19153, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 19153, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.25 percent of the residents in 19153 has some form of health insurance. 46.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.43 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 19153 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,573 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19153. An estimate of 86 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,358 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 89,324 health care providers accessible to residents in 19153, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 19153 and Primary Care Availability in Philadelphia**

Analyzing asthma care within Philadelphia, specifically focusing on ZIP code 19153, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, quality of care, accessibility, and integration of resources, ultimately creating an 'Asthma Score' for the area. The goal is to assess the landscape of asthma management, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, while also examining the broader context of primary care availability throughout the city.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in the availability of qualified physicians. In 19153, a crucial starting point is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reveals the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists available per 1,000 residents. A low ratio can indicate potential access challenges, particularly for those with chronic conditions like asthma, who require regular check-ups and specialized care. Data from sources such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and professional medical organizations would be essential to determine the exact ratio. Furthermore, the distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code is vital. Are they concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Geographic information system (GIS) mapping, such as that offered by CartoChrome, can visually represent this distribution, revealing potential healthcare deserts.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by physicians is paramount. This involves evaluating factors such as board certifications, experience in asthma management, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Data from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can provide insights into physician performance and patient outcomes. Patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews offer another valuable perspective, capturing the patient experience and identifying areas where practices excel or fall short. The analysis would need to identify practices that consistently demonstrate high-quality asthma care. These "standout practices" could be recognized for their comprehensive approach, including patient education, personalized treatment plans, and proactive management of exacerbations.

Accessibility is another critical component of the Asthma Score. This encompasses several factors, including appointment availability, insurance acceptance, and transportation options. Practices with shorter wait times, a wide range of insurance plans, and convenient locations are more accessible to patients. The availability of public transportation and the proximity of practices to major roads and highways are also important considerations. Additionally, the ability of practices to accommodate patients with disabilities, such as providing accessible exam rooms and interpreters, contributes to overall accessibility.

The adoption of telemedicine is becoming increasingly relevant in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients in underserved areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis should assess the extent to which physicians in 19153 offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and virtual asthma education programs. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their asthma care models should be recognized for their innovation and commitment to patient convenience.

Asthma is often intertwined with other health conditions, including mental health. Anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms and impact overall quality of life. Therefore, the analysis should consider the availability of mental health resources within the practices and the broader community. Do physicians screen for mental health conditions? Do they have referral pathways to mental health professionals? Are there support groups or educational programs available for patients and their families? Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care models demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being.

Looking beyond 19153, the availability of primary care in Philadelphia as a whole significantly impacts asthma management. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients with asthma, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing management. A shortage of PCPs or long wait times for appointments can create barriers to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and uncontrolled asthma. Data from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and other sources can provide insights into PCP availability across the city, including physician-to-population ratios and geographic distribution.

The analysis should also consider the role of community health centers and other safety-net providers in Philadelphia. These organizations often serve a large number of patients with asthma, particularly those from underserved communities. Evaluating their capacity, resources, and quality of care is crucial for understanding the overall asthma care landscape.

The Asthma Score should be a dynamic metric, reflecting the ever-changing healthcare landscape. Regular updates, based on new data and evolving best practices, are essential to ensure its continued relevance. The score should be transparent and easily accessible, allowing patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in 19153 and Philadelphia.

The final Asthma Score for 19153 and Philadelphia, will be a composite of the factors discussed above. It would not be a single number, but rather a nuanced assessment that provides a comprehensive picture of asthma care. The score would highlight areas of strength, such as the presence of standout practices or the adoption of telemedicine, while also identifying areas for improvement, such as physician shortages or limited access to mental health resources. This information can then be used to inform policy decisions, guide resource allocation, and ultimately improve the lives of people with asthma in Philadelphia.

To visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare resources, and patient populations, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome’s GIS mapping capabilities can transform complex data into interactive visualizations, revealing patterns and trends that are not immediately apparent in tabular data. Explore the power of location intelligence.