29420, North Charleston, South Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 29420, North Charleston, South Carolina is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.58 percent of the residents in 29420 has some form of health insurance. 30.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.56 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 29420 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,868 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 305 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29420. An estimate of 33 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,473 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 21,478 health care providers accessible to residents in 29420, North Charleston, South Carolina.

The analysis of breast cancer care within the 29420 ZIP code, encompassing portions of North Charleston, South Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. We will examine the availability of primary care physicians, a crucial entry point for early detection and referral, along with the specialized resources dedicated to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This analysis will also consider the adoption of telemedicine, a potentially vital tool for expanding access, and the availability of mental health support, essential for patients navigating the emotional complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis.

The physician-to-patient ratio within the 29420 ZIP code is a critical factor. A higher ratio of patients per primary care physician can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data on this ratio, gleaned from publicly available sources such as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the US Census Bureau, will be essential. Furthermore, the age distribution of the population within the ZIP code impacts the demand for breast cancer screening and care. An older population, with a higher incidence of the disease, will place greater demands on the healthcare system.

Primary care availability in North Charleston is the cornerstone of early detection. Regular screenings, including mammograms, are best initiated and coordinated through a primary care physician. The number of primary care practices within the 29420 ZIP code and their capacity to accommodate new patients are key indicators. We need to consider the types of primary care practices available, including family medicine, internal medicine, and women's health specialists. Each type brings a different skill set to the table.

Standout practices within the 29420 ZIP code will be identified by their commitment to breast cancer care. This involves several factors. The presence of on-site mammography services, for example, streamlines the diagnostic process. Practices that have a dedicated breast cancer navigator, a professional who guides patients through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, are also highly valuable. We will also consider the practice's affiliation with larger healthcare systems, which may offer access to advanced treatments and clinical trials.

Telemedicine adoption offers a promising avenue for expanding access to care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, provide remote monitoring of patients, and deliver educational resources. The extent to which primary care practices and specialists within the 29420 ZIP code utilize telemedicine will be assessed. Factors like the availability of secure video conferencing platforms and the training of staff in telehealth technologies are important.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial component of breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the 29420 ZIP code is essential. We will assess the presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, and the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan.

The analysis will consider the accessibility of these resources, taking into account factors like insurance acceptance, language capabilities, and transportation options. Practices that actively work to remove barriers to care will be considered favorably. We will also look for practices that prioritize patient education, providing resources and information to empower patients to make informed decisions about their health.

The analysis will also evaluate the quality of care. This includes the use of evidence-based guidelines for screening and treatment, the implementation of patient-centered care models, and the commitment to continuous quality improvement. Data on patient outcomes, such as survival rates and recurrence rates, will be gathered from publicly available sources, if available.

The ranking of doctors in the 29420 ZIP code will be based on a composite score that considers all the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the availability of primary care, the presence of specialized resources, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health support, and the quality of care provided. The ranking will be presented in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each practice.

In conclusion, evaluating breast cancer care in the 29420 ZIP code requires a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape. This analysis aims to provide a valuable resource for patients seeking information about breast cancer care in North Charleston. By considering the availability of primary care, the presence of specialized resources, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support, we can gain a clearer picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in the 29420 ZIP code and beyond, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can bring this analysis to life, visualizing the distribution of resources, the location of practices, and the accessibility of care. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in North Charleston.