29664, Mountain Rest, South Carolina Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 29664, Mountain Rest, South Carolina is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.03 percent of the residents in 29664 has some form of health insurance. 47.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.45 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 29664 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 432 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29664. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 498 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 855 health care providers accessible to residents in 29664, Mountain Rest, South Carolina.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the availability and quality of breast cancer care within ZIP code 29664, encompassing Mountain Rest, South Carolina, with a specific emphasis on primary care access and related resources. This assessment aims to provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, enabling informed decisions for residents seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Evaluating the healthcare environment begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. While specific data for 29664 requires a deeper dive into publicly available sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), we can make informed estimations. The rural nature of Mountain Rest suggests a potential challenge. Sparse populations often translate to fewer primary care physicians and specialists per capita. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for care, and potential difficulties in accessing timely screenings and diagnostic procedures. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for primary care, can create a bottleneck, impacting the efficiency of the entire healthcare system.

Primary care availability is a critical factor in breast cancer care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, screening recommendations, and referrals to specialists. The accessibility of PCPs in Mountain Rest is crucial for ensuring women receive timely mammograms and other necessary screenings. The presence of a robust primary care network can significantly improve early detection rates, leading to better patient outcomes. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, the types of practices they represent (e.g., solo practices, group practices, community health centers), and their acceptance of various insurance plans. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these practices within the community is important. Are practices clustered in one area, or are they spread out to serve a broader population?

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. This includes factors like the physicians' experience, their commitment to preventative care, and their ability to effectively communicate with patients. The presence of patient-centered medical homes, which emphasize coordinated care and patient engagement, can be a positive indicator. These medical homes often have systems in place to remind patients of upcoming screenings and provide educational materials about breast cancer risk factors and early detection. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another key factor. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of errors.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care in rural areas like Mountain Rest. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially shortening wait times. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, consultations with specialists, and mental health services. The availability of telemedicine for breast cancer-related services, such as consultations with oncologists or genetic counselors, can greatly enhance the quality of care. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining the availability of telehealth platforms, the types of services offered remotely, and the insurance coverage for these services.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as therapy and counseling, is essential for supporting patients throughout their journey. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and support groups. Assessing mental health resources involves examining the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer, and their ability to accept various insurance plans. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices is also a positive indicator.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper investigation into the specific healthcare providers in the area. This includes researching their credentials, experience, and patient reviews. Examining the services they offer, such as breast cancer screening, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options, is also important. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, early detection, and comprehensive treatment are likely to be highly regarded. Investigating their participation in clinical trials and their use of advanced technologies, such as 3D mammography, can provide further insights into their quality of care.

The overall assessment of breast cancer care in 29664 requires a holistic approach. It involves considering the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability and quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices. A comprehensive evaluation should consider the specific needs of the community, including the demographic characteristics of the population and any existing health disparities.

This analysis provides a general overview of the factors influencing breast cancer care in 29664. A more detailed assessment would require accessing and analyzing specific data from various sources. For those seeking a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Mountain Rest, including the locations of physicians, primary care practices, and available resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare environment, allowing you to visualize the distribution of resources and make informed decisions about your care.