19118, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 19118, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.89 percent of the residents in 19118 has some form of health insurance. 32.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.06 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 19118 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,904 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19118. An estimate of 108 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,394 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 106,221 health care providers accessible to residents in 19118, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Primary Care in Philadelphia (ZIP Code 19118)**

Analyzing the landscape of primary care in Philadelphia, specifically within the 19118 ZIP code, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a "COPD Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for patients managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These factors include physician availability, practice characteristics, technological adoption, and access to mental health support, all vital for comprehensive COPD care.

The 19118 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy, presents a unique demographic profile. It generally features an older population, increasing the likelihood of COPD prevalence. This, in turn, highlights the importance of readily accessible and high-quality primary care services. The COPD score, therefore, reflects the ability of the local healthcare system to effectively address the needs of COPD patients.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Accessibility**

A fundamental aspect of the COPD score is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within 19118 is the first step. This data, ideally obtained from local medical societies or insurance provider directories, needs to be cross-referenced with population data for the ZIP code. A lower ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care.

Accessibility extends beyond sheer numbers. Factors such as insurance acceptance, office hours, and appointment scheduling processes significantly impact a patient's ability to see a doctor. Practices accepting a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, are crucial for serving a diverse patient population. Flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, further enhances accessibility.

**Standout Practices: Strengths and Weaknesses**

Identifying "standout practices" requires evaluating several criteria. Practices excelling in COPD care often exhibit specific characteristics. These include:

* **Specialized COPD Management:** Does the practice have experience in COPD management? Do they offer pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site?
* **Care Coordination:** Do they have robust systems for coordinating care with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists?
* **Patient Education:** Do they provide comprehensive patient education on COPD management, including medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and exacerbation prevention?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Do they have positive patient reviews and testimonials?

Conversely, weaknesses might include long wait times for appointments, limited communication channels, or a lack of specialized COPD expertise. A thorough review of practices within 19118 would involve analyzing online reviews, conducting patient surveys, and potentially speaking with local advocacy groups.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine is a game-changer for COPD patients. It offers several advantages, including:

* **Remote Monitoring:** Devices that transmit vital signs (oxygen saturation, heart rate) allow doctors to monitor patients remotely, identifying potential exacerbations early.
* **Virtual Consultations:** Telemedicine enables patients to have virtual appointments with their PCPs, reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for routine follow-ups.
* **Medication Management:** Telemedicine can facilitate medication refills and adjustments, improving medication adherence.

The COPD score must assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among practices in 19118. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient portals, will score higher. Those lagging behind in this area may be missing opportunities to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.

**Mental Health Resources and COPD**

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. COPD patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care.

The COPD score must evaluate the availability of mental health support within the 19118 area. This includes:

* **On-site Mental Health Services:** Do practices have psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists on staff?
* **Referral Networks:** Do practices have established referral networks with mental health providers in the community?
* **Integration of Mental Health into COPD Care:** Do practices screen patients for mental health issues and integrate mental health support into their COPD management plans?

Practices that prioritize mental health support will receive a higher COPD score.

**Specific Considerations for 19118**

The specific characteristics of the 19118 ZIP code, such as its older population and potentially higher COPD prevalence, necessitate careful consideration. Practices serving this area should be particularly attuned to the needs of older adults, including mobility issues, cognitive impairments, and the need for accessible transportation.

**Conclusion**

Assessing the quality of primary care in 19118 for COPD patients requires a detailed analysis of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Practices that excel in these areas will be better positioned to provide comprehensive and effective COPD care. This analysis is not a static evaluation. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To visualize and analyze the distribution of primary care resources, physician density, and other relevant data within 19118 and throughout Philadelphia, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and quality in your community.