29062, Horatio, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29062, Horatio, South Carolina is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 29062 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 29062 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 14 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29062. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 10 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,425 health care providers accessible to residents in 29062, Horatio, South Carolina.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical “Lung Cancer Score” assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 29062, encompassing the town of Horatio, South Carolina. This score, for illustrative purposes, considers factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support, providing a framework for understanding healthcare access and quality in this specific geographical area. The analysis emphasizes the importance of primary care in early detection and management, alongside factors like physician availability and mental health resources.

The “Lung Cancer Score” is a composite metric, not an officially recognized medical standard. It considers several key areas. Firstly, physician availability is crucial. The physician-to-patient ratio in Horatio (ZIP code 29062) is a critical starting point. Data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and publicly available sources, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), would be consulted to determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the area. This number is then compared to the estimated population of Horatio. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the score, as it could lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care, including lung cancer screenings.

Secondly, the analysis assesses the availability of preventative care services. This includes access to smoking cessation programs, which are vital in reducing lung cancer risk. The score would evaluate whether local primary care practices offer these programs directly, or if they have established referral pathways to external resources. The presence of certified smoking cessation specialists within the community would be a positive factor. The score would also consider the availability of lung cancer screening services, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, for eligible patients. The proximity of these services, and the ease with which patients can access them, would be factored in.

Thirdly, the adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices is examined. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. The score would evaluate the extent to which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine would receive a higher score, as this demonstrates a commitment to expanding access and convenience for patients, potentially improving early detection through easier access to consultations and follow-up care.

Fourthly, the analysis considers the availability of mental health resources. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The score would evaluate whether primary care practices have integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or through referral networks. The presence of readily accessible mental health support is a critical factor in supporting patients throughout their cancer journey. Practices that actively address the psychological needs of their patients would receive a higher score.

Standout practices within ZIP code 29062 would be identified based on their performance across these key areas. Practices with a low physician-to-patient ratio, offering comprehensive preventative care, actively utilizing telemedicine, and providing strong mental health support would be considered high-performing. These practices would be highlighted as models for others to emulate. Conversely, practices with limited resources or lower levels of service would be identified, highlighting areas for improvement.

Data collection for this analysis would involve several steps. Publicly available sources, such as the CMS Physician Compare tool and the South Carolina Medical Association directory, would be used to identify primary care physicians in the area. Local practice websites and phone calls would be utilized to gather information on services offered, telemedicine adoption, and referral pathways. The analysis would also consider data from the DHEC regarding healthcare utilization and health outcomes in the region.

The final “Lung Cancer Score” would be a composite of these factors, weighted based on their relative importance. Physician availability would likely be given the highest weight, followed by preventative care services, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score would be presented as a numerical value, with higher scores indicating better access to care and a stronger focus on lung cancer prevention and management.

The analysis would also consider the demographic characteristics of the population served by these practices. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity can influence lung cancer risk and access to care. The score would be adjusted to account for these factors, ensuring a fair and accurate assessment of healthcare quality.

The results of this “Lung Cancer Score” analysis could be used to inform various stakeholders. Patients could use the information to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. Healthcare providers could use the analysis to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Public health officials could use the data to identify healthcare disparities and to target resources to areas with the greatest need.

It is important to reiterate that this “Lung Cancer Score” is a hypothetical construct, designed to illustrate the factors that contribute to healthcare access and quality in a specific geographic area. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should always consult with their physicians to discuss their individual health needs and to make informed decisions about their care. The analysis is intended to stimulate discussion and to encourage efforts to improve healthcare access and quality in Horatio (ZIP code 29062).

The analysis highlights the complex interplay of factors that influence lung cancer outcomes. By understanding these factors, healthcare providers, patients, and public health officials can work together to improve early detection, treatment, and support for individuals affected by this devastating disease.

For a visual representation of healthcare access and resource distribution in Horatio (ZIP code 29062) and surrounding areas, explore the power of spatial data with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data points, all visualized on an interactive map.