29384, Waterloo, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29384, Waterloo, South Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.72 percent of the residents in 29384 has some form of health insurance. 41.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.12 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 29384 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 506 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29384. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 812 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 193 health care providers accessible to residents in 29384, Waterloo, South Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29384 & Primary Care in Waterloo**

This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare within ZIP code 29384, focusing on its capacity to address lung cancer concerns, particularly as they relate to primary care availability and the resources accessible to patients. The assessment considers various factors, including physician density, practice characteristics, the integration of telehealth, and the availability of mental health support, all of which are crucial in providing comprehensive care. We will also explore the primary care situation in Waterloo, to determine how it impacts the 29384 area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on the strength of the primary care network. In ZIP code 29384, the physician-to-patient ratio becomes a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to challenges in timely appointments, thorough screenings, and personalized care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a greater opportunity for physicians to dedicate sufficient time to each patient, including those at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. Investigating the specific ratio within 29384, compared to regional and national averages, is essential to understanding the accessibility of primary care.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices within the area are important. Are there a significant number of solo practitioners, or are group practices more common? Group practices often offer advantages, such as a wider range of expertise and the potential for integrated services, including on-site diagnostic testing or referrals to specialists. The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) is another key factor. EHR systems facilitate better coordination of care, allowing for seamless information sharing between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers. This is particularly important in lung cancer care, where a multidisciplinary approach is often necessary.

The adoption of telemedicine within 29384’s primary care practices is another key area of evaluation. Telemedicine, which encompasses remote consultations, virtual monitoring, and digital communication, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who may have mobility issues or live in geographically isolated areas. For lung cancer patients, telemedicine can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and support group participation. Assessing the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with these services is crucial.

Mental health support is another critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals is therefore essential. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients. Investigating the integration of mental health services into primary care practices in 29384, as well as the availability of support groups and other resources, is vital.

The primary care situation in Waterloo has a direct impact on the 29384 area. Waterloo's primary care infrastructure, including its physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, and the overall quality of care, influences the resources available to residents of 29384. If Waterloo offers a robust primary care system, it can serve as a valuable resource for patients in 29384, providing access to specialists, diagnostic services, and other necessary care. Conversely, if Waterloo's primary care system is strained, it could exacerbate existing challenges in 29384, leading to longer wait times, reduced access to care, and potentially poorer health outcomes.

Identifying standout practices within 29384 is also important. These practices may have implemented innovative programs, demonstrated a commitment to patient-centered care, or achieved positive outcomes in lung cancer screening and treatment. Examples might include practices that have implemented robust lung cancer screening programs, utilize advanced diagnostic technologies, or offer comprehensive patient education and support services. Highlighting these practices can provide valuable insights into best practices and serve as a model for other providers in the area.

To assess the overall quality of care, it is essential to examine data on lung cancer screening rates, early detection rates, and survival rates within 29384. These metrics can provide a valuable indication of the effectiveness of the local healthcare system in addressing lung cancer. Comparing these rates to regional and national benchmarks can help identify areas where improvements are needed.

The availability of specialized lung cancer care, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, is also crucial. Assessing the number of specialists practicing within 29384, as well as their proximity to primary care practices, is essential. The ability to quickly and easily refer patients to specialists is a key factor in providing timely and effective lung cancer treatment.

In conclusion, assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" for doctors in ZIP code 29384 and considering the impact of primary care availability in Waterloo requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. These factors include physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, the primary care situation in Waterloo, and the availability of specialized lung cancer care. By understanding these factors, we can gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas where improvements are needed to better serve patients at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 29384, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and other healthcare resources, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of care, the distribution of healthcare providers, and other relevant information.