29845, Plum Branch, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29845, Plum Branch, South Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.79 percent of the residents in 29845 has some form of health insurance. 44.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.26 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 29845 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 123 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29845. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 333 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 136 health care providers accessible to residents in 29845, Plum Branch, South Carolina.

The analysis focuses on lung cancer care within the ZIP code 29845, specifically evaluating the quality and accessibility of care provided by primary care physicians in Plum Branch, South Carolina. This assessment considers several factors crucial for effective lung cancer management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals facing or at risk of lung cancer in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care pathway rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Plum Branch, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced access to preventative screenings, and overall poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, potentially allowing for more proactive care. Determining the precise ratio for 29845 requires detailed data analysis, factoring in the total population of Plum Branch and the number of actively practicing PCPs. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), combined with professional directories, can provide the necessary information.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves assessing several key metrics. These include the practice's adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (such as low-dose CT scanners), and the practice's patient satisfaction scores. Practices that consistently prioritize preventative care, offer comprehensive patient education, and demonstrate strong communication with specialists will likely rank higher. Gathering this information requires reviewing practice websites, patient testimonials, and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their protocols and services.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Plum Branch. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations with specialists, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups without having to travel long distances. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local practices involves determining whether they offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring services, and access to online patient portals. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living far from major medical centers.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. Evaluating the mental health support available in 29845 involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals in the area, the availability of support groups, and the integration of mental health services into the primary care practices. Practices that proactively address the psychological needs of their patients, either through in-house services or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic care.

The analysis also needs to consider the referral pathways within the healthcare system. How easily can PCPs refer patients to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists? The efficiency and effectiveness of these referral processes can significantly impact the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment. This involves assessing the proximity of specialists, the communication protocols between PCPs and specialists, and the availability of transportation assistance for patients who need to travel for appointments.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for doctors in 29845 would be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting assigned to each factor would depend on its perceived importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, reflecting its fundamental impact on access to care. Standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources would also be assigned significant weights, reflecting their contributions to the quality and comprehensiveness of care.

The final score, presented in a clear and concise format, would provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would enable individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare, identify areas for improvement within the local healthcare system, and advocate for better access to care. This detailed analysis is designed to provide a starting point for a more in-depth investigation, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of lung cancer care in Plum Branch.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in 29845, and to gain a more granular understanding of physician locations, specialist availability, and access to resources, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to overlay various data points, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and demographic information, providing a comprehensive view of the healthcare environment.