27805, Aulander, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27805, Aulander, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Alzheimer's Care in the 27805 Area: A Hospital Review**

Navigating the healthcare landscape for Alzheimer's disease can be daunting. This review focuses on hospitals near the 27805 ZIP code, offering a fact-based assessment of their capabilities in Alzheimer's care, including key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. The goal is to provide a clear, concise overview to aid in informed decision-making for patients and their families.

**Overview of the 27805 Area**

The 27805 ZIP code primarily encompasses the city of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. This area is served by a network of hospitals and healthcare providers, each with its own strengths and weaknesses in Alzheimer's care.

**Key Hospitals and Their Alzheimer's Care Capabilities**

**1. Nash UNC Health Care (Rocky Mount)**

Nash UNC Health Care is a significant player in the region. This hospital is a key provider for the local community.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Nash UNC Health Care holds a **3-star rating** from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Nash UNC Health Care can vary. The average wait time is typically around **30-45 minutes**, though this can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume.
* **Specialty Centers:** Nash UNC Health Care has a comprehensive range of specialty services, including neurology and geriatric medicine, which are crucial for Alzheimer's care. The hospital's neurology department provides diagnostic services, including cognitive assessments, and can facilitate referrals to specialists.
* **Telehealth:** Nash UNC Health Care has expanded its telehealth services. Telehealth options are available for certain follow-up appointments and consultations. This can be particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers, reducing the need for travel.
* **Alzheimer's Specific Programs:** Nash UNC Health Care offers programs geared towards older adults, including geriatric care, which can be helpful in managing the unique needs of Alzheimer's patients.

**2. Wilson Medical Center (Wilson, NC)**

Wilson Medical Center is another hospital option, located a short distance from Rocky Mount.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Wilson Medical Center has a **3-star rating** from CMS.
* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Wilson Medical Center are typically in the range of **45-60 minutes**.
* **Specialty Centers:** Wilson Medical Center offers neurology services, which are essential for Alzheimer's diagnosis and management.
* **Telehealth:** Wilson Medical Center has telehealth capabilities.
* **Alzheimer's Specific Programs:** Wilson Medical Center provides geriatric services, which can be valuable for Alzheimer's patients.

**3. Vidant Edgecombe Hospital (Tarboro, NC)**

Vidant Edgecombe Hospital is located in Tarboro, NC, and is within reasonable driving distance of the 27805 ZIP code.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Vidant Edgecombe Hospital holds a **3-star rating** from CMS.
* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Vidant Edgecombe Hospital are typically around **30-45 minutes**.
* **Specialty Centers:** Vidant Edgecombe Hospital has neurology services.
* **Telehealth:** Vidant Edgecombe Hospital offers telehealth services.
* **Alzheimer's Specific Programs:** Vidant Edgecombe Hospital has geriatric services.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

Several factors are important when selecting a hospital for Alzheimer's care:

* **Neurology and Geriatric Expertise:** The presence of a strong neurology department and geriatric specialists is critical. These specialists have the training and experience to diagnose, treat, and manage Alzheimer's disease.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and PET scans, is important for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.
* **Support Services:** Look for hospitals that offer support services for patients and caregivers, such as support groups, educational programs, and counseling.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth can be a valuable tool for managing Alzheimer's disease, providing convenient access to care and reducing the burden on patients and caregivers.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter ER wait times are preferable, especially in emergencies.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the only factor, CMS star ratings provide a useful benchmark for overall hospital quality.

**Specific Considerations for Alzheimer's Patients**

Alzheimer's patients have unique needs that should be considered when choosing a hospital:

* **Cognitive Impairment:** Hospitals should have staff trained to communicate with and care for patients with cognitive impairments.
* **Safety:** Safety is paramount. Hospitals should have protocols in place to prevent falls and wandering, and to ensure the safety of patients.
* **Medication Management:** Proper medication management is essential. Hospitals should have systems in place to ensure patients receive the correct medications at the correct times.
* **Caregiver Support:** Hospitals should provide support for caregivers, who play a critical role in the care of Alzheimer's patients.

**Telehealth's Role in Alzheimer's Care**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in Alzheimer's care. It offers several benefits:

* **Convenience:** Telehealth eliminates the need for travel, which can be difficult for patients and caregivers.
* **Accessibility:** Telehealth can provide access to specialists who may not be available locally.
* **Monitoring:** Telehealth can be used to monitor patients' symptoms and medication adherence.
* **Support:** Telehealth can provide support and education for caregivers.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for Alzheimer's care requires careful consideration of several factors. Hospitals near the 27805 ZIP code, such as Nash UNC Health Care, Wilson Medical Center, and Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, offer varying levels of care and resources. Patients and their families should research each hospital's capabilities, including its neurology and geriatric services, diagnostic tools, support services, and telehealth options. Consider ER wait times and CMS star ratings. By carefully evaluating these factors, patients and their families can make informed decisions and select the hospital that best meets their needs. The availability of telehealth services is a significant advantage, particularly for patients and caregivers in this area. Always consult with a physician to determine the best course of action for individual needs.