29536, Dillon, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29536, Dillon, South Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.85 percent of the residents in 29536 has some form of health insurance. 55.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.79 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 29536 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,343 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29536. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,678 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 960 health care providers accessible to residents in 29536, Dillon, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Dillon, SC (ZIP Code 29536)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 29536 ZIP code, focusing on factors crucial to early detection, patient access, and overall care quality. The goal is to gauge the community's readiness to combat lung cancer, considering physician availability, resource utilization, and the integration of supportive services. This analysis considers the specific context of Dillon, South Carolina, a rural area where access to healthcare can be a significant challenge.

The core of the LCS revolves around several key performance indicators (KPIs). These include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized lung cancer screening programs, the adoption of telemedicine for consultations and follow-up, the availability of mental health resources for patients facing diagnosis and treatment, and the overall integration of these elements into a cohesive care model. The higher the score, the better the community is positioned to provide comprehensive and timely lung cancer care.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

A fundamental aspect of the LCS is the accessibility of primary care. Dillon, like many rural communities, likely experiences a physician shortage. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the American Medical Association (AMA). This ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio (meaning fewer doctors per resident) indicates potential challenges in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and reduced chances of early intervention for lung cancer.

Further analysis would delve into the types of primary care practices available. Are there solo practitioners, group practices, or hospital-affiliated clinics? The size and structure of these practices can impact efficiency and the ability to offer comprehensive services. Larger, well-resourced practices often have the capacity to implement screening programs, integrate telemedicine, and provide access to mental health support.

**Standout Practices and Screening Programs:**

Identifying "standout" practices requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. Key factors to consider include whether the practice actively promotes and facilitates lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., those with a history of smoking). The practice's adherence to national guidelines for screening (e.g., those from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) is essential.

Practices demonstrating a commitment to early detection will likely have established protocols for ordering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the primary screening tool for lung cancer. They would also have systems in place to manage positive findings, including prompt referrals to pulmonologists or oncologists. The availability of these services locally, or the ease of referral to nearby specialists, is critical.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine holds significant potential to improve access to care in rural areas. Its integration into the LCS is crucial. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. This can reduce the need for frequent travel, a major barrier for many residents in Dillon.

The analysis needs to assess the types of telemedicine services offered. Are they limited to basic video calls, or do they include more advanced capabilities like remote monitoring of vital signs or access to electronic health records? The degree to which telemedicine is integrated into the practice's workflow, and its impact on patient outcomes, will influence the LCS.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are emotionally taxing. The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. The LCS considers whether primary care practices offer access to mental health professionals, either through in-house services or referrals to external providers.

This includes evaluating the availability of counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists who specialize in oncology or have experience working with patients facing chronic illnesses. The ability to address the psychological and emotional challenges associated with lung cancer can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and adherence to treatment plans. The presence of support groups, educational programs, and patient navigators would also positively impact the LCS.

**Overall Integration and the LCS:**

The final LCS is not simply an aggregation of individual scores for each KPI. It reflects how well these elements are integrated into a cohesive care model. A practice that excels in one area but lags in others will receive a lower overall score than one that demonstrates a comprehensive approach.

The analysis considers the existence of care coordination programs, the use of electronic health records to facilitate communication between providers, and the overall patient experience. The goal is to assess the community's ability to provide a holistic, patient-centered approach to lung cancer care.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the LCS for Dillon, SC (29536) requires a detailed examination of the factors discussed above. This includes data collection from various sources, including physician directories, healthcare provider websites, and potentially patient surveys. The final score provides a snapshot of the community's readiness to combat lung cancer and identifies areas for improvement. The ultimate goal is to improve early detection, enhance access to care, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Dillon and to identify potential gaps in service delivery, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into physician distribution, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points, helping to inform strategic planning and resource allocation to improve lung cancer care in the community.