Healthcare Access in Lee County
An interactive analysis of key challenges to access to care in the Pee Dee region.
The Five Pillars of Healthcare Access
Access to healthcare in rural communities like Lee County is critical. We can understand it better by looking at four key pillars. Click each tab below to explore the data-driven challenges facing Lee County in each area.
Pillar I: Health Insurance Coverage
Lee County faces significant coverage challenges typical of rural South Carolina. With a high poverty rate, reliance on safety-net programs is heavy. Medicaid enrollment is notably higher here than in wealthier coastal counties.
Pillar II: Workforce & Availability
Lee County is classified as a "Primary Care Desert." The provider density is critically low compared to the state average. Residents rely heavily on McLeod Health and Tuomey-Prismain surrounding counties and the CareSouth Carolina network for local access.
The severe shortage of specialists (OB/GYN, Pediatrics) forces many residents to travel to neighboring Florence or Sumter counties for specialized care, creating a transportation barrier for the 15% of households without a vehicle.
Pillar III: Utilization & Timeliness
Utilization metrics indicate a system under strain. The rate of preventable hospital stays is higher than the state average, suggesting that many residents are delaying primary care until their conditions become emergencies.
The high rate of preventable hospital stays (2,548) highlights the need for expanded primary care hours and chronic disease management within the community.
Pillar IV: Affordability
Economic factors are the primary barrier to health in Lee County. With median incomes significantly below the state average, even small co-pays or premium increases can result in families postponing necessary treatment.
Rising ACA premiums are particularly damaging here. Estimates suggest that over 14% of adults in the region may avoid necessary medical care specifically due to cost, a rate higher than the state average.
Pillar V: Local Investment
Lee County relies heavily on external investment. CareSouth Carolina serves as a vital economic and health engine, bringing in federal dollars to sustain operations that the local tax base cannot support alone.