29590, Salters, South Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 29590, Salters, South Carolina is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 53.85 percent of the residents in 29590 has some form of health insurance. 25.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 36.77 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 29590 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 388 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29590. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 358 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 133 health care providers accessible to residents in 29590, Salters, South Carolina.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 29590 and Salters Primary Care**

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within ZIP Code 29590, encompassing the town of Salters, South Carolina, and its surrounding areas. The assessment considers factors critical to patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The ultimate goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for individuals seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on the availability of qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). In Salters, the primary care landscape is evaluated by examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to preventative care, including breast cancer screenings. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially improved patient outcomes. The analysis considers the number of PCPs actively practicing within the immediate vicinity of Salters, factoring in their patient load and appointment availability.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is assessed. This involves examining factors like the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), which facilitate seamless information sharing between specialists and patients. Practices utilizing EHRs often demonstrate better coordination of care, leading to more efficient referrals for mammograms and follow-up appointments. The analysis also considers the presence of patient-centered care models, such as extended office hours and same-day appointments, which can significantly improve accessibility, particularly for working individuals.

Specialist availability is a crucial component of breast cancer care. The analysis investigates the presence of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons within a reasonable travel distance from Salters. The proximity of these specialists directly impacts the speed with which patients can receive diagnostic tests, consultations, and treatment. The analysis considers the number of specialists, their experience, and their affiliations with reputable hospitals or cancer centers.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly for patients in rural areas. The analysis examines the adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices and specialists. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits and improving access to care for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The analysis assesses the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of access, and patient satisfaction with these services.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health resources is essential for patients' well-being. The analysis investigates the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology or provide support to cancer patients. It also considers the integration of mental health services within primary care practices and cancer centers, ensuring that patients have access to comprehensive support.

Standout practices are identified based on a combination of factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, quality of care indicators, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. These practices are recognized for their commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and for their efforts to improve access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The analysis highlights specific practices that demonstrate excellence in these areas, providing valuable information for individuals seeking care.

The analysis also considers the availability of breast cancer screening services, such as mammography. The proximity of screening facilities, the types of mammography offered (e.g., 3D mammography), and the wait times for appointments are all evaluated. The analysis also examines the availability of financial assistance programs for breast cancer screening and treatment, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to accessing care.

The analysis is conducted using publicly available data, including information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and other reputable sources. Data is analyzed using statistical methods to generate a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 29590. The score is based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, with each factor assigned a weight based on its importance to patient outcomes.

The final Breast Cancer Score provides a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare landscape, offering valuable insights for individuals seeking breast cancer care. The score is not intended to be a definitive ranking but rather a starting point for further investigation. Individuals are encouraged to consult with their primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care.

The analysis considers the impact of social determinants of health on breast cancer outcomes. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and health literacy can significantly affect a patient's ability to access and adhere to treatment. The analysis considers these factors and their potential impact on the Breast Cancer Score, providing a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the local healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 29590 provides a valuable assessment of the local healthcare environment. The analysis highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the system, identifying areas where improvements are needed. The information provided can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care and advocate for better access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 29590, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and screening facilities, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a user-friendly interface for visualizing the data and gaining a deeper understanding of the local healthcare environment.