29689, Townville, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29689, Townville, South Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.57 percent of the residents in 29689 has some form of health insurance. 41.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.84 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 29689 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 833 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29689. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 878 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,206 health care providers accessible to residents in 29689, Townville, South Carolina.

This analysis focuses on the availability of resources relevant to lung cancer care within ZIP code 29689, encompassing the town of Townville, South Carolina. It considers primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized care, and the integration of supportive services. The goal is to provide an informed assessment of the healthcare landscape for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis or seeking preventative care in this specific geographic area.

Primary care access is the cornerstone of effective lung cancer screening and early detection. In Townville, the availability of primary care physicians is a crucial factor. The physician-to-patient ratio offers a preliminary insight. A lower ratio, indicating fewer patients per doctor, generally suggests better access. Data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the US Census Bureau, when combined, allows for an estimation of this ratio within 29689. This ratio, however, is a broad metric. It doesn't account for the distribution of physicians, their specialties, or the capacity of their practices to accept new patients.

Standout practices in Townville, if any, would be those demonstrating a proactive approach to lung cancer care. This includes practices that actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screenings, particularly for individuals at high risk due to smoking history or other factors. Identifying such practices requires an evaluation of their patient education materials, their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient risk factors, and their collaboration with pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that have integrated smoking cessation programs into their services also deserve recognition.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Townville. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available locally. It can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment or recovery. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 29689 involves determining which providers offer virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to patient portals for communication and information sharing. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a critical factor in the success of telemedicine initiatives.

Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be emotionally devastating, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential. This analysis would examine the presence of these professionals within Townville and the surrounding areas. It would also assess the integration of mental health services into primary care practices and cancer treatment centers. This integration can involve on-site counseling, referrals to mental health specialists, and support groups.

The presence of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is critical for effective lung cancer treatment. While primary care physicians play a vital role in screening and early detection, specialists are essential for diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. The analysis would identify the number of pulmonologists and oncologists practicing in or near 29689, and assess their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers. It would also consider the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities, such as CT scans, PET scans, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The proximity of these resources to Townville is a significant factor in determining access to care.

Physician-to-patient ratios for specialists are also relevant. While the overall ratio for primary care physicians is important for access to initial care, the ratio for pulmonologists and oncologists reflects the availability of specialized expertise. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per specialist, may suggest longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to specialized care. The analysis would seek to determine these ratios based on available data.

The presence of support groups and patient advocacy organizations is another indicator of the quality of lung cancer care in Townville. These groups provide emotional support, information, and resources for patients and their families. The analysis would identify any such groups operating in the area, and assess their activities and outreach efforts. It would also consider the availability of patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

Collaboration among healthcare providers is essential for delivering coordinated and comprehensive care. The analysis would examine the extent to which primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists collaborate in the care of lung cancer patients. This collaboration can involve shared electronic health records, regular communication, and joint treatment planning. The presence of tumor boards, where specialists meet to discuss complex cases, is also an indicator of effective collaboration.

The analysis would also consider the availability of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. It can improve the quality of life for patients with lung cancer, regardless of their stage of disease. The analysis would identify the availability of palliative care physicians, nurses, and other specialists in Townville and the surrounding areas. It would also assess the integration of palliative care services into cancer treatment centers and hospitals.

Finally, the analysis would consider the socioeconomic factors that may affect access to lung cancer care. These factors include income levels, insurance coverage, and transportation access. Individuals with lower incomes or limited insurance coverage may face barriers to accessing screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Transportation challenges can also make it difficult for patients to attend appointments and receive care. The analysis would consider these factors and their potential impact on the quality of lung cancer care in Townville.

In conclusion, a comprehensive assessment of lung cancer care in 29689 requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and socioeconomic factors. This analysis, while providing a general overview, highlights the need for continuous monitoring and improvement of healthcare resources in Townville.

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape of Townville and surrounding areas? Explore the data and uncover valuable insights with CartoChrome maps. Click here to begin your journey.