29635, Cleveland, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29635, Cleveland, South Carolina is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.22 percent of the residents in 29635 has some form of health insurance. 51.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.18 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 29635 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 344 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 73 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29635. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 339 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,599 health care providers accessible to residents in 29635, Cleveland, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Comparing Physician Resources in ZIP Code 29635 and Cleveland

This analysis evaluates the availability of resources potentially impacting lung cancer outcomes, focusing on two distinct geographical areas: ZIP Code 29635 (to be considered a hypothetical area for this exercise) and the city of Cleveland, Ohio. The analysis considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately aiming to create a "Lung Cancer Score" for each area, though this score is conceptual for this exercise.

**ZIP Code 29635: A Hypothetical Landscape**

Let's imagine ZIP Code 29635 represents a suburban or rural area. Assessing lung cancer resources in such a location begins with understanding the primary care physician (PCP) landscape. A low PCP-to-patient ratio would be a significant disadvantage. This means there are fewer doctors available to screen for lung cancer, provide early diagnoses, and offer ongoing care. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is equally crucial. Are there any dedicated lung cancer centers or practices within or near the ZIP Code? Their presence would significantly improve the Lung Cancer Score.

Standout practices in this hypothetical ZIP Code would be those demonstrating proactive lung cancer screening programs. This would include actively promoting low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals (smokers and former smokers) according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines. These practices would also have clear protocols for follow-up care, including referrals to specialists and patient education.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor, especially in areas with limited access to specialists. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and mental health professionals can bridge geographical gaps and improve access to care. A high degree of telemedicine adoption would positively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are vital for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. The emotional toll of the disease, the treatments, and the potential for recurrence can be devastating. The availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services within the ZIP Code or easily accessible via telemedicine would be a significant advantage.

**Cleveland: A City's Complexity**

Cleveland, a major metropolitan area, presents a different set of challenges and opportunities. While Cleveland likely boasts a higher physician-to-patient ratio compared to the hypothetical ZIP Code, the distribution of physicians and specialists across the city is crucial. Access to care can be limited by factors like socioeconomic status, transportation challenges, and the location of healthcare facilities.

Standout practices in Cleveland would include those affiliated with major hospitals or cancer centers, such as the Cleveland Clinic or University Hospitals. These institutions often have dedicated lung cancer programs, multidisciplinary teams, and access to cutting-edge research and treatment options. These practices would also demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including comprehensive support services and patient navigation programs.

Telemedicine adoption in Cleveland would likely be more widespread than in a rural area. However, the success of telemedicine depends on factors like patient access to technology, digital literacy, and insurance coverage. A high level of telemedicine integration, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education, would positively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Cleveland's size and diversity mean that mental health resources are likely more readily available than in a smaller area. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that these resources are accessible to all patients, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Integrated mental health services within cancer centers and primary care practices are crucial.

**Comparing the Scores: A Conceptual Framework**

Ultimately, creating a "Lung Cancer Score" for each area involves assigning numerical values to each of the factors discussed. For example, a high PCP-to-patient ratio might receive a higher score, while limited access to specialists would lower the score. The presence of dedicated lung cancer centers, robust telemedicine programs, and comprehensive mental health services would all contribute to a higher score.

Without specific data, it's impossible to definitively assign scores. However, we can hypothesize that Cleveland, with its larger healthcare infrastructure, would likely score higher than the hypothetical ZIP Code 29635. However, the score for the ZIP Code could be improved through targeted interventions, such as recruiting more specialists, expanding telemedicine access, and increasing the availability of mental health resources.

**The Importance of Data and Visualization**

This analysis highlights the complexity of assessing healthcare resources and their impact on lung cancer outcomes. The availability of data is paramount. This includes data on physician distribution, screening rates, treatment outcomes, and patient access to care. Visualizing this data is essential for identifying areas of strength and weakness.

**Call to Action**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and visualize the distribution of resources in your area, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for mapping and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to visualize physician density, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant factors. By utilizing these tools, you can gain valuable insights into the availability of resources for lung cancer patients and advocate for improvements in your community.