29373, Pacolet Mills, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29373, Pacolet Mills, South Carolina is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.05 percent of the residents in 29373 has some form of health insurance. 42.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.61 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 29373 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 41 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29373. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 68 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,009 health care providers accessible to residents in 29373, Pacolet Mills, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Pacolet Mills, SC (ZIP Code 29373)

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare in Pacolet Mills, South Carolina, specifically focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, all within the context of ZIP code 29373. This score will be a qualitative assessment, recognizing the limitations of readily available data and the need for ongoing investigation.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon robust primary care. Early detection through screening, prompt referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of comorbidities are crucial. In Pacolet Mills, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical indicator. To determine this, we need to look at the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs relative to the population, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely care. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the US Census Bureau provide population data and physician listings, which can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio. A low ratio would negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices matters. Are practices concentrated in a single location, or are they dispersed throughout the community? Geographic accessibility plays a significant role, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The presence of multiple primary care locations, including those that accept various insurance plans, would improve the Lung Cancer Score.

Within the existing primary care landscape, identifying standout practices is essential. This involves evaluating factors such as the adoption of evidence-based practices, patient satisfaction scores (if available), and the presence of dedicated staff trained in preventative care, including lung cancer screening protocols. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer comprehensive health education, and proactively manage chronic conditions would receive higher marks. These practices would contribute positively to the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support to patients in remote areas, can significantly improve access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring capabilities, would positively impact the Lung Cancer Score. The availability of telemedicine also helps to reduce the burden on patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Access to mental health resources is, therefore, an integral part of comprehensive care. The Lung Cancer Score must consider the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community. Do primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services? Are there readily accessible support groups or counseling services specifically tailored to cancer patients? The presence and accessibility of these resources are vital for improving the Lung Cancer Score.

Further complicating the picture is the socioeconomic profile of Pacolet Mills. Factors like poverty rates, educational attainment, and access to healthy food options can significantly influence health outcomes, including lung cancer risk and treatment adherence. Areas with higher rates of smoking, for instance, would likely benefit from more aggressive preventative measures and smoking cessation programs. The Lung Cancer Score would need to consider these factors, acknowledging that disparities in social determinants of health can affect access to care and overall health outcomes.

The quality of the local hospital system also plays a significant role. The presence of a hospital with a dedicated oncology department, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is crucial for providing comprehensive lung cancer care. The hospital’s capabilities in terms of diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans and PET scans, are also essential. The Lung Cancer Score would be positively influenced by a well-equipped hospital system.

The availability of specialists is another critical consideration. Beyond oncologists and surgeons, access to pulmonologists, radiologists, and other specialists involved in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer is essential. The Lung Cancer Score would be enhanced by the presence of a robust network of specialists within a reasonable geographic radius.

Finally, the Lung Cancer Score must consider the overall healthcare infrastructure in Pacolet Mills. This includes the availability of pharmacies, transportation services, and other support systems that can help patients navigate the complexities of cancer care. The presence of these resources would positively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

In conclusion, assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" for Pacolet Mills (29373) requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. While a precise numerical score is difficult to generate without extensive data collection, the analysis highlights the key elements that contribute to effective lung cancer care. The availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, access to mental health resources, and the overall healthcare infrastructure all play critical roles. A low physician-to-patient ratio and a lack of resources would negatively impact the score. Conversely, a robust network of primary care providers, the presence of specialists, and the integration of mental health services would improve the score.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pacolet Mills, including the location of physicians, the distribution of healthcare facilities, and the availability of resources, we encourage you to explore the power of geographic visualization.

**Click here to explore the healthcare landscape in Pacolet Mills and visualize the data using CartoChrome maps.**