19132, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension 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.

The complex interplay of factors contributing to hypertension management necessitates a nuanced understanding of healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area. This analysis focuses on evaluating the landscape of hypertension care for doctors practicing within the 19132 ZIP code in Philadelphia, while also considering the broader context of primary care availability throughout the city. We will assess various aspects, including physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately providing a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment.

The 19132 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Hunting Park and Nicetown-Tioga, presents unique challenges in healthcare delivery. The population density and socioeconomic factors often correlate with a higher prevalence of hypertension and related comorbidities. Consequently, the physician-to-patient ratio becomes a critical indicator. An inadequate number of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and ultimately, poorer blood pressure control. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to pinpoint due to constantly fluctuating provider availability and patient enrollment, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide valuable insights. These data, when analyzed in conjunction with local hospital networks and community health centers, can help estimate the availability of PCPs within the 19132 ZIP code. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, warrants a lower score for access to care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices is paramount. Several practices within or serving the 19132 area have demonstrated commitment to hypertension management. These practices often implement evidence-based protocols, such as the use of standardized blood pressure measurement techniques, regular patient education sessions, and medication adherence support programs. Practices employing certified clinical pharmacists who can adjust medications under physician supervision, or those utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress and identify at-risk individuals, would receive higher scores. Furthermore, practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those sponsored by the American Heart Association or the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), demonstrate a proactive approach to improving patient outcomes. Identifying these standout practices, and recognizing their best practices, is crucial for improving the overall hypertension care environment.

Telemedicine adoption has emerged as a significant factor in expanding access to care, particularly for patients facing transportation barriers or mobility limitations. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their hypertension management programs should be given a higher score. This includes offering virtual consultations for medication management, blood pressure monitoring, and patient education. The ability to remotely monitor blood pressure readings, coupled with timely feedback from healthcare providers, can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and enhance blood pressure control. Telemedicine’s impact is especially important in a community like 19132, where access to transportation may be a challenge.

The connection between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate hypertension and hinder effective management. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive hypertension care strategy. Practices that have integrated behavioral health services, either through on-site therapists or through referral networks, deserve a higher score. These resources should include access to individual therapy, group support sessions, and medication management for mental health conditions. The integration of mental health care acknowledges the complex interplay of physical and mental well-being, fostering a holistic approach to patient care.

Evaluating primary care availability across the broader Philadelphia landscape provides a crucial context for understanding hypertension care within the 19132 ZIP code. The city's overall physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of PCPs across different neighborhoods, and the accessibility of specialty care all influence the quality of hypertension management. Areas with limited primary care access may experience a "spillover effect," where patients from underserved communities seek care in neighboring areas, potentially straining resources and increasing wait times. Public health initiatives aimed at increasing the number of PCPs, particularly in underserved areas, are essential for improving the overall health of the city.

The "Hypertension Score" for doctors in the 19132 ZIP code is, therefore, a composite assessment, incorporating physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of evidence-based practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. The final score should be adjusted based on the overall primary care landscape in Philadelphia. Practices with a high score demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered hypertension care. Those with lower scores might identify areas for improvement, such as increasing telemedicine capabilities, integrating mental health services, or adopting standardized blood pressure measurement protocols.

For instance, a practice in 19132 with a relatively low physician-to-patient ratio, but excellent telemedicine integration, strong patient education programs, and integrated mental health services, might still receive a respectable score. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio but lacking in other key areas may receive a lower score, even if they are located in an area with good overall primary care access. The score reflects a multi-faceted evaluation, not simply a single metric.

In conclusion, assessing hypertension care requires a thorough understanding of local resources, physician practices, and patient needs. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality of care within the 19132 ZIP code and Philadelphia as a whole. The "Hypertension Score" can be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients seeking to improve hypertension management.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, access to care, and demographic data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. They offer a dynamic and interactive way to analyze spatial data and gain a deeper understanding of the factors impacting hypertension care.