29512, Bennettsville, South Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 29512, Bennettsville, South Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.11 percent of the residents in 29512 has some form of health insurance. 44.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 38.22 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 29512 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,713 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29512. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,805 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 885 health care providers accessible to residents in 29512, Bennettsville, South Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Bennettsville, SC (ZIP Code 29512)

Analyzing the availability of breast cancer care in Bennettsville, South Carolina (ZIP code 29512) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers the quality of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized breast cancer services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each factor contributes to an overall "Breast Cancer Score," reflecting the community's capacity to provide comprehensive and timely care.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible and high-quality primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients, crucial for early detection through screening and referrals. In Bennettsville, the availability of PCPs is a significant concern. The physician-to-patient ratio in this area is likely lower than the state and national averages. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. The impact is felt particularly by those with limited transportation options or inflexible work schedules.

The quality of primary care also varies. Factors like the experience of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment within the practice, and the practice's commitment to preventative care protocols all play a role. Practices that actively encourage mammograms, provide patient education, and offer convenient appointment scheduling demonstrate a higher level of commitment to breast cancer prevention. However, the specific practices in Bennettsville that excel in these areas require further investigation. A detailed review of individual practice websites, patient reviews, and local health reports would be necessary to identify standout providers.

Specialized breast cancer services are another critical component. This includes access to oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast cancer, radiation oncologists, and support staff like nurses and patient navigators. The presence of these specialists within the Bennettsville area, or the proximity of such specialists in nearby cities, greatly impacts the Breast Cancer Score. If patients must travel long distances for consultations, treatment, or follow-up care, it can create significant logistical and financial burdens, potentially impacting adherence to treatment plans and overall outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and counseling. The extent to which Bennettsville physicians and practices have embraced telemedicine, including the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, is a key factor in the Breast Cancer Score. Practices that offer telemedicine options demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care.

The integration of mental health resources is also essential. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in supporting cancer patients is a crucial element of comprehensive care. The Breast Cancer Score considers whether local practices offer in-house counseling services, provide referrals to mental health specialists, or collaborate with organizations that offer support groups and other resources.

The overall Breast Cancer Score for Bennettsville, SC (ZIP code 29512) is likely negatively impacted by the challenges of limited primary care availability and the potential for reduced access to specialized services. The absence of readily available data on specific practice performance and the level of telemedicine adoption further complicates the assessment.

To accurately assess the quality of breast cancer care, a more granular analysis is required. This involves gathering detailed information on individual practices, including their physician-to-patient ratios, the types of services they offer, their telemedicine capabilities, and their partnerships with mental health providers. This information would allow for a more precise evaluation of the Breast Cancer Score and identify areas for improvement.

The lack of readily available data highlights a significant challenge in assessing healthcare access and quality in Bennettsville. This underscores the need for increased transparency and the availability of comprehensive information for patients and healthcare providers.

The primary care environment in Bennettsville, SC, is likely a significant factor in the overall Breast Cancer Score. The limited number of PCPs and potential challenges in accessing timely appointments can delay screenings and referrals, impacting early detection rates. Furthermore, the quality of primary care, including the emphasis on preventative care and patient education, varies among practices.

The availability of specialized breast cancer services, such as oncologists and surgeons, is another crucial factor. If patients must travel long distances for consultations and treatment, it can create significant burdens.

The adoption of telemedicine is also important. Telemedicine can help bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and medication management.

The integration of mental health resources is also essential. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in supporting cancer patients is a crucial element of comprehensive care.

To get a more comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape in Bennettsville and other areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to identify areas with limited access to care and to see where improvements are needed.