29585, Pawleys Island, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29585, Pawleys Island, South Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.79 percent of the residents in 29585 has some form of health insurance. 49.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.16 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 29585 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,004 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29585. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,508 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,319 health care providers accessible to residents in 29585, Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

The analysis below evaluates the availability and quality of lung cancer care within ZIP code 29585, encompassing Pawleys Island, South Carolina. This assessment focuses on primary care physician (PCP) availability, considering its crucial role in early detection and patient navigation. It also explores the adoption of telemedicine, the provision of mental health resources, and identifies potential standout practices. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape for individuals concerned about lung cancer within this specific geographic area.

Pawleys Island, known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare. The relatively small population size, coupled with a significant demographic of retirees, influences the demand for and accessibility of medical services. Early detection of lung cancer is paramount, highlighting the importance of readily available and accessible primary care. The first step in this analysis is to assess the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a foundational understanding of the potential workload and patient capacity of existing PCPs.

Publicly available data sources, such as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), are essential for this initial evaluation. These sources, combined with information from local hospital systems and healthcare provider directories, can offer a baseline understanding of the number of PCPs practicing within the 29585 ZIP code. This data should be cross-referenced with population estimates for Pawleys Island to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests greater accessibility to primary care services.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is critical. This involves evaluating the practices’ commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals who meet specific criteria, such as age and smoking history. Practices that actively promote and facilitate these screenings demonstrate a proactive approach to early detection, a key factor in improving patient outcomes.

Identifying practices that excel in this area requires further investigation. This includes reviewing practice websites and patient reviews to assess their emphasis on preventative care. Additionally, contacting local healthcare providers directly can provide valuable insights into their screening protocols and patient education programs. Practices that have established protocols for identifying high-risk patients and coordinating screenings would be considered strong contenders.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of modern healthcare delivery, especially in a community like Pawleys Island, which may have a significant elderly population and challenges with transportation. Telemedicine can enhance access to care by providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments. This is particularly relevant for lung cancer patients, who may require frequent check-ups and consultations with specialists.

Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves assessing the availability of virtual appointment options within local practices. This includes examining their websites and patient portals to determine if they offer telehealth services. Furthermore, it is important to investigate the types of telemedicine services offered, such as video consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient education materials. Practices that have fully integrated telemedicine into their care models are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care options.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a vital component of comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups who can provide emotional support and guidance to patients and their families.

Assessing mental health resources involves examining the availability of mental health professionals within the 29585 ZIP code. This includes identifying local therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors who specialize in oncology or related fields. Additionally, it is important to investigate the availability of support groups and other resources that provide emotional support to patients and their families. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health providers or offer on-site counseling services demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Standout practices within the 29585 ZIP code would be those that demonstrate excellence in several key areas. These include a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a strong emphasis on preventative care, including lung cancer screenings, the adoption of telemedicine to enhance access to care, and the provision of mental health resources to support patients' emotional well-being. Identifying these practices requires a thorough review of publicly available data, patient reviews, and direct contact with local healthcare providers.

The analysis should also consider the integration of specialists. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the ability of PCPs to effectively refer patients to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is crucial for comprehensive lung cancer care. Practices that have established relationships with specialists and can facilitate timely referrals demonstrate a commitment to providing patients with access to the best possible care.

The final assessment should synthesize all the gathered information to provide a comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' for the healthcare landscape in Pawleys Island. This score should reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of care available to individuals concerned about lung cancer. This score, while not a definitive ranking, should provide a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

This detailed analysis of the healthcare landscape in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, offers a snapshot of the availability and quality of lung cancer care. To visualize and interact with this data, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers dynamic mapping solutions that can help you visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, providing a more intuitive and comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.