19129, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 19129, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.13 percent of the residents in 19129 has some form of health insurance. 28.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.82 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 19129 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,925 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19129. An estimate of 107 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,548 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 104,626 health care providers accessible to residents in 19129, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 19129 and Primary Care Availability in Philadelphia**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning hypertension management, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 19129, encompassing areas like Roxborough and Manayunk in Philadelphia, and then broadens to consider primary care availability across the city. The goal is to assess the resources available for hypertension care, including physician access, innovative practices, and supporting services, culminating in a hypothetical "Hypertension Score."

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access Challenges**

The first critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. In 19129, and indeed across Philadelphia, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) significantly impacts hypertension management. A lower ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care, all detrimental to effective hypertension control. The specific ratio in 19129 needs to be compared against the Philadelphia average and national benchmarks to determine the relative accessibility of PCPs. Areas with a higher concentration of elderly residents, who are more susceptible to hypertension, might experience even greater challenges. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients by PCPs is a crucial factor. Some practices may have closed panels, further limiting access.

**Standout Practices and Innovation**

Identifying standout practices within 19129 and Philadelphia is essential. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension management. They might employ strategies such as:

* **Proactive Screening:** Regularly screening patients for hypertension, even those without known risk factors.
* **Patient Education:** Providing comprehensive education on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques.
* **Team-Based Care:** Utilizing nurses, medical assistants, and pharmacists to support physicians in managing patient care.
* **Electronic Health Records (EHRs):** Implementing EHRs to streamline workflows, track patient data, and facilitate communication.
* **Medication Management Programs:** Offering medication reconciliation and adherence support.
* **Specialized Hypertension Clinics:** Some practices may have dedicated hypertension clinics staffed by specialists.

These practices often lead to better patient outcomes, including improved blood pressure control and reduced cardiovascular risk.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool for improving healthcare access, especially for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension. The adoption of telemedicine in 19129 and across Philadelphia can significantly influence the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine can address several barriers to care:

* **Geographic Limitations:** Providing care to patients who live far from medical facilities.
* **Mobility Issues:** Assisting patients with limited mobility.
* **Appointment Availability:** Offering convenient virtual consultations.

Practices that have embraced telemedicine for hypertension management often utilize remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual follow-up appointments, and patient education platforms. The level of telehealth integration, including the types of services offered and the ease of use for both patients and providers, is a key factor in evaluating the Hypertension Score.

**Mental Health Resources and the Hypertension Connection**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can elevate blood pressure and hinder effective hypertension management. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within 19129 and Philadelphia is crucial. This includes:

* **Access to Psychiatrists and Therapists:** The number of mental health providers per capita.
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment into their primary care workflows.
* **Stress Management Programs:** Availability of programs that teach relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and other stress-reduction strategies.
* **Support Groups:** The presence of support groups for patients with hypertension and related mental health concerns.

Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide integrated care are likely to achieve better outcomes in hypertension control.

**Evaluating the Hypertension Score: A Holistic Approach**

To generate a meaningful Hypertension Score for 19129 and Philadelphia, all these factors must be considered. The score would likely incorporate weighted metrics:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Reflecting access to PCPs.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Measuring the extent of telehealth integration.
* **Mental Health Resource Availability:** Assessing access to mental health services.
* **Standout Practice Characteristics:** Evaluating the adoption of best practices.

The score would be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of hypertension care. The higher the score, the better the resources and the more likely patients are to receive effective care. The score, however, is not a static number. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in healthcare landscape, including new practices, telemedicine adoption, and resource availability.

**Philadelphia-Wide Primary Care Availability**

Expanding the analysis to Philadelphia as a whole reveals a complex picture. While some areas may have adequate primary care resources, others may face significant shortages. Factors such as socioeconomic status, insurance coverage, and transportation access further complicate the issue. Areas with a high concentration of underserved populations often experience the greatest challenges in accessing primary care, which, in turn, leads to poorer hypertension control. The city’s efforts to improve primary care access, such as initiatives to expand the number of PCPs, increase the use of telehealth, and provide financial assistance to patients, will significantly impact the overall Hypertension Score.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

Understanding the nuances of healthcare access, physician availability, and support services is crucial for improving hypertension management. Analyzing data across different geographic areas, such as 19129 and the broader Philadelphia landscape, provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system. To visualize these complex data points and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and disparities, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their platform offers a powerful way to analyze and visualize healthcare data, helping you identify areas with the greatest needs and track progress over time.