29355, Kinards, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29355, Kinards, South Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.97 percent of the residents in 29355 has some form of health insurance. 37.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.04 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 29355 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 124 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29355. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 402 health care providers accessible to residents in 29355, Kinards, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Kinards, SC (ZIP Code 29355)

This analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare resources within ZIP code 29355 (Kinards, SC) specifically focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, including physician availability, primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for individuals facing this disease. This analysis considers the specific context of Kinards, a small, rural community, where access to specialized care can be a significant challenge.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on a robust primary care infrastructure. In Kinards, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical starting point. The "Lung Cancer Score" will heavily weigh the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the score. This metric reflects the potential difficulty in securing timely appointments for initial screenings, diagnostic follow-up, and ongoing management. Data on primary care physician density within the 29355 ZIP code and its surrounding areas will be crucial. We will need to examine the geographical distribution of these physicians to determine the ease of access for residents of Kinards. Travel time to the nearest primary care provider is a vital consideration, particularly for elderly or mobility-impaired individuals.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. We need to assess the presence of practices that actively promote lung cancer screening, such as through the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. The adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and early detection will be a positive factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." Practices that offer comprehensive preventive care, including smoking cessation programs and education on risk factors, will be viewed favorably. The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with specialists and hospitals is also important. This promotes seamless communication and coordination of care, which is essential for patients navigating the complexities of lung cancer.

Telemedicine represents a potential solution to the geographic limitations of rural healthcare. The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the extent to which primary care practices and specialists in the area utilize telemedicine. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and access to online educational resources. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available in Kinards. The adoption of telehealth platforms that are user-friendly and accessible to patients of all ages and technological capabilities will be a key determinant.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a significant factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." We will assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the community or in nearby areas. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, specifically for cancer patients and their families will be a positive indicator. Access to mental health services that are integrated into the overall cancer care plan is critical. This integration ensures that patients receive comprehensive support to address the emotional challenges associated with their diagnosis and treatment. The proximity of mental health professionals, and the ability to coordinate care between primary care physicians, oncologists, and mental health providers, will significantly influence the score.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. We will search for practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care. This involves looking for practices that have implemented best practices in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Factors such as patient satisfaction scores, participation in clinical trials, and the availability of patient navigators will be considered. These practices serve as models for the community, and their presence will positively impact the "Lung Cancer Score." These practices will be specifically identified to highlight their contributions to the community.

Specific data sources will be used to inform this analysis. These include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data on physician locations and patient populations, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for public health information, and professional directories such as the American Medical Association (AMA). Information on telemedicine adoption will be gathered through practice websites, patient reviews, and direct inquiries. Data on mental health resources will be collected from local hospitals, clinics, and mental health organizations.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite measure reflecting the various factors discussed above. The score will be presented as a numerical value, with a higher score indicating a more favorable healthcare environment for lung cancer patients. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the scoring system. This will allow for transparency and provide a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare resources in Kinards. The score is intended to serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in assessing and improving the quality of lung cancer care in the community.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. Poverty, lack of insurance, and transportation challenges can significantly affect a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. These factors will be considered in the overall assessment, and the "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing healthcare services.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will be a dynamic assessment, subject to change as healthcare resources evolve. Regular updates will be necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health services. The goal is to provide an ongoing evaluation of the healthcare landscape in Kinards, ensuring that patients have access to the best possible care for lung cancer.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Kinards, SC (ZIP Code 29355), including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides detailed geographic data and allows you to visualize the healthcare resources available in your community.