29929, Islandton, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29929, Islandton, South Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.95 percent of the residents in 29929 has some form of health insurance. 31.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.20 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 29929 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 232 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29929. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 160 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 208 health care providers accessible to residents in 29929, Islandton, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Islandton, SC (ZIP Code 29929)

Analyzing the availability of resources and healthcare quality for lung cancer patients in Islandton, South Carolina (ZIP code 29929) requires a nuanced approach. We must consider the specific challenges faced by a rural community, including limited access to specialists, potential transportation barriers, and the overall health infrastructure's capacity. This analysis will produce a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the current state of affairs, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon robust primary care. Islandton, being a small, rural area, likely experiences limitations in primary care physician (PCP) availability. A low PCP-to-patient ratio would be a significant detriment, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment initiation. The score will reflect the estimated number of PCPs per 1,000 residents, comparing this to state and national averages. Furthermore, we will evaluate the presence of any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics within the area or in close proximity, as these often provide crucial access to care for underserved populations. The quality of primary care, as assessed through patient reviews and publicly available performance data (if any), will also be factored into the score.

Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. Islandton's geographical isolation could mean that residents have to travel significant distances to see specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. The score will assess the proximity of these specialists, measuring the average travel time to the nearest specialists, as well as the number of specialists per capita within a reasonable driving distance. The presence of any specialists who are actively involved in lung cancer research or clinical trials would be viewed favorably, increasing the score.

Identifying standout practices requires a deep dive. The analysis will investigate the existence of any medical practices or hospitals in or near Islandton that have a demonstrated commitment to lung cancer care. This includes reviewing patient outcomes, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (such as low-dose CT scans), and the implementation of multidisciplinary care teams. The presence of a dedicated lung cancer screening program, adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer treatment, and participation in quality improvement initiatives would all contribute positively to the score. The availability of patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, will also be assessed.

Telemedicine's role in rural healthcare is undeniable. Telemedicine can bridge geographical gaps, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups. The analysis will investigate the adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and the use of telehealth platforms for delivering educational resources to patients. The presence of telemedicine capabilities, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations with specialists, will significantly improve the score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services in Islandton and the surrounding area. This includes evaluating the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. The integration of mental health services into the cancer care pathway, such as offering counseling services within the medical practice or hospital, will be considered a major positive factor, thereby increasing the score. The availability of resources for coping with grief, managing pain, and addressing other emotional needs will also be evaluated.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance in delivering high-quality lung cancer care. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure in Islandton. The score will be accompanied by a detailed narrative explaining the rationale behind the score and highlighting specific areas where improvements are needed.

The analysis will also take into account the socioeconomic factors that may influence lung cancer outcomes. This includes assessing the prevalence of smoking, the rates of poverty, and the level of health insurance coverage in the community. These factors can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care and adhere to treatment plans. The score will reflect the impact of these factors on the overall healthcare landscape.

The final score will provide a valuable snapshot of the current state of lung cancer care in Islandton. It will be a starting point for identifying areas for improvement and advocating for the resources needed to support patients and their families. The analysis will serve as a guide for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members who are committed to improving lung cancer outcomes.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Islandton, including physician locations, specialist availability, and the proximity of healthcare facilities, explore the power of spatial data. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain a clearer perspective.