19138, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 19138, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.81 percent of the residents in 19138 has some form of health insurance. 54.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.51 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 19138 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,443 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19138. An estimate of 90 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,220 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 97,618 health care providers accessible to residents in 19138, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Primary Care in Philadelphia's 19138

This analysis assesses the quality and accessibility of primary care services for individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) residing in the 19138 ZIP code of Philadelphia. The evaluation considers factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the provision of mental health support. This analysis doesn't provide a definitive "COPD Score" as a single numerical value, but rather a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses within the defined geographic and demographic context.

Philadelphia, and specifically the 19138 ZIP code, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for COPD care. This area often faces socioeconomic disparities that can impact access to healthcare, including primary care. The prevalence of COPD, a chronic respiratory illness, necessitates readily available and high-quality primary care to manage symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and improve overall patient outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of accessibility. Assessing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the 19138 ZIP code, and comparing that to the estimated population, provides a baseline understanding of the potential burden on each physician. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare directories, are essential for calculating this ratio. The analysis would also consider the types of PCPs available, including internal medicine specialists, family medicine practitioners, and geriatricians, as each may possess different expertise and experience in managing COPD.

The characteristics of primary care practices in 19138 significantly influence the quality of COPD care. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with specialized training in respiratory medicine within the primary care setting is a significant advantage. Practices that offer on-site pulmonary function testing (PFTs), a crucial diagnostic tool for COPD, further enhance care delivery. Furthermore, the availability of chronic disease management programs, including patient education and self-management support, is essential for empowering patients to actively participate in their care. The analysis would also assess the practice's adherence to established COPD guidelines, such as those published by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like COPD. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remotely monitor patients' symptoms, and provide medication management support can improve access to care, reduce the frequency of in-person visits, and potentially prevent hospitalizations. The analysis will investigate the extent to which primary care practices in 19138 utilize telemedicine platforms. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices (e.g., for oxygen saturation or peak flow), and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's overall care delivery model.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, but they are crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services within primary care practices in 19138, including the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers. The analysis will also assess the practices' approach to screening for mental health conditions and their willingness to refer patients to appropriate mental health support.

Several primary care practices in the 19138 ZIP code may stand out for their commitment to COPD care. These practices may demonstrate excellence in several areas, including physician expertise, comprehensive services, patient education, and proactive disease management. Identifying these standout practices involves reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing performance metrics (e.g., hospitalization rates, exacerbation frequency), and assessing their adherence to established COPD guidelines. The analysis would also consider the practice's participation in community outreach programs and their efforts to address health disparities within the 19138 community.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence access to care in 19138. This includes assessing the availability of transportation, the acceptance of various insurance plans (including Medicaid and Medicare), and the practice's commitment to serving diverse patient populations. Practices that actively address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity or housing instability, are better positioned to improve patient outcomes. The analysis would also examine the practice's efforts to provide culturally competent care and to communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds.

The overall assessment of primary care availability in 19138 for COPD patients will be based on a combination of these factors. It's a nuanced evaluation, considering not just the presence of resources but also their accessibility, quality, and integration into a patient-centered care model. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in this specific area, offering insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients seeking to improve COPD management.

Ready to visualize the primary care landscape in 19138 and explore the distribution of resources? Use CartoChrome maps to gain a geospatial perspective on physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, enabling data-driven decisions to improve COPD care in your community.