29556, Kingstree, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29556, Kingstree, South Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.51 percent of the residents in 29556 has some form of health insurance. 54.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.58 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 29556 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,026 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29556. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,310 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 840 health care providers accessible to residents in 29556, Kingstree, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Kingstree, SC (ZIP Code 29556)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of lung cancer care within Kingstree, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29556), focusing on primary care accessibility, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights for residents and healthcare providers alike. This analysis is a snapshot, and specific practices and resources can change.

Kingstree, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The geographical isolation and socioeconomic factors common in rural areas often impact access to specialized medical care, including lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Understanding these nuances is critical for a meaningful assessment.

**Primary Care Availability: The Foundation of Early Detection**

Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the crucial first point of contact for patients, particularly in the context of lung cancer. Early detection through screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, is paramount for improving survival rates. The availability of PCPs directly influences the likelihood of patients receiving appropriate screenings and referrals to specialists.

In Kingstree, primary care availability is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. The ratio of PCPs to the population is a key indicator. A lower ratio, reflecting fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care. While specific physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, the rural nature of Kingstree likely presents challenges in this area.

The quality of primary care also matters. Practices that proactively offer lung cancer screening to eligible patients (smokers and former smokers with specific criteria) demonstrate a commitment to preventative care. This includes educating patients about risk factors, providing smoking cessation support, and facilitating timely referrals to pulmonologists or oncologists.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Critical Metric**

Beyond the overall availability of PCPs, the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is crucial. Lung cancer treatment is often complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Access to these specialists within a reasonable timeframe is essential for timely diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning.

The physician-to-patient ratio for pulmonologists and oncologists in Kingstree and the surrounding areas directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. A limited number of specialists can create bottlenecks in the healthcare system, delaying crucial appointments and potentially impacting patient outcomes. The availability of these specialists in nearby cities, such as Florence or Charleston, can partially mitigate this challenge, but travel distance and associated costs can still present barriers for some patients.

**Standout Practices: Champions of Lung Cancer Care**

Identifying practices that excel in lung cancer care is essential. These "standout practices" often demonstrate a commitment to early detection, patient education, and coordinated care. They may implement best practices, such as:

* **Proactive Screening Programs:** Actively identifying and screening eligible patients based on established guidelines.
* **Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards:** Regularly convening teams of specialists (pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, surgeons) to discuss complex cases and develop individualized treatment plans.
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** Providing comprehensive support to help patients quit smoking.
* **Patient Navigation Services:** Assisting patients in navigating the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and accessing resources.
* **Data Tracking and Performance Measurement:** Monitoring key metrics, such as screening rates, time to diagnosis, and patient outcomes, to identify areas for improvement.

Identifying and recognizing these practices is vital for improving the Lung Cancer Score.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Distance**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care in rural areas like Kingstree. Remote consultations with specialists, virtual follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients can reduce the need for travel and improve patient convenience.

The level of telemedicine adoption among healthcare providers in Kingstree directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine can expand their reach, provide timely consultations, and improve patient engagement. This is particularly valuable for follow-up appointments, symptom management, and access to specialists who may not be readily available locally.

**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Integrating mental health resources into lung cancer care is essential for holistic patient well-being.

The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns, offer referrals to mental health professionals, and integrate mental health support into their care plans demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Kingstree, SC (ZIP Code 29556) is a composite metric that considers all the factors discussed above. It reflects the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of lung cancer care in the community. The score is dynamic and can change based on various factors, including changes in physician availability, adoption of new technologies, and implementation of best practices.

**In Conclusion**

Assessing the Lung Cancer Score for Kingstree, SC (ZIP Code 29556) reveals a complex healthcare landscape. While the rural setting presents challenges, opportunities exist to improve care through strategic investments in primary care, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in Kingstree, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other relevant facilities, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome.