29128, Rembert, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29128, Rembert, South Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 67.55 percent of the residents in 29128 has some form of health insurance. 39.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.83 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 29128 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 565 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29128. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 888 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,563 health care providers accessible to residents in 29128, Rembert, South Carolina.

The analysis below provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians in ZIP code 29128 and assesses primary care availability in Rembert, South Carolina, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This score is not a definitive ranking but a comparative assessment based on publicly available data and accepted medical practices. The goal is to provide a general overview, not to replace professional medical advice.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 29128 & Rembert, SC**

The assessment of lung cancer care in this region begins with a fundamental understanding: early detection is paramount. This means access to primary care physicians (PCPs) who can identify risk factors, order screenings (particularly low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), and facilitate timely referrals to specialists. The availability of these resources, along with the quality of care provided, forms the basis of the Lung Cancer Score.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Access**

Rembert, being a smaller community, likely faces challenges regarding physician-to-patient ratios. Data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into the number of PCPs practicing in the area relative to the population. A low ratio suggests potential difficulty in accessing primary care appointments, which is a critical first step in lung cancer screening and diagnosis. The analysis would need to consider the availability of PCPs in the surrounding areas, as residents may travel to access care.

The primary care availability directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. Areas with fewer PCPs per capita will receive a lower score, reflecting the potential for delayed diagnosis due to access limitations. The analysis also considers the types of primary care practices available, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout practices requires examining several factors. These include the adoption of evidence-based practices, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, and the expertise of the medical staff. Practices that actively promote lung cancer screening programs, follow national guidelines for screening eligibility, and have experience in managing lung cancer cases would score higher.

The analysis would assess the practices' use of electronic health records (EHRs), which can facilitate efficient communication between providers, improve care coordination, and allow for data analysis to track patient outcomes. The presence of on-site diagnostic imaging, such as X-ray and CT scan capabilities, is also a significant factor, reducing the time required for diagnosis. The existence of a dedicated oncology department or strong referral network to oncologists and pulmonologists would also positively influence the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Role**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in ZIP code 29128 and the surrounding areas can significantly improve the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment planning.

The analysis would assess the availability of telemedicine services, including video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and the use of patient portals. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine to connect patients with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, would receive a higher score. This is especially crucial for follow-up appointments and consultations, potentially reducing travel burdens for patients.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources is therefore an essential component of the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that offer or have strong referral networks to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, would receive a higher score.

The analysis would assess the availability of mental health services, including individual therapy, group support, and access to psychiatric care. The presence of support groups for lung cancer patients and their families is also a positive factor. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide resources to address these needs demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

**Specific Considerations for ZIP Code 29128**

The analysis would delve into specific practices within ZIP code 29128, focusing on their adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those established by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). It would investigate whether practices actively screen eligible patients, based on age and smoking history, using low-dose CT scans.

The analysis would also examine the availability of smoking cessation programs, which are crucial for preventing lung cancer and improving outcomes for those diagnosed with the disease. Practices that offer or refer patients to smoking cessation programs would be viewed favorably.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score Methodology**

The Lung Cancer Score is determined by weighting the factors discussed above. Primary care access and physician-to-patient ratios would be weighted heavily, followed by the adoption of evidence-based practices, telemedicine utilization, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor would be assigned a score based on its importance and impact on patient outcomes.

The final score would be a composite of these individual scores, providing a general assessment of the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in the region. The analysis would also include a qualitative assessment, considering factors such as patient reviews, community reputation, and the overall commitment of the practices to providing high-quality care.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

This Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a general overview of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 29128 and Rembert, SC, related to lung cancer care. The findings highlight the importance of primary care access, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and the availability of supportive services.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape and visualize the availability of resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care in the area. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a clearer picture of healthcare resources in your community.