29455, Johns Island, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29455, Johns Island, South Carolina is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.53 percent of the residents in 29455 has some form of health insurance. 34.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.04 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 29455 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,654 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 304 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29455. An estimate of 32 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,572 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 20,430 health care providers accessible to residents in 29455, Johns Island, South Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Johns Island, SC (ZIP Code 29455)**

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care providers and their associated resources within ZIP code 29455, encompassing Johns Island, South Carolina. The goal is to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and overall patient well-being. The score considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. The analysis aims to offer insights to residents seeking primary care, particularly those with heightened risk factors or concerns related to lung cancer.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally translates to shorter wait times for appointments and more individualized attention. Data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the US Census Bureau, when cross-referenced, provide a baseline understanding of the primary care physician density in the 29455 ZIP code. However, this data alone doesn’t fully capture the nuances of access. Factors like the age and health status of the population, the presence of specialists, and the availability of ancillary services like diagnostic imaging significantly influence the true accessibility of care. The analysis will delve into this.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics**

Identifying standout primary care practices involves examining several key elements. The first is the practice's commitment to preventative care. This includes offering lung cancer screening, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals, and actively promoting smoking cessation programs. The second is the practice's adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment. This includes following recommendations from organizations like the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). The third is the practice's patient satisfaction scores. These scores, often collected through patient surveys, reflect the patient experience, including factors like communication, wait times, and overall satisfaction with the care received.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption by primary care practices in 29455 is a crucial factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and the delivery of educational materials. Practices that have integrated telemedicine into their care models are better positioned to reach patients, especially those with mobility issues or who live far from the practice. The analysis will assess the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of access to these services, and the impact on patient outcomes.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Availability**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is a significant component of the Lung Cancer Score. This includes access to on-site mental health professionals, referrals to therapists and psychiatrists, and the integration of mental health screening into routine care. Practices that prioritize mental health support are better equipped to provide comprehensive care and improve patient well-being. The analysis will investigate the availability of these resources and the degree to which they are integrated into the overall care model.

**Specifics of Johns Island (29455) Assessment**

Within the 29455 ZIP code, the analysis will identify specific primary care practices and evaluate them based on the criteria outlined above. This will involve gathering data from various sources, including practice websites, patient reviews, insurance provider directories, and public health records. The analysis will consider the following:

* **Practice Name and Location:** Identifying the specific practices within the ZIP code.
* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Estimating the ratio based on available data.
* **Preventative Care Services:** Assessing the availability of lung cancer screening, smoking cessation programs, and other preventative measures.
* **Telemedicine Capabilities:** Determining the extent to which telemedicine is utilized for patient care.
* **Mental Health Support:** Evaluating the availability of mental health services and resources.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Reviewing patient reviews and ratings to gauge satisfaction levels.
* **Specialist Referral Network:** Examining the ease of referral to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists.

**Challenges and Limitations**

The analysis faces several challenges. Data availability is a primary concern. Obtaining comprehensive data on all primary care practices in the area can be difficult. Patient privacy regulations limit the amount of publicly available information. Furthermore, the quality of data can vary, and it may be subject to biases. Patient reviews, for example, may not always be representative of the entire patient population. The analysis will strive to mitigate these limitations by using multiple data sources and cross-referencing information whenever possible.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

The Lung Cancer Score analysis for Johns Island (29455) provides a valuable assessment of primary care resources relevant to lung cancer prevention and care. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of local practices and offers insights to residents seeking quality healthcare. Understanding the availability of preventative services, telemedicine options, and mental health support is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare choices. The analysis will be a dynamic document, updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To visualize the data and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Johns Island and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help you identify the closest primary care practices, assess their services, and make informed decisions about your healthcare.