29664, Mountain Rest, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29664, Mountain Rest, South Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.03 percent of the residents in 29664 has some form of health insurance. 47.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.45 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 29664 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 432 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29664. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 498 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 855 health care providers accessible to residents in 29664, Mountain Rest, South Carolina.

Please note: I am unable to provide real-time, up-to-the-minute, and hyper-local data on physician performance, patient ratios, or specific practice details. My knowledge is based on publicly available information and general healthcare trends. This response will be a hypothetical analysis based on the prompt's requirements, incorporating the requested elements and structure.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29664 & Primary Care in Mountain Rest**

This analysis assesses the potential landscape for lung cancer care within ZIP code 29664 (Mountain Rest, South Carolina) and evaluates the availability of primary care resources in the same area. The "Lung Cancer Score" is a hypothetical metric used to gauge the overall quality and accessibility of care, considering factors like physician density, practice characteristics, and the availability of supportive services. This analysis aims to provide a general overview, recognizing the limitations of publicly available data.

**Physician Density and Primary Care Availability**

The initial assessment begins with physician density. The overall population within the area of 29664 and its surrounding regions needs to be considered. A low population density coupled with a limited number of primary care physicians could signify a challenge in accessing timely medical attention. This could lead to delayed diagnoses and potentially poorer outcomes for lung cancer patients. The ratio of patients to primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial indicator. A high patient-to-PCP ratio suggests that physicians may be overburdened, potentially leading to shorter appointment times and less personalized care. This impacts early detection, a key factor in lung cancer survival.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Care**

Identifying standout practices requires examining several factors. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, offer comprehensive screening services, and demonstrate a commitment to continuing medical education would likely score higher. The availability of specialized pulmonologists and oncologists is vital. The presence of these specialists, along with access to advanced imaging technology (CT scans, PET scans), and radiation therapy, are all critical components of quality lung cancer care. Practices that integrate these services seamlessly, offering a multidisciplinary approach, are likely to be more successful.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Access**

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from medical facilities or have mobility issues. Telemedicine can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations with specialists, reducing the burden on patients and improving overall care coordination. The availability of remote monitoring tools, such as devices that track vital signs, could further enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine programs.

**Mental Health Resources and Support Services**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a critical component of comprehensive care. Practices that integrate mental health services into their treatment plans, or that have strong referral networks to mental health professionals, are better equipped to support patients through the emotional challenges of their illness. Support groups, both in-person and online, can provide valuable peer support and reduce feelings of isolation.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Hypothetical Framework**

The Lung Cancer Score would be a composite score reflecting the factors described above. It might incorporate elements such as:

* **Physician Density:** A measure of the number of PCPs and specialists per 1,000 residents.
* **Access to Screening:** The availability of low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals.
* **Specialist Availability:** The presence of pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists within a reasonable travel distance.
* **Telemedicine Capabilities:** The extent to which practices offer telemedicine consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Mental Health Integration:** The availability of mental health services and support groups.
* **Patient-to-PCP Ratio:** The average number of patients per primary care physician.
* **Community Outreach:** The participation of practices in community health initiatives.

Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance. For instance, specialist availability and early screening access might be given a higher weight than telemedicine adoption.

**Specific Considerations for 29664**

Given the rural nature of Mountain Rest, the Lung Cancer Score for this area might be lower than in more urban settings. The limited population density could translate to a lower physician density and potentially longer travel times to access specialized care. Therefore, telemedicine adoption and strong referral networks become even more critical. The analysis would need to identify any existing partnerships between local practices and larger healthcare systems to improve access to specialized services. The availability of transportation assistance for patients needing to travel for treatment would also be a factor.

**Hypothetical Example**

Let's imagine a hypothetical scenario. If the patient-to-PCP ratio in 29664 is high, and there are limited pulmonologists or oncologists within a 30-mile radius, the Lung Cancer Score would be negatively impacted. However, if several practices are actively using telemedicine, and there are strong partnerships with cancer centers in nearby cities, the score could improve. The presence of a local support group for cancer patients would also be a positive factor.

**Conclusion**

This analysis provides a general framework for evaluating the lung cancer care landscape in 29664 and the primary care availability in Mountain Rest. While the specifics of the Lung Cancer Score would depend on the availability of comprehensive data, the factors discussed above are essential considerations. Understanding these elements is crucial for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve the quality and accessibility of care.

**Call to Action**

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