29594, Tatum, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29594, Tatum, South Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.93 percent of the residents in 29594 has some form of health insurance. 66.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 22.56 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 29594 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29594. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 82 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 992 health care providers accessible to residents in 29594, Tatum, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 29594 & Tatum, SC

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP Code 29594, with a specific focus on primary care availability in the nearby town of Tatum, South Carolina. The assessment considers factors crucial to early detection, diagnosis, and management of lung cancer, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This evaluation is designed to offer insights into the healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon accessible and responsive primary care. ZIP Code 29594, encompassing a portion of Marion County, experiences a healthcare environment influenced by both rural characteristics and proximity to larger regional centers. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. A low ratio, reflecting a scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs), can significantly hinder timely access to screenings, diagnostic tests, and specialist referrals. The availability of PCPs in Tatum, a small community within the broader service area, directly impacts the ability of residents to receive routine check-ups and address potential health concerns promptly.

The ideal scenario involves a robust network of PCPs, readily available to address patient needs. However, rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. The Lung Cancer Score, therefore, considers the physician-to-patient ratio as a critical metric, with higher scores awarded to areas with more favorable ratios. Data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are essential sources for this data.

Standout practices within ZIP Code 29594 will be those that demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening and management. This involves adherence to national guidelines, such as those established by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which recommend annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals at high risk. Practices that actively screen eligible patients, document smoking history, and offer smoking cessation programs will receive higher scores. Furthermore, the presence of a dedicated oncology specialist or a strong referral network to oncology centers is a positive indicator.

The evaluation also considers the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine, particularly in rural areas, can play a crucial role in improving access to care. It enables patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and educational sessions, will score favorably. The ability to utilize telehealth for discussing test results and providing emotional support can significantly improve the patient experience.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house counselors or through referrals to mental health professionals, are considered to be providing more comprehensive care. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, also contributes to a higher score.

The Lung Cancer Score will also incorporate an assessment of patient education resources. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, treatment options, and available support services will be rated higher. This can include providing printed materials, online resources, and educational sessions. The ability to empower patients with knowledge is a key factor in improving outcomes.

The availability of specialized services, such as pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons, within the service area is another crucial factor. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, timely access to specialists is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The Lung Cancer Score will consider the proximity and accessibility of these specialists, as well as the efficiency of the referral process.

Finally, the score will consider the practice's commitment to quality improvement. This involves tracking patient outcomes, participating in quality improvement initiatives, and continuously striving to improve the quality of care provided. Practices that are transparent about their performance and actively seek feedback from patients will be rated higher.

In summary, the Lung Cancer Score for physicians in ZIP Code 29594 and the primary care availability in Tatum is based on a multifaceted evaluation. The score will reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of best practices in lung cancer screening and management, the availability of telemedicine and mental health resources, the provision of patient education, and the accessibility of specialized services. The score will also consider the practice's commitment to quality improvement. This comprehensive assessment will provide a valuable overview of the healthcare landscape and highlight areas for potential improvement.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and access to care within ZIP Code 29594 and the surrounding area, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you understand the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, population demographics, and other relevant factors.