29653, Hodges, South Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 29653, Hodges, South Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.57 percent of the residents in 29653 has some form of health insurance. 48.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.83 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 29653 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 673 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29653. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,035 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,594 health care providers accessible to residents in 29653, Hodges, South Carolina.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Hodges, SC (ZIP Code 29653)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care availability and quality for residents of Hodges, South Carolina (ZIP code 29653). The evaluation considers factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician access, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

The core of this analysis revolves around the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the specified geographic area. Primary care serves as the crucial entry point into the healthcare system, providing preventative care, early detection screenings, and referrals to specialists. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Hodges is therefore paramount. While precise, real-time data on physician numbers and patient demographics fluctuates, publicly available resources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) provide valuable estimates. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, would negatively impact the Breast Cancer Score. Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting better access, would positively influence the score. This ratio directly affects the ability of individuals to secure timely appointments for routine checkups, mammograms, and any necessary follow-up care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices is critical. Are practices clustered in one part of the ZIP code, leaving other areas underserved? The geographical accessibility of these practices, including their proximity to public transportation and the availability of parking, is a key factor. Practices located in easily accessible areas score higher.

The characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are also considered. Are they accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? The presence of on-site services, such as laboratory testing or basic imaging, streamlines the diagnostic process and improves patient convenience. Practices that offer a comprehensive range of services and prioritize patient convenience will receive higher scores.

The analysis also examines the availability of specialized care, specifically focusing on breast cancer specialists. While PCPs provide initial screening and referrals, access to oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists experienced in breast cancer treatment is essential for optimal care. The proximity of these specialists to Hodges residents, along with their acceptance of insurance plans commonly used in the area, is a crucial component of the Breast Cancer Score. The analysis assesses the availability of these specialists within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like traffic and travel time.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with PCPs and specialists can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis evaluates the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services, including the types of services offered (e.g., initial consultations, follow-up appointments, medication management) and the ease of use of the telemedicine platform. Practices that embrace telemedicine and make it readily available to patients will score favorably.

Mental health resources play a vital role in the overall well-being of breast cancer patients. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support is crucial for coping with the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany the disease. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the Hodges area or in nearby communities. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices or cancer treatment centers is also considered a positive factor. Practices that prioritize mental health support and offer integrated services receive higher scores.

The analysis also considers the availability of patient support groups and educational resources. Breast cancer patients often benefit from connecting with others who have similar experiences. The presence of local support groups, both in-person and online, can provide valuable emotional support and information. The availability of educational materials, such as brochures, websites, and workshops, empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care. Practices that actively promote patient education and support groups are recognized in the scoring.

Specific practices within the 29653 ZIP code are evaluated based on these criteria. While naming individual practices requires up-to-the-minute data, the analysis focuses on identifying standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. These practices typically exhibit several key characteristics: a high physician-to-patient ratio, easy accessibility, a wide range of services, a commitment to telemedicine, integrated mental health support, and active patient education programs.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a static measure. It is a dynamic assessment that reflects the ever-changing healthcare landscape. Regular updates are necessary to account for changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, and the adoption of new technologies and services. The analysis is designed to provide a snapshot of the current situation, identifying areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.

The final Breast Cancer Score for Hodges (ZIP code 29653) is calculated based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor reflects its relative importance in determining the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. The score is presented on a scale, allowing for easy comparison and tracking of progress over time. The analysis aims to be a valuable resource for residents of Hodges, healthcare providers, and policymakers, providing insights that can be used to improve the quality of breast cancer care in the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and access to care within the 29653 ZIP code, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to explore the healthcare landscape in detail and identify potential areas of need.