Health Scores Near 29577, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29577, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 80.52 percent of the residents in 29577 has some form of health insurance. 42.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.33 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 29577 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 6,855 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29577. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,806 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,675 health care providers accessible to residents in 29577, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Health Scores in 29577, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
| Lung Cancer Score | 30 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 7 |
| Provider Score | 63 |
| Hospital Score | 43 |
| Travel Score | 50 |
| 29577 | Myrtle Beach | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29577 and Primary Care Availability in Myrtle Beach**
This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 29577, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within the Myrtle Beach area.
The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. In 29577, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. Examining physician-to-patient ratios provides a baseline understanding of access. National averages suggest a target ratio, but local conditions can vary. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. This impacts the lung cancer score negatively.
Standout practices within the area are those that prioritize patient-centered care and incorporate best practices in lung cancer screening and referral. These practices often have dedicated care coordinators to guide patients through the diagnostic process, from initial screening to specialist consultations. They may also participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments. Identifying these high-performing practices is essential for understanding the overall quality of care.
Telemedicine adoption is another key component of the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine can enhance access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and support groups. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine technologies will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.
The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is crucial in lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that provide access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This includes offering counseling, support groups, and access to psychiatric services. A high score in this area reflects a commitment to addressing the psychological needs of patients, improving their overall quality of life.
**Specific Considerations for 29577**
The analysis should consider the specific demographics of the area. Myrtle Beach is a popular retirement destination, which means a potentially higher percentage of older adults, a demographic at increased risk for lung cancer. This demographic shift can impact the demand for primary care services and the need for specialized cancer care.
The analysis must also consider the existing healthcare infrastructure. Are there hospitals with comprehensive cancer centers? Are there pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists readily available? The proximity of these specialists to primary care practices is vital for seamless referrals and timely treatment.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio Assessment**
Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 29577 requires data collection from sources like the US Census Bureau and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. This analysis must compare the local ratio to national and state averages to determine if there is a shortage of PCPs. If a shortage is identified, it will negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.
**Standout Practices and their Characteristics**
Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes reviewing patient reviews, assessing the practice's website for information on services and accreditations, and possibly conducting interviews with local healthcare professionals. Key characteristics of high-performing practices include:
* **Early Screening Programs:** Offering or facilitating lung cancer screening using low-dose CT scans for eligible patients.
* **Rapid Referral Pathways:** Having established protocols for quickly referring patients with suspicious findings to specialists.
* **Multidisciplinary Teams:** Collaborating with pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons to provide comprehensive care.
* **Patient Education:** Providing patients with clear and concise information about lung cancer, treatment options, and support services.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**
The level of telemedicine adoption can be evaluated by examining the practices' websites and inquiring about their use of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient portals. Practices that offer these services will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.
**Mental Health Resource Integration**
The availability of mental health resources can be assessed by reviewing the practices' websites, inquiring about their referral practices, and checking if they have on-site mental health professionals. Practices that actively address the mental health needs of their patients will receive a higher score.
**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Recommendations**
The final Lung Cancer Score will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in 29577. The recommendations will focus on areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing the integration of mental health resources.
**Call to Action**
For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Myrtle Beach, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and cancer centers, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their detailed mapping tools can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of care and help you make informed decisions about your health.
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