29547, Hamer, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29547, Hamer, South Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.36 percent of the residents in 29547 has some form of health insurance. 33.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.23 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 29547 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 422 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29547. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 328 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 948 health care providers accessible to residents in 29547, Hamer, South Carolina.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29547 and Primary Care Availability in Hamer, South Carolina**

This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare within ZIP code 29547 (primarily encompassing the town of Hamer, South Carolina) focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection and treatment, specifically the availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services. The goal is to provide a nuanced 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment, acknowledging the complex interplay of these elements in patient outcomes.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer screening program rests on robust primary care access. In Hamer, a rural community, this access is likely a significant determinant of the overall health score. Physician-to-patient ratios are critical. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and potentially missed opportunities for early lung cancer detection. Data on this specific ratio within 29547 is essential. Publicly available resources, such as those from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to ascertain the current ratio. A low ratio will negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. Are practices accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for an appointment? Are evening or weekend hours available? These factors significantly impact a patient's ability to engage in preventative care, including discussions about lung cancer risk factors and the potential for screening. Practices that proactively offer lung cancer screening, especially for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, those with a family history), will receive a higher score.

Identifying standout practices within 29547 is crucial. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, patient education, and early detection strategies should be highlighted. This includes practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, provide comprehensive patient education materials about lung cancer risks and symptoms, and have streamlined processes for ordering and interpreting low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the primary screening tool for lung cancer. A practice that integrates these elements will improve the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can be a game-changer in rural areas. It can expand access to specialists, facilitate follow-up appointments, and provide access to educational resources. The level of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians in 29547 needs to be assessed. Do physicians offer virtual consultations? Do they utilize remote monitoring technologies for patients at high risk? Practices actively embracing telemedicine will contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked, but its impact on lung cancer outcomes is significant. Patients diagnosed with cancer, including lung cancer, often experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Access to mental health services is crucial for supporting patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the primary care setting or through referral networks, will impact the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to these services will receive a higher rating.

Furthermore, the availability of support groups and patient navigation services should be considered. Support groups provide a valuable platform for patients to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies. Patient navigators can assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and accessing resources. The presence of these services will contribute to a higher Lung Cancer Score.

The specific demographics of the population within 29547 also influence the assessment. The prevalence of smoking, the age distribution, and the socioeconomic status of the community all play a role in lung cancer risk and access to care. Data on these factors should be incorporated into the analysis to provide a more accurate Lung Cancer Score.

The Lung Cancer Score will be assessed using a weighted scoring system. Each of the factors discussed above – physician-to-patient ratio, quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community demographics – will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The overall score will then be calculated based on the performance of the healthcare system within 29547 across these factors.

The final Lung Cancer Score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within the specified ZIP code, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. This assessment will inform recommendations for improving lung cancer detection and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The analysis should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To visualize and further analyze the data underpinning this Lung Cancer Score, and to gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and patient needs, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 29547 and the surrounding areas.

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Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area. Contact us today to learn more about how CartoChrome can help you make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes.