overall well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore an essential component of comprehensive asthma care. Investigating the availability of mental health services within practices or through referral networks is crucial. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established partnerships with mental health providers demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care.

Evaluating the availability of asthma education programs is also important. Patient education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. Programs that teach patients about triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques can empower them to control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Identifying practices that offer asthma education classes or provide educational materials is a key aspect of the analysis.

Environmental factors significantly influence asthma prevalence and severity. Air quality, housing conditions, and access to green spaces can all impact asthma symptoms. While this analysis focuses on healthcare providers, it's important to acknowledge the broader environmental context. Public health initiatives aimed at improving air quality, addressing housing issues, and promoting access to parks and green spaces can complement the efforts of healthcare providers.

The analysis also considers the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate the efficient sharing of patient information among healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing medical errors. Practices with robust EHR systems are better equipped to manage patient data, track asthma symptoms, and monitor medication effectiveness.

Insurance coverage and affordability are significant barriers to healthcare access. The analysis considers the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, by practices in 19102. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans ensure that more patients can access the care they need.

The analysis also looks at the use of patient portals. Patient portals allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their doctors, and schedule appointments online. Practices with patient portals provide greater convenience and empower patients to take an active role in their care.

In conclusion, assessing asthma care in 19102 requires a multi-faceted approach. Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, patient education programs, EHR usage, insurance acceptance, and patient portal availability provides a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape. The findings can inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the current system.

To visualize this complex data and gain deeper insights into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, access to care, and environmental factors impacting asthma patients in 19102, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that allow you to explore the data spatially, identifying areas with the greatest need and highlighting the practices and resources available.