19132, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer 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.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Philadelphia (19132) Primary Care Landscape

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 19132 ZIP code of Philadelphia, considering factors crucial for early detection, treatment support, and overall patient well-being. It also examines the broader context of primary care availability within the city, recognizing that access to quality primary care is a cornerstone in the fight against lung cancer. The analysis will evaluate physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and consider the availability of mental health resources, all critical elements in a patient's journey.

The 19132 ZIP code, encompassing portions of North Philadelphia, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Socioeconomic factors often correlate with health disparities, potentially impacting lung cancer incidence, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes. Therefore, the availability of accessible and high-quality primary care is paramount.

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

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data analysis reveals a variable physician-to-patient ratio within 19132, with pockets of both adequate and inadequate access. Areas closer to major hospitals and healthcare systems generally exhibit better ratios. However, certain neighborhoods may face significant shortages, particularly for PCPs accepting new patients. This disparity highlights the need for strategic interventions to improve access, such as incentivizing physician recruitment to underserved areas and expanding community health centers.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. These include the use of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening (e.g., low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), the integration of smoking cessation programs, and the provision of comprehensive patient education. Practices affiliated with major healthcare systems, such as Temple Health or Einstein Healthcare Network, often benefit from access to advanced diagnostic tools, specialized expertise, and robust support services. These practices frequently demonstrate higher adherence to quality metrics and offer a broader range of services. However, smaller, independent practices also play a vital role in providing personalized care and building strong patient-physician relationships. Assessing the quality of care necessitates a thorough review of patient outcomes, patient satisfaction surveys, and adherence to established clinical guidelines.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly relevant, particularly in the context of lung cancer care. It offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Within 19132, telemedicine adoption varies. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems are generally more likely to offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups. However, smaller practices may face challenges in implementing telemedicine due to technological limitations, lack of reimbursement parity for virtual visits, and the need for staff training. The effective use of telemedicine can significantly enhance patient convenience, facilitate earlier interventions, and improve communication between patients and their care teams.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. This includes access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services. The analysis indicates that the availability of these resources within 19132 is variable. Some practices have integrated mental health services into their care models, while others rely on referrals to external providers. Strong partnerships between primary care practices and mental health specialists are essential to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate support. Furthermore, addressing social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and housing instability, is crucial for promoting overall well-being and improving treatment outcomes.

**Primary Care Availability in Philadelphia: A Broader Perspective:**

Beyond the specific context of 19132, the overall availability of primary care in Philadelphia impacts lung cancer outcomes. The city faces ongoing challenges related to physician shortages, particularly in underserved communities. Addressing these shortages requires a multi-pronged approach, including increasing the number of medical school graduates, incentivizing physicians to practice in high-need areas, and expanding the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Furthermore, strengthening the primary care infrastructure, including community health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), is essential for providing accessible and affordable care to all residents.

**Conclusion:**

The Lung Cancer Score for primary care within 19132 is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care delivered by individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. While pockets of excellence exist, significant disparities in access and quality persist. Addressing these disparities requires a concerted effort from healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the primary care landscape in 19132 and throughout Philadelphia, including a visual representation of physician locations, access to care, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. This resource provides valuable insights that can inform your healthcare decisions and empower you to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.