29915, Daufuskie Island, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29915, Daufuskie Island, South Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.81 percent of the residents in 29915 has some form of health insurance. 63.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.49 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 29915 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 36 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29915. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 169 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,539 health care providers accessible to residents in 29915, Daufuskie Island, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: Daufuskie Island, SC (ZIP Code 29915) – A Comprehensive Analysis

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, presents a unique challenge for healthcare access. This analysis focuses on evaluating the availability of resources relevant to lung cancer care within the 29915 ZIP code, considering the limited primary care infrastructure and the island's isolated nature. We will assess factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician availability, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score assessment.

The cornerstone of any healthcare system is the availability of qualified medical professionals. In the context of lung cancer, this translates to access to primary care physicians (PCPs) for early detection, referral to specialists (pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons), and ongoing management. Daufuskie Island, being a small community, likely faces significant limitations in this regard. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The absence of a dedicated cancer center within the ZIP code necessitates patients to seek care off-island, adding logistical complexities and potential financial burdens.

Standout practices, if any exist, would be those that prioritize patient-centered care and demonstrate a proactive approach to lung cancer screening and management. This includes actively promoting low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals (smokers or former smokers) and establishing clear referral pathways to specialists. These practices should also emphasize patient education, providing resources and support to help patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects. Given the island's size, identifying such a practice would be noteworthy.

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the geographical challenges of Daufuskie Island. Its adoption, however, hinges on several factors: internet connectivity, physician willingness, and patient acceptance. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, allowing patients to receive expert opinions without the need for travel. It can also be used for monitoring patients' progress, managing medication refills, and providing supportive care. A high degree of telemedicine adoption within the 29915 ZIP code would significantly improve the Lung Cancer Score, mitigating some of the limitations imposed by the island's isolation.

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be emotionally taxing. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources is, therefore, a crucial component of comprehensive cancer care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The absence of these resources within the island’s immediate vicinity would necessitate patients seeking mental health support off-island, adding another layer of complexity to their care. The presence of mental health professionals integrated within the primary care setting, or through readily accessible telemedicine platforms, would significantly enhance the Lung Cancer Score.

The Lung Cancer Score for Daufuskie Island (29915) is inevitably affected by its unique circumstances. The limited primary care infrastructure, coupled with the island's geographical isolation, presents significant challenges. The absence of readily available specialists and the reliance on off-island referrals create potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. The adoption of telemedicine, while offering a promising solution, is contingent on factors like internet connectivity and physician willingness. The availability of mental health resources is also critical, and its absence would negatively impact the overall score.

Given the constraints, the Lung Cancer Score for 29915 is likely to be low. The score would improve with increased primary care physician availability, the integration of telemedicine services, and the presence of readily accessible mental health support. Furthermore, proactive initiatives by existing practices to promote lung cancer screening and establish clear referral pathways would also contribute to a higher score. The overall patient experience is likely to be significantly impacted by the limited resources available within the ZIP code.

To better understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential areas for improvement, visualizing the data is crucial. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare landscapes. By mapping physician locations, telemedicine availability, and mental health resources, you can gain valuable insights into the accessibility of care within the 29915 ZIP code and surrounding areas. This visual representation can inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and community outreach efforts.

The Lung Cancer Score for Daufuskie Island, SC (29915) highlights the challenges faced by isolated communities in accessing comprehensive cancer care. The limited availability of primary care physicians, the need for off-island referrals, and the potential lack of mental health support all contribute to a lower score. While telemedicine offers a promising solution, its effectiveness depends on factors such as connectivity and physician adoption. Understanding the specific constraints and opportunities within this unique environment is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Daufuskie Island and surrounding areas, and to gain a deeper understanding of resource availability, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. Use CartoChrome maps to analyze physician locations, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resources in your area. This will help you to identify potential gaps in care and to advocate for improved access to healthcare services.