29481, Smoaks, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29481, Smoaks, South Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 59.90 percent of the residents in 29481 has some form of health insurance. 39.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.04 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 29481 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 409 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29481. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 315 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 443 health care providers accessible to residents in 29481, Smoaks, South Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29481 and Primary Care Availability in Smoaks, South Carolina**

This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare accessibility and quality within ZIP code 29481 (likely encompassing Walterboro, South Carolina, and surrounding areas) and specifically examines primary care availability in the nearby town of Smoaks. The focus centers on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, including physician density, practice characteristics, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support, all vital components in patient care. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The first crucial element in evaluating lung cancer care is the physician-to-patient ratio. In ZIP code 29481, the density of pulmonologists, oncologists, and general practitioners plays a significant role. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially, poorer outcomes. Data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the American Medical Association (AMA) would be essential to accurately determine these ratios. The analysis would need to account for the population size within the ZIP code and the number of physicians specializing in relevant fields. The presence of specialists in neighboring areas, accessible within a reasonable travel distance, would also be considered.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. The analysis will assess the practices within 29481, looking for standout characteristics. Are there practices that actively participate in clinical trials related to lung cancer? Do they utilize advanced diagnostic technologies like low-dose CT scans for early detection? Are they affiliated with larger healthcare systems that offer comprehensive cancer centers? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, patient-centered care, and ongoing professional development would receive higher scores. The analysis would also consider patient satisfaction scores, as these provide valuable insights into the overall patient experience.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by practices in 29481 can significantly impact access to care, especially for patients who face transportation challenges or live in remote locations. The analysis would investigate the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms for follow-up appointments and patient education. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflows, offering convenient and accessible care options, would be viewed favorably.

The mental health of patients diagnosed with lung cancer is often overlooked, but it is a crucial aspect of overall well-being and treatment adherence. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the healthcare ecosystem of 29481. Do practices offer on-site counseling services, or do they have established referral networks with mental health professionals? Are there support groups or other resources available to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of a cancer diagnosis? Practices that prioritize mental health support will receive a higher score.

Primary care availability in Smoaks, South Carolina, is a critical factor. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms that could indicate lung cancer. The accessibility of PCPs in Smoaks directly impacts the likelihood of early detection and timely referral to specialists. The analysis will assess the number of PCPs serving the Smoaks area, their appointment availability, and the ease with which patients can access their services. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services, will be considered.

The analysis would also consider the availability of diagnostic facilities, such as imaging centers, within a reasonable distance of Smoaks. Prompt access to chest X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests is crucial for timely diagnosis. The analysis would examine the proximity of these facilities and the efficiency with which patients can obtain these tests.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in the overall assessment. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of specialists might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear and concise understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in the target area.

The analysis would be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the addition of new practices, the expansion of telemedicine services, or changes in physician availability. The goal is to provide a dynamic and up-to-date assessment of the healthcare ecosystem, empowering patients and healthcare providers with the information they need to make informed decisions.

This assessment will be valuable for various stakeholders. Patients can use the information to make informed choices about their healthcare providers and to advocate for improved access to care. Healthcare providers can use the analysis to identify areas where they can improve their services and to benchmark their performance against other practices in the area. Public health officials can use the data to identify healthcare disparities and to develop strategies to address them.

**CartoChrome Maps: Visualize Your Healthcare Landscape**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 29481 and Smoaks, and to visualize the data presented in this "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive and visually compelling way to explore geographic data, allowing you to identify healthcare resources, analyze physician density, and understand the accessibility of care in your community. Visit CartoChrome today and discover the power of location intelligence to improve your understanding of healthcare access.