19132, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 19132, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.03 percent of the residents in 19132 has some form of health insurance. 67.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.27 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 19132 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,709 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19132. An estimate of 107 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,307 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 103,957 health care providers accessible to residents in 19132, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Primary Care Landscape in Philadelphia's 19132 ZIP Code

This analysis delves into the primary care landscape within Philadelphia's 19132 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. We will assess primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and highlight standout practices, ultimately providing a COPD Score assessment. The goal is to understand the accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing COPD in this specific area.

The 19132 ZIP code, encompassing parts of North Philadelphia, presents unique healthcare challenges. Socioeconomic factors often contribute to higher rates of COPD, making access to quality primary care crucial. Evaluating the existing resources requires a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

Assessing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the initial step. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association can provide insights into the number of PCPs practicing within the 19132 ZIP code. However, simply counting physicians is insufficient. We must consider the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reveals the number of patients each PCP is responsible for, offering a glimpse into potential wait times and appointment availability. A higher ratio suggests a potential strain on resources, impacting access to timely care.

Further analysis should incorporate the types of PCPs practicing in the area. Are they primarily family medicine physicians, internists, or a mix? Family medicine physicians often provide comprehensive care, which is beneficial for COPD patients who may have multiple health conditions. Internists, specializing in internal medicine, also play a vital role in managing complex cases.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout practices within the 19132 ZIP code is crucial. These practices often demonstrate best practices in COPD management. Factors to consider include:

* **Specialized COPD Programs:** Practices offering dedicated COPD programs, including pulmonary rehabilitation, education, and support groups, significantly improve patient outcomes.
* **Care Coordination:** Practices that effectively coordinate care with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists ensure a comprehensive approach.
* **Patient Education:** Practices that prioritize patient education on medication adherence, inhaler techniques, and symptom management empower patients to actively participate in their care.
* **Accessibility:** Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments enhance access to care, especially during acute exacerbations.
* **Community Outreach:** Practices actively involved in community outreach programs, such as free COPD screenings or educational workshops, raise awareness and improve early detection.

**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Factor**

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool in modern healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Its adoption within the 19132 ZIP code is a key indicator of access to care. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves:

* **Availability of Virtual Consultations:** Do practices offer virtual appointments for routine check-ups, medication refills, and symptom management?
* **Remote Monitoring Capabilities:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters or peak flow meters, to track patient symptoms and intervene proactively?
* **Patient Access to Technology:** Does the practice address potential barriers to telemedicine adoption, such as lack of internet access or digital literacy?

Telemedicine can significantly improve COPD management by reducing the need for in-person visits, especially during exacerbations, and providing convenient access to care.

**Mental Health Resources: An Essential Component**

COPD often co-occurs with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen COPD symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a crucial aspect of COPD care. Assessing this involves:

* **Availability of Mental Health Professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists affiliated with primary care practices or readily accessible within the community?
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do practices integrate mental health screenings and referrals into their COPD management protocols?
* **Support Groups:** Are there support groups for individuals with COPD and their families to provide emotional support and coping strategies?
* **Medication Management:** Is there medication management available for mental health conditions?

**COPD Score Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed above, a COPD Score can be assigned to the 19132 ZIP code. This score would reflect the overall accessibility and quality of primary care for individuals with COPD. The score would be based on a weighted average of the following factors:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A lower ratio would contribute to a higher score.
* **Availability of Specialized COPD Programs:** Practices offering comprehensive COPD programs would significantly increase the score.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Higher telemedicine adoption rates would improve the score.
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Practices integrating mental health services would increase the score.
* **Accessibility:** Practices with extended hours and same-day appointments would contribute to a higher score.

**Concluding Remarks**

The 19132 ZIP code presents a complex healthcare landscape. While the analysis requires specific data collection and evaluation, the factors discussed provide a framework for assessing the quality of primary care for individuals with COPD. Addressing access barriers, promoting telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health services are crucial steps in improving COPD management in this community.

**Call to Action**

For a comprehensive visual representation of the primary care landscape in Philadelphia, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to delve deeper into the data and gain a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare resources available in the 19132 ZIP code and beyond.