19154, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 19154, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.56 percent of the residents in 19154 has some form of health insurance. 34.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.95 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 19154 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,558 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19154. An estimate of 86 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,435 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 86,414 health care providers accessible to residents in 19154, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 19154 and Primary Care Availability in Philadelphia

This analysis delves into the overall health landscape, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care within ZIP code 19154 and its broader context within Philadelphia. We aim to provide an “Overall Health Score” assessment, considering various factors influencing healthcare access and outcomes. This involves examining physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and assessing the availability of mental health resources.

ZIP code 19154, encompassing areas like Overbrook and Wynnefield, presents a unique demographic profile within Philadelphia. Understanding this profile is crucial for evaluating healthcare needs. The population density, age distribution, and socioeconomic factors influence the demand for primary care services. A higher concentration of elderly residents, for instance, typically translates to a greater need for regular checkups and chronic disease management. The socioeconomic status also plays a significant role, as it can impact access to insurance, transportation, and healthy food options, all of which indirectly affect health outcomes and the demand for primary care.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, meaning a high number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised quality of care. Within 19154, the physician-to-patient ratio needs careful examination. Data from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and local medical societies should be analyzed to determine if the current supply of primary care physicians adequately meets the community's needs. Comparing this ratio to the citywide average and national benchmarks provides a valuable context for understanding the relative availability of primary care in this specific ZIP code.

Identifying standout practices is crucial for understanding the quality of care available. This involves looking beyond simple metrics like physician-to-patient ratios. Practices that demonstrate excellence in patient care often exhibit certain characteristics. These include: patient-centered care models, where the patient's needs and preferences are prioritized; comprehensive services, offering a range of services beyond basic checkups, such as chronic disease management, preventative screenings, and behavioral health integration; and positive patient satisfaction scores, reflecting the overall experience of patients. The presence of board-certified physicians and the accreditation status of the practices are also important considerations.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in underserved areas. The adoption rate of telemedicine within 19154 and the broader Philadelphia area needs to be assessed. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., consultations, medication management), and the ease of access to these services for patients. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, providing convenient and accessible care, should be recognized as exemplary.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall health. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within primary care practices and the broader community is a critical factor. This involves evaluating the presence of on-site behavioral health specialists, the ability of primary care physicians to screen for mental health conditions, and the referral pathways to specialized mental health services. The availability of mental health resources should be compared to the needs of the population within 19154, considering factors like the prevalence of mental health disorders and the availability of support services.

The broader context of primary care availability in Philadelphia is also important. Examining the citywide physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of primary care practices across different neighborhoods, and the efforts of the city government and healthcare organizations to improve access to care provides a valuable perspective. This includes evaluating initiatives aimed at expanding primary care capacity, addressing health disparities, and promoting preventative care. The impact of these initiatives on the overall health of the population should be assessed.

The “Overall Health Score” for doctors in 19154 and primary care availability in Philadelphia would be derived from a weighted average of these factors. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in determining the quality and accessibility of primary care. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the health landscape, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. This score should be viewed as a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare environment and the ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes.

In conclusion, the health landscape within ZIP code 19154 and the broader Philadelphia area is complex and multifaceted. A comprehensive analysis, considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, is essential for understanding the availability and quality of primary care. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the “Overall Health Score” and identifying areas for improvement.

To further explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, visualize physician density, and analyze demographic data related to health outcomes, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps.