19145, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 19145, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.60 percent of the residents in 19145 has some form of health insurance. 41.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.91 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 19145 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,399 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19145. An estimate of 90 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,695 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 93,952 health care providers accessible to residents in 19145, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Philadelphia (19145) Primary Care Landscape

This analysis delves into the primary care landscape within Philadelphia's 19145 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. We will assess physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, culminating in a COPD Score assessment. This score, while not a formal medical grading system, provides a comparative overview of the accessibility and quality of care for COPD patients in this specific area.

The 19145 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Point Breeze, Grays Ferry, and parts of South Philadelphia, presents a diverse demographic profile. This population, like many urban communities, faces potential challenges regarding access to healthcare, including those related to COPD. COPD, a progressive lung disease, necessitates consistent medical attention, medication management, and often, pulmonary rehabilitation. The availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) are therefore critical.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Accessibility:**

Determining an exact physician-to-patient ratio is challenging due to data limitations. However, publicly available sources, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), provide estimates. Based on available data, the physician-to-patient ratio in Philadelphia, and specifically within 19145, may be a concern. This implies that patients could face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial COPD management. This is especially true for specialized pulmonary care.

Factors affecting access include insurance acceptance, with practices accepting a broad range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, generally being more accessible. The proximity of practices to public transportation also plays a significant role, particularly for patients with limited mobility, a common symptom of COPD.

**Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices:**

The characteristics of primary care practices significantly influence the quality of COPD care. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including on-site pulmonary function testing (PFTs), are highly advantageous. PFTs are essential for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. Similarly, practices with registered nurses (RNs) or certified respiratory therapists (CRTs) on staff can provide valuable patient education and support.

Identifying "standout practices" requires detailed investigation. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to COPD management, evidenced by specific programs, patient testimonials, and positive online reviews, would receive higher marks. The presence of a dedicated COPD care coordinator, for example, could significantly improve patient outcomes by facilitating medication adherence, coordinating appointments, and providing ongoing support.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers significant potential for improving COPD care, especially in areas with limited access to in-person appointments. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and even remote monitoring of vital signs. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in 19145 is a crucial factor. Practices embracing telehealth technologies can offer more convenient and accessible care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in underserved areas.

The type of telemedicine offered is also important. Simple video consultations are helpful, but practices using remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and peak flow meters, can provide more comprehensive care. These devices enable physicians to track patient symptoms and adjust treatment plans proactively.

**Mental Health Resources and COPD:**

COPD often co-occurs with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen COPD symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referral networks is crucial. Practices that integrate behavioral health services, either on-site or through close partnerships with mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care.

The ability of PCPs to screen for mental health conditions and provide appropriate referrals is a key indicator of quality care. The presence of social workers or case managers within the practice can also facilitate access to mental health services and other support programs.

**COPD Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, we can formulate a hypothetical COPD Score for primary care in 19145. This score would be a composite of the following:

* **Physician Availability:** (Weight: 25%) - Assessed based on estimated physician-to-patient ratio, insurance acceptance, and appointment wait times.
* **Practice Characteristics:** (Weight: 30%) - Evaluated based on the availability of on-site PFTs, RNs/CRTs, and specialized COPD programs.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** (Weight: 25%) - Assessed based on the extent of telemedicine integration, including the use of remote monitoring devices.
* **Mental Health Resources:** (Weight: 20%) - Evaluated based on the availability of mental health services, screening protocols, and referral networks.

A higher score would indicate better access to care, more comprehensive services, and a greater likelihood of positive outcomes for COPD patients. Conversely, a lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed.

**Conclusion:**

The primary care landscape in 19145 presents both challenges and opportunities for COPD management. Improving physician availability, enhancing practice characteristics, expanding telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health resources are crucial steps toward optimizing care for this vulnerable population. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of affairs and identifying areas for improvement.

To further explore the geographic distribution of primary care practices, physician specialties, and healthcare resource availability in the Philadelphia area, we recommend utilizing the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize and analyze healthcare data, allowing for a more informed understanding of the healthcare landscape and facilitating strategic decision-making.