19124, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19124, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.27 percent of the residents in 19124 has some form of health insurance. 58.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.73 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 19124 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 23,245 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19124. An estimate of 108 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,335 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 104,094 health care providers accessible to residents in 19124, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts public health, particularly within urban environments. This analysis explores asthma care quality and primary care accessibility for residents in ZIP code 19124 (Philadelphia, PA) and, more broadly, in Philadelphia, aiming to provide a comprehensive asthma score assessment. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate mental health resources, concluding with a call to action for CartoChrome maps.

The 19124 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Olney and Feltonville, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. While precise figures fluctuate, 19124, like many Philadelphia neighborhoods, likely experiences a shortage of primary care physicians compared to the overall population. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced preventative care, and potentially delayed asthma diagnoses and treatment. The availability of specialists, including pulmonologists and allergists, is also a critical factor, as asthma management often requires specialized expertise. Furthermore, the socioeconomic demographics of 19124, which may include a higher proportion of low-income families, can exacerbate access issues due to factors like lack of transportation, limited health insurance coverage, and language barriers.

Primary care availability across Philadelphia paints a broader picture. Philadelphia, as a major metropolitan area, offers a diverse range of healthcare options, including large hospital systems, community health centers, and private practices. However, geographical disparities exist, with some neighborhoods experiencing significantly better access to primary care than others. The city's overall physician-to-patient ratio, while potentially adequate in some areas, can mask pockets of scarcity. This requires a nuanced understanding of resource distribution, considering factors like population density, the prevalence of chronic diseases like asthma, and the availability of public transportation.

Identifying standout practices in 19124 and Philadelphia is essential for recognizing best practices and potentially replicating successful models. Practices demonstrating excellence in asthma care often prioritize patient education, comprehensive asthma action plans, and regular monitoring of asthma control. They might employ certified asthma educators, utilize electronic health records to track patient data, and actively engage patients in their care. Some practices may also participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), to continuously improve their asthma management strategies. These practices often foster strong relationships with patients, building trust and ensuring adherence to treatment plans.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve asthma care, particularly in underserved communities. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to care. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate virtual check-ups, medication management, and education sessions. The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on factors such as internet access, digital literacy, and the willingness of both patients and providers to embrace technology. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma care models often provide training and support to patients, ensuring they can effectively utilize the technology.

Mental health resources are increasingly recognized as crucial components of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can have a significant impact on mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Integrating mental health services into asthma care can improve patient outcomes by addressing the psychological aspects of the disease. This might involve providing access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, or incorporating mental health screening tools into routine asthma care. Collaboration between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health providers is essential to ensure patients receive holistic care.

Evaluating the asthma score requires synthesizing the factors discussed above. A high asthma score would indicate excellent access to primary care and specialist physicians, a high physician-to-patient ratio, widespread adoption of telemedicine, readily available mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices demonstrating excellence in asthma management. Conversely, a low asthma score would reflect the opposite: limited access to care, a shortage of physicians, low telemedicine adoption, inadequate mental health resources, and a lack of exemplary practices. The specific scoring methodology would need to incorporate data on physician availability, patient demographics, healthcare utilization, and clinical outcomes.

For 19124, a thorough assessment would likely reveal challenges in access to care, potentially lower telemedicine adoption rates, and a need for increased mental health resources. The overall asthma score for this ZIP code might be moderate, reflecting both strengths and weaknesses in the healthcare landscape. Philadelphia's overall score would be higher, but this would mask the disparities that exist across different neighborhoods. A citywide asthma score would need to be broken down by ZIP code to accurately reflect the reality of asthma care in the city.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 19124 and Philadelphia, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital locations, and community health centers. By using CartoChrome maps, you can identify areas with limited access to care, visualize the distribution of healthcare providers, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing asthma patients in Philadelphia. Accessing this type of visual data can inform public health initiatives, guide resource allocation, and ultimately improve asthma care for all residents.