29145, Silverstreet, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29145, Silverstreet, South Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.32 percent of the residents in 29145 has some form of health insurance. 42.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.72 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 29145 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 293 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29145. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 147 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 549 health care providers accessible to residents in 29145, Silverstreet, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Silverstreet, SC (ZIP Code 29145)

This analysis evaluates the preparedness of the Silverstreet, South Carolina area (ZIP Code 29145) in addressing lung cancer, focusing on primary care physician availability and related healthcare resources. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately impacting patient outcomes.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in accessible and quality primary care. In Silverstreet, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical metric. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, preventive screenings, and ongoing care coordination. The area's score will be influenced by the density of PCPs, their willingness to screen for lung cancer, and their referral patterns to specialists.

The analysis will consider the number of active PCPs practicing within the 29145 ZIP code and in the immediate surrounding areas, recognizing that residents may seek care outside their specific ZIP code. Data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the American Medical Association (AMA), and healthcare directories will be utilized to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio will be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care services.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the adoption of evidence-based practices, including adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This includes evaluating the utilization of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, such as current or former smokers with a significant smoking history.

Standout practices within the area will be identified based on their commitment to preventative care and early detection. This involves investigating which practices actively promote lung cancer screenings, educate patients about risk factors, and implement robust referral systems to pulmonologists and oncologists. These practices will be highlighted for their proactive approach to lung cancer management. The analysis will investigate their patient education materials and their commitment to keeping up with the latest screening guidelines.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telehealth services can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Silverstreet. The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the availability of telehealth consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and other specialists. The ability to remotely monitor patients, deliver educational materials, and provide follow-up care can significantly enhance patient outcomes. The analysis will identify practices offering telemedicine services and assess the types of services available.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is significant. The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. The analysis will examine the proximity of mental health providers, the availability of support groups, and the integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan. The presence of social workers and patient navigators within the healthcare system will also be considered.

Furthermore, the analysis will evaluate the availability of smoking cessation programs and resources. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are vital for prevention and reducing the risk of recurrence. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the presence of smoking cessation programs, their accessibility, and their success rates. The analysis will also assess the availability of nicotine replacement therapy and other cessation aids.

The referral pathways for lung cancer patients are also important. The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of referral systems from PCPs to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. This includes assessing the time it takes to schedule appointments, the communication between providers, and the coordination of care. The analysis will identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the referral process.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will also consider the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment options. This includes access to advanced imaging technologies, such as PET scans and MRI, as well as access to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The analysis will also assess the availability of clinical trials and other innovative treatment options. The proximity of major cancer centers and hospitals will be a factor.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the overall preparedness of the Silverstreet area in addressing lung cancer. This score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, with each factor assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for a comparative assessment of the area's strengths and weaknesses.

The analysis will provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents of Silverstreet. By identifying areas for improvement, the analysis can help to inform strategies to enhance lung cancer care and improve patient outcomes. The goal is to create a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to lung cancer management in the community.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician density, and other relevant data points, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, allowing you to see the data in a clear and accessible format.