29161, Timmonsville, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29161, Timmonsville, South Carolina is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.75 percent of the residents in 29161 has some form of health insurance. 46.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.86 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 29161 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,532 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29161. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 443 health care providers accessible to residents in 29161, Timmonsville, South Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Timmonsville, SC (ZIP Code 29161)**

This analysis evaluates the landscape of healthcare, specifically concerning lung cancer care, within the Timmonsville, South Carolina ZIP code of 29161. The focus is on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all critical components in providing comprehensive cancer care. The ultimate goal is to assess the overall 'Lung Cancer Score' for residents of this area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on a robust primary care infrastructure. Early detection significantly improves survival rates. In Timmonsville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial factor. The physician-to-patient ratio within 29161 needs to be examined. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, could lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment initiation. This directly impacts the 'Lung Cancer Score'.

Evaluating the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area, compared to the population size, provides a preliminary assessment. Data from state medical boards, insurance provider directories, and local hospital systems are required to determine this ratio. Furthermore, the distribution of PCPs across the area is important. Are they clustered in one location, or are they geographically accessible to all residents, including those in more rural areas? This geographical accessibility is a key factor in determining the ‘Lung Cancer Score’.

Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in patient care, are essential. Identifying these practices requires an assessment of several factors. These include the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment, such as low-dose CT scanners, used for early lung cancer detection. The presence of dedicated oncology nurses, patient navigators, and support staff is also vital. Reviewing patient testimonials and online reviews can provide insights into the quality of care provided by individual practices. Practices with a strong emphasis on patient education and support services, such as smoking cessation programs, would contribute positively to the 'Lung Cancer Score'.

Telemedicine adoption has revolutionized healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The availability of telehealth consultations with PCPs and specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists, can significantly improve the timeliness of care. Assessing the extent to which practices in 29161 offer telemedicine services is crucial. Are virtual consultations readily available? Do practices utilize remote monitoring technologies to track patient progress? Practices embracing telehealth can enhance the 'Lung Cancer Score' by improving access to specialists and reducing the burden of travel for patients.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the community is a significant factor. This includes assessing the number of mental health providers, their accessibility, and whether they have experience working with cancer patients. The presence of support groups and counseling services specifically tailored to cancer patients and their families contributes to a higher 'Lung Cancer Score'.

The integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan is also important. Does the local hospital or cancer center offer integrated behavioral health services? Are there partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers? The presence of these integrated services, along with access to palliative care and pain management specialists, is essential for a high 'Lung Cancer Score'.

Analyzing the overall healthcare landscape in Timmonsville requires a holistic approach. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, is critical. The proximity of these specialists to the residents of 29161 is a factor. The presence of a cancer center or a hospital with a dedicated oncology department can significantly improve the ‘Lung Cancer Score’. The quality of care provided by these specialists, as measured by patient outcomes and survival rates, is also important.

A comprehensive assessment would also include an evaluation of the insurance coverage options available to residents. The affordability of healthcare, including the cost of diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications, is a key factor in determining access to care. The percentage of the population with health insurance, and the types of insurance plans accepted by local providers, are important considerations.

Furthermore, the community's awareness of lung cancer prevention and early detection is a factor. The presence of public health campaigns promoting smoking cessation and lung cancer screening can contribute to a higher 'Lung Cancer Score'. The availability of educational materials and resources for patients and their families is also important.

In conclusion, assessing the 'Lung Cancer Score' for Timmonsville, SC (29161) requires a multifaceted analysis. It encompasses the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the accessibility of mental health resources, and the availability of specialists. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. This assessment can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for better access to care for residents.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare data, enabling you to identify areas with limited access to care and to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.