29487, Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29487, Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.70 percent of the residents in 29487 has some form of health insurance. 40.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.54 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 29487 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 552 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29487. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 562 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,354 health care providers accessible to residents in 29487, Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Wadmalaw Island, SC (ZIP Code 29487)

Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, a serene Lowcountry community, presents a unique challenge when evaluating healthcare accessibility, particularly concerning lung cancer care. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for the area, considering the limited number of physicians within ZIP Code 29487 and the overall primary care availability, with a focus on factors critical for lung cancer patients: physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health support.

The core of any lung cancer care pathway is the primary care physician (PCP). In Wadmalaw Island, the scarcity of PCPs is a significant hurdle. Determining an exact physician-to-patient ratio is difficult without access to real-time, granular data. However, the island's relatively small population, estimated to be around 1,000 residents, coupled with the limited number of practices physically located within the ZIP code, suggests a potentially unfavorable ratio. Residents likely rely on physicians in neighboring areas, such as Johns Island or Charleston, which adds travel time and potential barriers to timely care. This geographical constraint is a critical factor impacting the overall score.

Standout practices, if any, are difficult to identify without detailed practice-level data. However, the presence of any practice offering comprehensive primary care, including preventative screenings like those recommended for lung cancer (especially for high-risk individuals), would be a significant asset. These screenings, such as low-dose CT scans, are crucial for early detection, which dramatically improves survival rates. The ability of a practice to coordinate these screenings, manage referrals to specialists (pulmonologists, oncologists), and provide ongoing support is a key indicator of quality. The lack of readily available information on practice characteristics within the ZIP code highlights the need for improved data transparency.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the Lung Cancer Score. For residents of Wadmalaw Island, telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers. Telemedicine consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists can reduce the need for travel, making follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations more accessible. The availability of telemedicine services, including the types of platforms used, the ease of scheduling, and the patient's access to technology, are all essential factors in assessing the score. A high score would be associated with practices that have robust telemedicine capabilities.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but they are undeniably essential. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support, whether through on-site therapists, referrals to mental health professionals, or access to support groups, significantly impacts a patient's quality of life and their ability to cope with the disease. The absence of such resources would negatively affect the Lung Cancer Score.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Wadmalaw Island, SC (29487) would likely be moderate at best, given the limited primary care availability and the potential geographical challenges. The lack of readily available data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources makes a precise score difficult. However, the identified factors – limited access to primary care, the potential for travel barriers, the importance of telemedicine, and the need for mental health support – all contribute to the overall assessment.

The score could be improved by several factors. Increased primary care physician presence within the ZIP code or in close proximity would be beneficial. Practices that prioritize preventative screenings, offer robust telemedicine services, and integrate mental health support would significantly enhance the score. Community initiatives focused on raising awareness about lung cancer, promoting early detection, and providing support to patients and their families would also contribute positively.

To further refine this analysis and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wadmalaw Island, a deeper dive into specific practice characteristics is needed. This includes assessing the types of services offered, the technology used, and the availability of specialized care. Access to data regarding physician availability, patient demographics, and health outcomes would provide a more accurate and insightful Lung Cancer Score.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Wadmalaw Island and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, enabling a more informed assessment of healthcare accessibility and patient care.