19103, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19103, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.55 percent of the residents in 19103 has some form of health insurance. 23.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.25 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 19103 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,685 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 514 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19103. An estimate of 119 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,424 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 109,111 health care providers accessible to residents in 19103, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 19103 and Primary Care Availability in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's health landscape, particularly within the confines of ZIP code 19103, presents a complex picture when evaluating asthma care and primary care access. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," aims to dissect the availability and quality of care, focusing on key aspects like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within this critical area of public health.

The foundation of a strong Asthma Score lies in the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Philadelphia, and specifically in 19103, this is a crucial factor. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a baseline indicator. A lower ratio, reflecting more patients per doctor, can strain resources and potentially limit appointment availability, impacting timely diagnosis and management of chronic conditions like asthma. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access, allowing for more personalized care and proactive intervention strategies. The city-wide ratio needs to be compared to the specific ratio within 19103, which is a densely populated area, to see if access is better or worse.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs is equally important. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? This geographical disparity can create significant barriers to care, especially for individuals with limited transportation options or those residing in areas with fewer resources. The analysis must consider the presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other safety-net providers, which often play a critical role in serving vulnerable populations, including those disproportionately affected by asthma.

Standout practices within 19103 and the broader Philadelphia area deserve specific attention. These practices often demonstrate exemplary asthma management protocols, including comprehensive patient education, proactive medication management, and robust follow-up systems. Identifying these practices and understanding their operational models can offer valuable insights and best practices that can be replicated or adapted elsewhere. This includes evaluating their use of evidence-based guidelines, their patient satisfaction scores, and their ability to effectively manage asthma exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant, especially in the context of chronic conditions like asthma. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide timely advice can significantly improve asthma control and reduce the need for emergency room visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those offering remote monitoring of peak flow meters or providing virtual asthma education sessions, should be highlighted. The Asthma Score needs to reflect the degree of telemedicine integration and its impact on patient outcomes.

The often-overlooked connection between mental health and asthma management is a crucial element of the analysis. Asthma can significantly impact a person's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Conversely, mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms and complicate treatment adherence. Practices that integrate mental health screening and provide access to mental health services, either through in-house providers or through referral networks, should be recognized. The Asthma Score must incorporate an assessment of the availability of mental health resources and their integration into asthma care.

The Asthma Score should also consider the cultural competency of the healthcare providers. Philadelphia is a diverse city, and healthcare providers need to be able to communicate effectively with patients from various backgrounds. This includes understanding cultural beliefs about health and illness, and providing culturally sensitive care. Language barriers can also be a significant challenge, and practices that offer services in multiple languages or have access to interpreters should be given a higher score.

Furthermore, the analysis must assess the availability of asthma education programs. Patient education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. Programs that teach patients about their condition, how to use their medications correctly, and how to avoid triggers are essential. The Asthma Score should reflect the availability and quality of these programs, as well as the accessibility of educational materials in multiple languages.

The Asthma Score will also consider the presence of community resources. Asthma is a complex condition, and patients often need support from a variety of sources. This includes access to affordable medications, safe housing, and clean air. The Asthma Score should reflect the availability of these resources in the community, and the extent to which healthcare providers are able to connect their patients with these resources.

Finally, the Asthma Score must consider the impact of social determinants of health. These factors, such as poverty, housing instability, and food insecurity, can significantly impact a person's asthma control. The Asthma Score should reflect the extent to which healthcare providers are aware of these factors, and the steps they are taking to address them. This may include screening patients for social needs, and connecting them with community resources.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in ZIP code 19103 and across Philadelphia requires a multifaceted approach. The Asthma Score must consider physician-to-patient ratios, the distribution of PCPs, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the impact of social determinants of health. This comprehensive assessment will provide a more accurate picture of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care, and help to identify areas where improvements are needed.

For a visual representation of these factors and a deeper dive into the geographical nuances of healthcare access in Philadelphia, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a powerful tool for understanding the complex interplay of factors that influence asthma care and primary care availability.