19147, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 19147, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.49 percent of the residents in 19147 has some form of health insurance. 23.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.82 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 19147 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,540 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19147. An estimate of 86 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,792 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 91,179 health care providers accessible to residents in 19147, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Philadelphia (ZIP Code 19147) Primary Care

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services within Philadelphia's 19147 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. This includes physician accessibility, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for effective COPD care. We aim to provide a "COPD Score" assessment, acknowledging that a formal numerical score is beyond the scope of this analysis, but rather a qualitative evaluation based on the available data.

The 19147 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Point Breeze and Grays Ferry, presents unique challenges. High population density and socioeconomic disparities can exacerbate health issues, including COPD. Therefore, accessible and comprehensive primary care is paramount.

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

A critical factor in COPD care is the availability of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio in 19147 needs close scrutiny. While precise figures fluctuate, preliminary research indicates a potential shortage of primary care providers compared to the overall population. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, making it difficult for COPD patients to receive timely care, including crucial check-ups, medication adjustments, and pulmonary rehabilitation referrals. The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, within a reasonable distance is also vital.

**Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices:**

The characteristics of primary care practices significantly impact COPD care. Practices that prioritize chronic disease management, including COPD, tend to offer better outcomes. Key indicators include the presence of dedicated care coordinators, respiratory therapists, and access to spirometry testing, a critical diagnostic tool for COPD.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several factors. Practices that embrace a patient-centered approach, offering extended hours, same-day appointments for urgent needs, and multilingual staff, often demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse populations. Practices affiliated with larger health systems may benefit from integrated electronic health records (EHRs), facilitating seamless information sharing between primary care physicians and specialists.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Impact:**

Telemedicine holds immense potential for improving COPD care, especially in areas with limited access to in-person services. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 19147 is a key area for assessment. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, enabling patients to manage their condition more effectively from home.

The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access for patients, the ease of use of the telehealth platform, and the physician's comfort level with virtual consultations. Practices that offer remote monitoring of vital signs, such as oxygen saturation levels, can provide early warning signs of exacerbations and allow for timely intervention.

**Mental Health Resources:**

COPD often co-exists with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can significantly impact the patient's quality of life and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial.

Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or readily available referrals to mental health specialists, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of COPD patients. This includes offering brief interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication management for mental health conditions. The ability to connect patients with support groups and peer-to-peer networks can also provide valuable emotional support.

**Overall Assessment and "COPD Score" Considerations:**

Based on the factors discussed, a "COPD Score" assessment for primary care in 19147 would likely reflect a mixed picture. While the presence of dedicated practices and the potential of telemedicine offer promise, challenges related to physician-to-patient ratios, socioeconomic disparities, and the need for increased mental health integration require attention.

A high "COPD Score" would be associated with practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to chronic disease management, readily available access to care, comprehensive telemedicine offerings, and integrated mental health services. Conversely, a lower score would indicate areas where access to care is limited, telemedicine adoption is low, and mental health resources are lacking.

To improve the "COPD Score" in 19147, several strategies are necessary. These include increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, integrating mental health services into primary care practices, and addressing socioeconomic barriers that limit access to care.

**Call to Action:**

For a detailed visual representation of primary care availability, physician locations, and practice characteristics within Philadelphia, including ZIP code 19147, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with the greatest need for improved access to care and to pinpoint practices that are leading the way in COPD management. Visit CartoChrome today to gain valuable insights and support informed decision-making in the fight against COPD.