29449, Hollywood, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29449, Hollywood, South Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.46 percent of the residents in 29449 has some form of health insurance. 39.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.42 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 29449 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,769 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 299 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29449. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,765 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 14,843 health care providers accessible to residents in 29449, Hollywood, South Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29449 and Primary Care Availability in Hollywood, SC**

Hollywood, South Carolina (ZIP code 29449) presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly in the context of lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This analysis aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the area, alongside related factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to offer a comprehensive picture for residents and healthcare stakeholders.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. Early detection is critical, and PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or seeking preventative screenings. In ZIP code 29449, the availability of PCPs is a crucial determinant of the overall "Lung Cancer Score." Factors to consider include the total number of practicing PCPs, their geographic distribution within the ZIP code, and the accessibility of their practices (e.g., office hours, appointment availability).

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A high ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care, allowing PCPs more time with each patient. Conversely, a low ratio can lead to longer wait times, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio for 29449 requires data on the population size and the number of actively practicing PCPs within the ZIP code. This data is essential for calculating the score.

Identifying standout practices is another component. These practices might excel in various areas relevant to lung cancer care. For example, a practice might have a strong focus on preventative screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. They might also have a dedicated nurse navigator to guide patients through the diagnostic and treatment process. Practices with advanced technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient communication and care coordination, would also receive high marks.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their PCPs remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. This is particularly valuable for patients who live in rural areas, have mobility issues, or require follow-up care. Practices that offer telemedicine services, especially for routine check-ups, medication management, and post-treatment monitoring, would positively impact the "Lung Cancer Score." The availability of telehealth options, including video consultations and remote monitoring tools, would be assessed.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked, but it is critical. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would contribute positively to the score. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, would also be factored in.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not simply a numerical value. It is a composite assessment reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer-related care within 29449. The score would be calculated based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of preventative screenings might be weighted more heavily than the presence of support groups.

Data collection is crucial for this analysis. This involves gathering information from various sources, including the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the American Medical Association (AMA), and local healthcare providers. Publicly available data, such as Medicare and Medicaid claims data, can also provide valuable insights into healthcare utilization patterns.

The analysis would consider any disparities in healthcare access within the ZIP code. For instance, are certain areas underserved? Are there differences in access based on socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity? Addressing these disparities is essential for ensuring equitable access to lung cancer care.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" analysis would provide a detailed report. It would include a numerical score, a narrative summary of the findings, and specific recommendations for improving lung cancer care in 29449. The report would identify areas of strength and weakness, highlighting opportunities for improvement.

The report would also discuss the impact of healthcare policy and regulations on lung cancer care. For example, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded access to health insurance, which has likely increased the number of people who can access preventative screenings and treatment.

The analysis would also consider the role of community outreach and education. Efforts to raise awareness about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening options can play a crucial role in improving early detection rates. The report would assess the extent to which local healthcare providers are involved in community outreach initiatives.

The analysis would consider the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists. While PCPs are the primary point of contact, patients often require referrals to specialists for diagnosis and treatment. The report would assess the accessibility of these specialists within a reasonable distance of 29449.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would be a dynamic assessment. It would be updated periodically to reflect changes in healthcare access and quality. This would allow for ongoing monitoring of progress and identification of emerging challenges.

The analysis would consider the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on lung cancer outcomes. SDOH are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to transportation. The report would assess the extent to which these factors are addressed in the delivery of lung cancer care.

The analysis would conclude with a call to action, urging healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to work together to improve lung cancer care in 29449. This might include recommendations for increasing the number of PCPs, expanding access to preventative screenings, and promoting community outreach and education.

**Visualize the Healthcare Landscape:**

For a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hollywood, SC (29449), and to visualize the distribution of PCPs, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you identify areas with high or low access to care, enabling data-driven decision-making and improved healthcare planning.