29943, Tillman, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29943, Tillman, South Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 64.18 percent of the residents in 29943 has some form of health insurance. 46.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 23.71 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 29943 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 23 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29943. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 120 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,166 health care providers accessible to residents in 29943, Tillman, South Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 29943 & Tillman, SC

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer care within ZIP code 29943, encompassing the small community of Tillman, South Carolina. The focus is on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial factors influencing early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The analysis aims to generate a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the community's preparedness to address this significant health concern.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer strategy lies in accessible and robust primary care. Tillman, a rural community, faces inherent challenges in this regard. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical metric. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates a potential strain on existing resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially, poorer health outcomes. The analysis will investigate the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 29943, comparing it to state and national averages to gauge the relative level of access. This involves examining the number of primary care physicians, including family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners, serving the area and comparing it to the population size.

Standout practices, if any, within the ZIP code will be identified. This involves assessing the quality of care, patient satisfaction levels, and the implementation of preventative measures, such as lung cancer screening programs. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to lung cancer detection, through the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, will be particularly highlighted. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the presence of dedicated oncology services, including access to medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, either within the ZIP code or in nearby areas, as proximity to specialized care is critical.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial factor in enhancing healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices and specialist providers in and around 29943 utilize telemedicine platforms. This includes examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth for follow-up appointments and patient education. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in Tillman to connect with specialists and receive timely care without the need for extensive travel. The analysis will also evaluate the technical infrastructure supporting telemedicine, including broadband internet access, which is essential for effective virtual healthcare delivery.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet essential, component of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer, and the subsequent treatment, can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the community. This includes assessing the presence of mental health support groups, counseling services specifically tailored to cancer patients, and the integration of mental health professionals into the overall care team. The analysis will also examine the awareness and utilization of these resources among patients.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite metric, incorporating the factors discussed above. It will be a relative measure, providing a comparative assessment of the community's preparedness to address lung cancer. The score will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor will be weighted based on its relative importance in influencing patient outcomes. The resulting score will provide a concise overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in 29943, highlighting areas that require improvement.

The analysis will delve into the specifics of each factor. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio will be calculated based on publicly available data from sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The presence of standout practices will be determined through a review of patient reviews, practice websites, and information from professional organizations. Telemedicine adoption will be assessed through a review of practice websites, surveys of local providers, and an examination of telehealth infrastructure. Mental health resource availability will be evaluated through a review of local directories, mental health provider websites, and consultations with community health organizations.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing for easy interpretation. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used and a discussion of the key findings. The analysis will also identify potential areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing access to mental health resources. The findings will be presented in a way that is accessible to both healthcare professionals and community members.

The analysis will also consider the socio-economic factors that can influence lung cancer outcomes. These include factors such as income levels, education levels, and access to health insurance. These factors can affect a patient's ability to access healthcare services, adhere to treatment plans, and receive the support they need. The analysis will also consider the prevalence of risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking rates and exposure to environmental pollutants, within the community.

This comprehensive analysis will provide a valuable resource for healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents of 29943. It will provide a clear understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance the quality of lung cancer care. The goal is to improve patient outcomes and contribute to a healthier community.

For a visual representation of the data and to explore the healthcare landscape of 29943 and surrounding areas, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide an intuitive and informative way to understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.