29102, Manning, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29102, Manning, South Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.49 percent of the residents in 29102 has some form of health insurance. 52.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.53 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 29102 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,842 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29102. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,932 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,414 health care providers accessible to residents in 29102, Manning, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: Manning, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29102)

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Manning, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29102) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of innovative practices like telemedicine, and the accessibility of crucial mental health resources. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score," a qualitative assessment of the community's preparedness to address the challenges of lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support.

Manning, a relatively rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms, facilitating early detection and referral to specialists. A low PCP-to-population ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to preventative care, impacting the overall Lung Cancer Score. Assessing this ratio involves analyzing the number of practicing PCPs within the 29102 ZIP code and comparing it to the population size. Publicly available data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the US Census Bureau are essential for this calculation.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the community is vital. Are practices concentrated in one area, leaving other parts of the ZIP code underserved? This geographic analysis helps pinpoint potential disparities in access. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients by these practices is a key factor. A practice with a high patient load may have limited capacity to take on new individuals, potentially lengthening the wait times for appointments and impacting the speed of diagnosis.

Physician-to-patient ratios are just one piece of the puzzle. The quality of care provided by these physicians is equally important. Identifying standout practices requires evaluating factors like patient reviews, the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and management, and the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate better communication between providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. Practices actively involved in community outreach and education regarding lung cancer awareness and prevention also deserve recognition. This can include participation in health fairs, offering smoking cessation programs, and providing educational materials.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Manning. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially shortening the time to diagnosis and treatment. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves assessing whether local practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and access to online patient portals. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow are likely to receive a higher score.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Access to mental health resources is crucial for patients and their families. Assessing the availability of these resources involves examining the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community. Are these professionals accepting new patients? Are they experienced in treating patients with cancer? Are support groups available for patients and their loved ones? The presence of these resources significantly contributes to the overall Lung Cancer Score.

The availability of specialized cancer care within the immediate area is another critical factor. While Manning may not have a comprehensive cancer center, the proximity to such facilities in nearby cities like Columbia is essential. The ease of access to oncologists, radiation therapists, and other specialists is crucial for timely and effective treatment. Transportation options and the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, can also impact the Lung Cancer Score.

A comprehensive Lung Cancer Score for Manning, South Carolina, would be a qualitative assessment based on the factors discussed above. It would not be a single numerical value, but rather a nuanced evaluation of the community's strengths and weaknesses in addressing lung cancer care. The score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the accessibility of specialized cancer care.

For example, a high score might indicate: a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a high percentage of practices utilizing EHRs and evidence-based guidelines, widespread adoption of telemedicine, readily available mental health support, and easy access to specialized cancer care in nearby cities. A lower score might reflect: a limited number of PCPs, a lack of telemedicine options, a scarcity of mental health resources, and significant travel distances to specialized cancer care.

The evaluation process would also consider the community's demographics, including age, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking. This information would help contextualize the Lung Cancer Score and identify specific areas where improvements are needed.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a valuable resource for residents of Manning, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, this analysis can inform efforts to improve lung cancer care and outcomes within the community.

To visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps.