19139, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19139, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.94 percent of the residents in 19139 has some form of health insurance. 55.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.99 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 19139 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11,761 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19139. An estimate of 90 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,436 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 96,031 health care providers accessible to residents in 19139, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses asthma care quality for physicians within the 19139 ZIP code, a section of Philadelphia, and relates that to the broader landscape of primary care access in the city. This "Asthma Score" is a composite evaluation, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial in managing a chronic respiratory condition like asthma.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of accessibility. High ratios, meaning a large number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. In 19139, and indeed across Philadelphia, primary care physician density can vary significantly. Areas with a higher concentration of medical facilities generally exhibit more favorable ratios. However, even within a relatively well-served area, disparities can exist, with certain practices experiencing heavier patient loads than others. The Asthma Score will reflect the availability of physicians, considering factors like insurance acceptance (Medicaid, Medicare, private plans), which directly impacts access for different patient populations.

Standout practices within 19139 will be identified based on their demonstrated commitment to asthma management. This includes examining their adherence to national guidelines for asthma care, the use of evidence-based treatments, and the provision of patient education. We will consider practices that emphasize patient self-management through educational programs and resources. These might include asthma action plans, training on inhaler techniques, and strategies for avoiding asthma triggers. Practices that actively monitor patient outcomes, using tools like peak flow meters and regular follow-up appointments, will receive higher scores. The ability to coordinate care with specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also a critical factor.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited physician availability. The Asthma Score will evaluate practices' use of telemedicine for asthma management. This includes assessing whether they offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and the ability to refill prescriptions electronically. Practices that integrate telemedicine effectively can potentially improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for emergency room visits. The technical infrastructure, including the availability of secure video conferencing and electronic health record integration, will also be considered.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health issues can worsen asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is a crucial component of the Asthma Score. This includes assessing whether practices offer on-site mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric consultations, or if they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. Practices that screen patients for anxiety and depression and provide integrated mental health support will receive higher scores. The integration of mental health services ensures a more holistic approach to patient care, addressing the complex interplay between physical and mental well-being.

Primary care availability across Philadelphia, beyond the specific focus of 19139, provides a broader context for asthma care. The Asthma Score will consider the overall density of primary care physicians throughout the city, as well as the distribution of these physicians across different neighborhoods. Areas with limited primary care access may face greater challenges in managing asthma, as patients may experience difficulties in obtaining timely appointments and ongoing care. The score will also consider factors such as the availability of after-hours care and weekend appointments, which can be crucial for managing asthma exacerbations.

The analysis will also consider the impact of social determinants of health on asthma outcomes. Factors such as poverty, housing conditions, and exposure to environmental pollutants can significantly influence asthma control. Practices located in areas with high rates of poverty or poor air quality may face additional challenges in managing asthma. The Asthma Score will reflect the practices' awareness of these social determinants of health and their efforts to address them, such as providing resources for patients struggling with housing insecurity or connecting them with community-based organizations that offer support services.

The Asthma Score will be a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery. Practices that continually strive to improve their asthma care, by adopting new technologies, implementing evidence-based treatments, and addressing the social determinants of health, will receive higher scores. The analysis will be updated regularly to reflect changes in practice characteristics and the availability of resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and informative evaluation of asthma care quality, helping patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and empowering practices to improve their services.

For a visual representation of these data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore our interactive maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize the data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the asthma care landscape in 19139 and across Philadelphia.