19150, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19150, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.20 percent of the residents in 19150 has some form of health insurance. 45.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.21 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 19150 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,157 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19150. An estimate of 86 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,430 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 92,626 health care providers accessible to residents in 19150, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities, and access to quality healthcare is paramount in managing it. This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 19150 (Philadelphia) and its broader context within Philadelphia, assessing the availability of primary care physicians and related resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement in asthma management.

ZIP Code 19150, like many urban areas, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. The density of population, socioeconomic factors, and the prevalence of environmental triggers contribute to a higher incidence of asthma. Therefore, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) acts as a crucial first line of defense. A low physician-to-patient ratio can create significant barriers to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of asthma. Patients may experience longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and difficulty in establishing a consistent relationship with a healthcare provider. This can lead to increased emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and a diminished quality of life for individuals with asthma.

Philadelphia, as a whole, presents a varied picture of primary care availability. While some areas boast robust healthcare infrastructure, others struggle with shortages of PCPs. The distribution of physicians is not uniform, with certain neighborhoods experiencing a scarcity of providers. This disparity can exacerbate health inequalities, particularly for underserved populations. Factors such as insurance coverage, transportation limitations, and language barriers further complicate access to care.

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to some of these challenges. The adoption of telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management, has the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can reduce the need for in-person visits, making it easier for patients to receive timely care, particularly those with mobility issues or limited access to transportation. However, successful telemedicine implementation requires robust technological infrastructure, digital literacy among patients and providers, and appropriate reimbursement models.

Mental health is another critical aspect of asthma management, often overlooked. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. These mental health challenges can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment plans. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings is therefore essential. This includes providing access to mental health professionals, offering screening for mental health conditions, and coordinating care between primary care physicians and mental health specialists.

In assessing the quality of asthma care in 19150, it is crucial to identify standout practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. These practices often employ a multidisciplinary approach, involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals. They prioritize patient education, empowering individuals to actively manage their condition through self-monitoring, medication adherence, and environmental control strategies. These practices may also offer specialized asthma clinics, comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and access to asthma educators.

The effectiveness of asthma care is also influenced by the availability of community resources. Asthma patients often benefit from support groups, educational programs, and access to environmental control measures, such as air purifiers and allergen-proof bedding. Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations is essential to ensure that patients have access to these resources. This includes partnerships with schools, community centers, and environmental agencies.

Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) can significantly improve asthma management. EHRs enable healthcare providers to track patient data, monitor treatment outcomes, and identify patterns in asthma exacerbations. This information can be used to personalize treatment plans, optimize medication regimens, and prevent future asthma attacks. EHRs also facilitate communication and coordination of care among different healthcare providers.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also crucial. While PCPs play a vital role in initial diagnosis and management, patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma often require specialized care. Access to specialists can ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment. This is particularly important for patients with severe asthma, who may require advanced therapies.

The evaluation of asthma care in 19150 and Philadelphia should also consider the impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as poverty, housing conditions, and exposure to environmental pollutants can significantly influence asthma outcomes. Addressing these social determinants is essential to improving asthma management and reducing health disparities. This requires a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers.

The analysis should also consider the impact of insurance coverage on access to care. Uninsured or underinsured individuals often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services, including asthma medications and specialist consultations. The availability of affordable health insurance options is crucial to ensuring that all patients can receive the care they need.

In conclusion, providing quality asthma care in 19150 and throughout Philadelphia necessitates a multifaceted approach. Addressing the physician-to-patient ratio, promoting telemedicine adoption, integrating mental health resources, identifying standout practices, and considering the impact of social determinants of health are all essential components of a comprehensive strategy. By understanding the current landscape and identifying areas for improvement, we can strive to create a healthcare ecosystem that effectively manages asthma and improves the quality of life for individuals living with this chronic respiratory disease.

To gain a visual understanding of physician distribution, access to care, and related data within 19150 and across Philadelphia, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides detailed visualizations that can help you identify areas with limited access to care, analyze demographic data, and understand the complex interplay of factors influencing asthma management. Visit CartoChrome to see these data.