19137, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19137, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.28 percent of the residents in 19137 has some form of health insurance. 41.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.17 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 19137 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,179 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19137. An estimate of 103 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,244 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 101,090 health care providers accessible to residents in 19137, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, disproportionately impacts urban communities. This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Philadelphia's 19137 ZIP code, focusing on their ability to manage asthma patients effectively. We'll assess factors crucial for asthma control, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, ultimately providing an 'Asthma Score' analysis.

The 19137 ZIP code, encompassing parts of North Philadelphia, faces various socioeconomic challenges that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. High population density, poor air quality, and housing conditions contribute to increased asthma prevalence. Therefore, access to quality primary care is critical for early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and preventing asthma-related hospitalizations.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and difficulty establishing a strong patient-physician relationship. While precise physician-to-patient ratios vary and are constantly evolving, data from Philadelphia's health department reveals that the 19137 area often struggles with a shortage of PCPs, particularly compared to more affluent areas of the city. This shortage directly impacts asthma patients, making it harder to schedule regular check-ups, receive timely medication refills, and access specialist referrals.

Evaluating the quality of primary care practices involves examining several key aspects. Does the practice offer comprehensive asthma management services, including spirometry testing, asthma action plan development, and patient education? Are the physicians knowledgeable about the latest asthma guidelines and treatment options? Are practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as tracking asthma control rates and patient satisfaction? Practices excelling in these areas would score higher in our 'Asthma Score' analysis.

Standout practices in 19137, while limited in number, often demonstrate a commitment to asthma care. These practices typically employ registered nurses or respiratory therapists specializing in asthma education. They may also offer evening or weekend hours to accommodate working patients and utilize electronic health records to streamline care coordination. These practices are more likely to have implemented patient-centered care models, emphasizing shared decision-making and patient empowerment.

Telemedicine adoption, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, has the potential to improve asthma care access. Telehealth visits can provide convenient follow-up appointments, medication management, and asthma education. However, the digital divide, where some patients lack reliable internet access or digital literacy, can hinder telemedicine's effectiveness. Practices successful in telemedicine provide support to patients to access the technology. The 'Asthma Score' will reflect the extent to which practices in 19137 have embraced telemedicine and addressed the digital divide.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, access to mental health resources is crucial for asthma patients. Primary care practices that integrate behavioral health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health specialists, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The 'Asthma Score' will consider the availability of mental health support within or in close proximity to the primary care practices in 19137.

Primary care availability throughout Philadelphia presents a mixed picture. While some areas boast ample physician resources, others, including 19137, face significant challenges. The city's health department and various community health centers are actively working to address physician shortages and improve access to care. However, systemic issues, such as healthcare disparities and social determinants of health, continue to impact asthma outcomes. The city's overall 'Asthma Score' is influenced by these factors.

To create the 'Asthma Score' for doctors in 19137, we would combine data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality metrics (including asthma management protocols, patient education, and quality improvement efforts), telemedicine adoption rates, and access to mental health resources. Each factor would be weighted based on its importance in asthma control. Practices would receive scores for each category, and these scores would be aggregated to produce an overall 'Asthma Score'.

The final 'Asthma Score' would be a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care in 19137, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It would also provide insights for healthcare providers and policymakers, highlighting areas where improvements are needed to enhance asthma care in the community. The analysis would be dynamic, regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, practice practices, and the evolving healthcare landscape.

The 'Asthma Score' analysis for 19137 would also need to consider the role of community health centers and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). These centers often serve as safety nets, providing care to underserved populations. Their commitment to providing culturally competent care and addressing social determinants of health is crucial in improving asthma outcomes. The analysis would need to evaluate the quality of care provided by these centers, including their asthma management protocols and patient education programs.

Furthermore, the analysis would examine the use of asthma medications, including the availability of inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and other necessary medications. The 'Asthma Score' would assess whether practices have systems in place to ensure that patients can access their prescribed medications at an affordable cost. It would also consider the practice's adherence to the latest asthma treatment guidelines.

In conclusion, the 'Asthma Score' analysis provides a framework for assessing the quality and accessibility of primary care for asthma patients in 19137 and Philadelphia. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, the analysis aims to identify areas where improvements are needed to enhance asthma care.

To visualize and further explore the data related to asthma care in Philadelphia, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and community health indicators, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps provide a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape, empowering patients, providers, and policymakers with the information they need to make informed decisions and improve asthma outcomes.