29450, Huger, South Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 29450, Huger, South Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.24 percent of the residents in 29450 has some form of health insurance. 40.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.62 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 29450 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 539 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 262 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29450. An estimate of 33 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 561 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,282 health care providers accessible to residents in 29450, Huger, South Carolina.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score" for primary care physicians in ZIP code 29450 (Huger, South Carolina) and assesses primary care availability within the Huger community. This score is a composite, reflecting factors relevant to breast cancer prevention, early detection, and supportive care. The score is not an official medical ranking, but rather a framework for understanding healthcare access and quality within the specified geographic area.

The first component of the Breast Cancer Score considers the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio of patients per primary care physician (PCP) can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Huger, a relatively rural community, likely faces a lower density of PCPs compared to more urban areas. Data from state medical boards, combined with census information on population size, would be necessary to calculate an accurate physician-to-patient ratio. The analysis assumes that the ratio is potentially strained, suggesting the need for strategies to improve access, such as expanded clinic hours or recruitment of additional medical professionals.

The second factor is the availability of screening services. Breast cancer screening, including mammograms, is crucial for early detection. The Breast Cancer Score will reflect the proximity of primary care practices to accredited mammography facilities. The score considers the ease of access to these facilities, including travel time and transportation options. If patients must travel significant distances for screening, the score is negatively impacted. The analysis assumes that access to these services is limited, highlighting the importance of community outreach programs and mobile mammography units.

The third factor is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their doctors remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and discussing test results. The Breast Cancer Score will consider the extent to which primary care practices in Huger have adopted telemedicine technologies. The analysis assumes that the adoption rate is moderate, indicating an opportunity to expand telemedicine capabilities to improve patient convenience and access to care.

The fourth factor is the availability of mental health resources. A breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support is vital for patients. The Breast Cancer Score will assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, in the Huger area. The analysis assumes that mental health resources are limited, emphasizing the need for partnerships with local mental health providers and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices.

The fifth factor is the presence of patient education and support programs. Primary care practices can play a crucial role in educating patients about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and available support services. The Breast Cancer Score will evaluate the extent to which practices offer patient education materials, support groups, or referrals to relevant organizations. The analysis assumes that these programs are limited, suggesting the need for community health initiatives and collaborations with breast cancer advocacy groups.

The sixth factor is the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between healthcare providers, which can improve care coordination and reduce errors. The Breast Cancer Score will consider the extent to which primary care practices in Huger utilize EHRs and share patient data with specialists and other healthcare providers. The analysis assumes that EHR adoption is widespread, but the interoperability of these systems may be a challenge, highlighting the need for improved data sharing capabilities.

Standout practices within the 29450 ZIP code would be those demonstrating exceptional performance across these factors. This could include practices with a low physician-to-patient ratio, easy access to screening services, robust telemedicine capabilities, strong mental health support, comprehensive patient education programs, and effective EHR utilization. The analysis would identify these practices and highlight their best practices, serving as models for other providers in the area.

The analysis will also examine the role of insurance coverage in accessing care. The Breast Cancer Score will consider the percentage of residents in Huger with health insurance and the types of insurance accepted by local primary care practices. The analysis assumes that a portion of the population lacks adequate insurance coverage, highlighting the need for programs that provide financial assistance and support to uninsured or underinsured patients.

The analysis will also assess the impact of social determinants of health on breast cancer outcomes. These factors include socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and food security. The Breast Cancer Score will consider the prevalence of these factors in Huger and their potential impact on patients' ability to access and adhere to recommended care. The analysis assumes that social determinants of health pose challenges for some residents, emphasizing the need for community-based interventions and social support services.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialized breast cancer care. While primary care physicians play a critical role in early detection and prevention, patients with a breast cancer diagnosis require access to specialized care, including oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists. The Breast Cancer Score will assess the proximity of Huger to these specialists and the ease of access to their services. The analysis assumes that access to specialized care may require travel, highlighting the need for improved transportation options and partnerships with regional cancer centers.

The analysis will also consider the diversity of the patient population. The Breast Cancer Score will consider the demographics of the Huger community and the cultural competency of local primary care practices. The analysis assumes that cultural sensitivity is essential for providing effective care to all patients, emphasizing the need for culturally appropriate communication and healthcare services.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score analysis for physicians in ZIP code 29450 and primary care availability in Huger provides a framework for assessing healthcare access and quality. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, screening services, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, patient education, EHR utilization, insurance coverage, social determinants of health, specialized care, and cultural competency. The analysis highlights areas for improvement and identifies standout practices.

To visualize the geographic distribution of these factors and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access in Huger, visit CartoChrome maps.