19136, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19136, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.08 percent of the residents in 19136 has some form of health insurance. 46.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.57 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 19136 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,644 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19136. An estimate of 103 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,446 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 100,020 health care providers accessible to residents in 19136, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive “Lung Cancer Score” for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 19136 ZIP code of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and assess the broader primary care landscape across the city. This score considers factors crucial for lung cancer prevention, early detection, and overall patient well-being, including physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to offer insights for patients seeking care and to highlight areas for improvement within the healthcare system.

Evaluating physician availability begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In 19136, a historically underserved area, this ratio can be a significant indicator of access to care. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available databases, such as the US Census Bureau, are essential for determining this ratio. The analysis will compare the 19136 ratio to the Philadelphia average and national benchmarks to gauge its relative adequacy. This comparison will reveal whether the area is experiencing a physician shortage, a critical factor influencing the Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care offered by PCPs is paramount. This includes their experience, training, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and prevention. The analysis will assess the adoption of best practices, such as recommending low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, providing smoking cessation counseling, and referring patients to specialists when necessary. Publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other quality reporting initiatives will be examined to identify practices demonstrating excellence in these areas.

Identifying standout practices within 19136 is a key objective. These practices will be those that excel in multiple areas, including high physician-to-patient ratios, a commitment to preventive care, and positive patient satisfaction scores. The analysis will consider factors such as the availability of extended hours, same-day appointments, and multilingual staff, all of which contribute to patient convenience and accessibility. Reviews from patients on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc will be analyzed to gauge patient experiences and identify practices that consistently receive positive feedback.

The integration of technology is rapidly transforming healthcare. Telemedicine adoption, in particular, has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis will assess the extent to which PCPs in 19136 offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and electronic communication with patients. This assessment will consider the accessibility of these services, the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care process. Practices that embrace technology to improve patient access and convenience will receive higher scores.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and access to mental health resources is crucial for patients facing a cancer diagnosis or dealing with the stress of preventive care. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services within PCP practices in 19136, including on-site counseling, referrals to mental health specialists, and resources for managing stress and anxiety. The analysis will consider the integration of mental health screenings into routine care and the availability of support groups and other resources for patients and their families. Practices that prioritize mental health will be viewed favorably in the Lung Cancer Score.

The broader primary care landscape in Philadelphia, while not the primary focus, provides context for the 19136 analysis. The availability of specialists, the overall quality of care, and the resources available to patients across the city all influence the care available in 19136. Data from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and other sources will be used to assess the city's overall performance in areas such as lung cancer screening rates, smoking cessation efforts, and access to specialized care. This city-wide assessment will highlight areas where Philadelphia is excelling and areas where improvements are needed.

The “Lung Cancer Score” will be a composite score, reflecting the factors discussed above. Each factor will be weighted based on its importance to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and overall patient well-being. Practices will be ranked based on their scores, with the highest-scoring practices representing the best options for patients in 19136. The score will be dynamic, updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, practice quality, and technological advancements.

The ultimate goal is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By providing a comprehensive assessment of primary care practices in 19136, this analysis aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to encourage improvements in the quality and accessibility of care. The analysis will also serve as a resource for healthcare providers, helping them to identify areas where they can improve their practices and better serve their patients.

The analysis will be a living document, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The findings will be disseminated through various channels, including online platforms, community organizations, and healthcare providers. The ultimate goal is to improve the health outcomes of residents in 19136 and to contribute to a healthier Philadelphia.

To further explore the primary care landscape in 19136 and across Philadelphia, and to visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to visit CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps and data visualizations that can help you identify the location of primary care practices, assess physician-to-patient ratios, and explore other relevant factors. Explore the data and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to make informed healthcare decisions.