29536, Dillon, South Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 29536, Dillon, South Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.85 percent of the residents in 29536 has some form of health insurance. 55.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.79 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 29536 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,343 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29536. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,678 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 960 health care providers accessible to residents in 29536, Dillon, South Carolina.

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care and primary care availability in Dillon, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29536), focusing on factors influencing patient outcomes. It avoids simple lists and prioritizes a narrative approach, examining the healthcare landscape through the lens of a hypothetical “Breast Cancer Score.” This score, though not a formal metric, reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care, considering various components.

The foundation of any strong healthcare system lies in the availability of primary care physicians. In Dillon, assessing primary care availability is crucial. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians for a larger population, can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and preventative care, both vital in early breast cancer detection. Data on the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code, compared to the total population, would provide a baseline. Further investigation would involve examining appointment wait times, the acceptance of new patients, and the types of insurance accepted. This initial evaluation forms a critical part of the Breast Cancer Score, as accessible primary care is the gateway to early detection through screenings like mammograms and clinical breast exams.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. The Breast Cancer Score would consider the adoption of evidence-based practices, such as guidelines for breast cancer screening based on age and risk factors. Does the primary care network actively promote and facilitate mammograms? Are patients educated about their personal risk factors and the importance of self-exams? The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a factor. EHRs facilitate communication between providers, allowing for seamless referrals to specialists and the efficient sharing of patient information, which is particularly important in cancer care.

The availability of specialists, specifically oncologists and radiologists, is a critical component of the Breast Cancer Score. While Dillon may be a smaller community, access to these specialists is essential. The analysis would investigate the proximity of oncology practices and radiology centers offering mammography services. Travel time is a significant factor, especially for patients undergoing treatment, which can involve frequent visits. The Breast Cancer Score would reflect the ease of access to these specialists, considering both distance and appointment availability. Are there established referral pathways between primary care physicians and these specialists? Are there multidisciplinary teams, involving surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care?

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. The Breast Cancer Score would assess the availability of telemedicine services for consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with specialists and receive care without extensive travel. The analysis would investigate the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, but crucial, aspect of cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient’s mental and emotional well-being. The Breast Cancer Score would consider the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in supporting cancer patients. Are there support groups available? Are there programs to address anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges? The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is a sign of a patient-centered approach, and this is reflected in the score.

Standout practices in the area would be identified based on a combination of factors. This would include practices with a strong focus on patient education, proactive screening programs, and a commitment to using technology to improve care. Practices with a multidisciplinary approach, involving a team of specialists working collaboratively, would be highlighted. The Breast Cancer Score would recognize practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

The analysis would also consider the availability of patient navigation services. Patient navigators assist patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, providing education, and offering emotional support. The presence of patient navigation services would be a positive factor in the Breast Cancer Score, indicating a commitment to helping patients receive timely and coordinated care.

Finally, the analysis would consider the overall community resources available to breast cancer patients. This includes support groups, financial assistance programs, and educational resources. The Breast Cancer Score would reflect the availability of these resources, recognizing that a supportive community can play a vital role in a patient’s journey.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for Dillon, SC (ZIP Code 29536) would be a composite measure, reflecting the availability, accessibility, and quality of care. It would consider physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of evidence-based practices, the availability of specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, standout practices, and community support. This analysis, while not a formal score, provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Dillon, SC, including the location of healthcare providers, specialist availability, and other relevant data, explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a valuable tool for understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identifying potential gaps in care.