29479, Saint Stephen, South Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 29479, Saint Stephen, South Carolina is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.05 percent of the residents in 29479 has some form of health insurance. 47.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.63 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 29479 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,619 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29479. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,097 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 400 health care providers accessible to residents in 29479, Saint Stephen, South Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Saint Stephen, SC (ZIP Code 29479)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer-related healthcare within ZIP code 29479, focusing specifically on the town of Saint Stephen, South Carolina. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the landscape of primary care physicians, their practices, and the resources available to women in the area. This score considers factors crucial to early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing support for individuals facing breast cancer.

The foundation of this analysis rests upon the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are the initial point of contact for most women, providing routine checkups, breast cancer screenings, and referrals to specialists if necessary. The physician-to-patient ratio in Saint Stephen is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed screenings, and potentially, later-stage diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially, improved outcomes. This assessment will need to be built upon publicly available data, such as state medical board registries, and potentially, information from healthcare directories. The analysis will attempt to estimate this ratio, understanding that the actual figure can fluctuate.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care provided by these PCPs is paramount. This includes the frequency with which they recommend mammograms, their knowledge of current breast cancer screening guidelines, and their ability to effectively communicate with patients about their concerns. The analysis will look for indicators of best practices, such as whether PCPs are affiliated with larger healthcare systems that offer specialized breast cancer centers, diagnostic imaging services, and multidisciplinary teams.

Standout practices within the area will be identified based on their comprehensive approach to women's health. This includes practices that prioritize preventative care, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and have a history of positive patient outcomes. These practices may be recognized for their patient-centered care, their commitment to education, and their integration of advanced technologies. Identifying these "centers of excellence" is crucial for guiding patients toward optimal care.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals in rural areas like Saint Stephen. The analysis will assess the availability of telehealth services for breast cancer-related consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and can potentially reduce barriers to care.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support can significantly impact a patient's well-being and treatment adherence. The Breast Cancer Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, within the Saint Stephen area. This includes examining whether PCPs offer referrals to mental health professionals and if any local organizations provide specialized support for cancer patients.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of specialized services, such as breast surgeons, oncologists, and radiation therapists, within a reasonable distance of Saint Stephen. While these specialists may not be located directly within the ZIP code, their proximity and ease of access are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will assess the travel time to these specialists and the availability of transportation options for patients.

The Breast Cancer Score will also consider the availability of patient education resources. This includes access to information about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, treatment options, and support services. The analysis will examine whether PCPs provide educational materials, whether local hospitals or clinics offer educational programs, and whether there are readily available online resources.

The score itself will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted importance of each factor. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the access to specialized services will all contribute to the final score. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing individuals to easily understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Saint Stephen.

This assessment, however, has limitations. The analysis will be based on publicly available data, which may not always be complete or up-to-date. Patient satisfaction surveys and other qualitative data are often unavailable at a ZIP code level. The analysis will also be limited by the scope of available information. Despite these limitations, the Breast Cancer Score will provide a valuable overview of the breast cancer healthcare landscape in Saint Stephen, highlighting areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.

This analysis aims to empower women in Saint Stephen with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By understanding the availability and quality of care in their community, they can proactively seek out the resources they need to stay healthy and manage their breast cancer risk. The Breast Cancer Score is intended to be a starting point for further investigation, not a definitive evaluation.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Saint Stephen and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide detailed visualizations of healthcare providers, their specialties, and their locations, allowing you to explore the data in a dynamic and user-friendly way. Visit CartoChrome today to gain a deeper insight into the healthcare resources available in your community.