28327, Carthage, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28327, Carthage, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Alzheimer's Score: Hospital Review for ZIP Code 28327**

This review analyzes the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 28327, focusing on hospitals' capacity to diagnose, treat, and manage Alzheimer's disease. The analysis considers factors crucial for Alzheimer's patients and their families, including access to specialists, quality of care, and patient experience. The review prioritizes factual information, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth capabilities, to provide a comprehensive assessment.

**Proximity and Key Hospitals**

ZIP code 28327, encompassing the town of Elizabethtown, North Carolina, is primarily served by hospitals in the surrounding counties, with a concentration of healthcare facilities in Fayetteville and Lumberton. The review considers the following hospitals as primary care providers for residents of 28327:

* **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center (Fayetteville, NC):** This is the largest hospital in the region and a significant referral center.
* **Southeastern Regional Medical Center (Lumberton, NC):** Located in Robeson County, this hospital serves a wide area and provides a range of services.
* **Bladen County Hospital (Elizabethtown, NC):** While a smaller facility, it provides essential services closer to home for many residents.

**Cape Fear Valley Medical Center: A Deep Dive**

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, located in Fayetteville, is a flagship hospital in the region. It boasts a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not a top-tier rating, it indicates that the hospital generally meets national standards.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center's Emergency Department (ER) is a critical access point for many patients. The average ER wait time is a crucial metric, and this hospital's wait times fluctuate. Data suggests that wait times can vary, and patients should be prepared for potential delays, particularly during peak hours.

The hospital has a dedicated neurology department, which is a critical component for Alzheimer's care. This department provides diagnostic services, including cognitive assessments, neuroimaging (MRI, CT scans), and consultations with neurologists specializing in cognitive disorders. The presence of a dedicated neurology department is a significant advantage for patients seeking timely diagnosis and treatment.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center also offers specialized centers and programs. The hospital's geriatric services department is particularly relevant to Alzheimer's care. This department provides comprehensive care for older adults, including those with cognitive impairments. The availability of geriatric specialists, including geriatricians and geriatric psychiatrists, is a key factor in providing holistic care.

Telehealth services are increasingly important for healthcare access. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations, enabling them to access care without extensive travel.

**Southeastern Regional Medical Center: Assessing the Landscape**

Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton is another important hospital in the region. The hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. This rating indicates that the hospital performs at a similar level to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in terms of overall quality.

ER wait times at Southeastern Regional Medical Center are a critical consideration for patients. Information indicates that wait times vary, and patients should be prepared for potential delays.

The hospital has a neurology department, which is essential for Alzheimer's care. This department offers diagnostic services, including cognitive assessments and neuroimaging. The presence of a neurology department is a key asset for patients seeking diagnosis and treatment.

Southeastern Regional Medical Center has a geriatric services department, providing specialized care for older adults. The availability of geriatric specialists is a significant advantage for patients with cognitive impairments.

Telehealth services are available at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas.

**Bladen County Hospital: Local Access**

Bladen County Hospital in Elizabethtown offers a more localized healthcare option for residents of 28327. While a smaller facility than the regional hospitals, it provides essential services closer to home.

Bladen County Hospital's CMS rating is unavailable. This does not necessarily indicate poor quality but suggests that the hospital may not have been evaluated by CMS or may not have met the criteria for a star rating.

ER wait times at Bladen County Hospital are an important consideration. Information suggests that wait times can vary.

The hospital has limited neurology services. Patients may need to be referred to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center or Southeastern Regional Medical Center for specialized neurological care.

Bladen County Hospital offers geriatric services, providing care for older adults. The availability of geriatric specialists is a key asset for patients with cognitive impairments.

Telehealth services are available at Bladen County Hospital, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Beyond the general neurology and geriatric services, the presence of specialized centers and programs is crucial for Alzheimer's care. Neither Cape Fear Valley Medical Center nor Southeastern Regional Medical Center has a dedicated Alzheimer's center or memory care unit.

**Diagnostic Capabilities**

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of Alzheimer's care. All three hospitals offer basic diagnostic services, including cognitive assessments and neuroimaging. However, access to more advanced diagnostic tools, such as PET scans, may be limited and require referral to a larger facility.

**Treatment Options and Support Services**

Treatment for Alzheimer's focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Hospitals in the region offer medication management and access to support services. Support groups for patients and caregivers are essential, and the availability of these groups varies.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth plays an increasingly important role in Alzheimer's care. All three hospitals offer telehealth services, but the extent of these services varies. Telehealth can be used for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a critical factor in healthcare quality. Patient satisfaction scores, while not readily available for all hospitals, provide insights into the patient experience. The review considers publicly available data and patient testimonials to assess the overall patient experience.

**Community Resources**

Beyond hospital-based care, community resources are essential for supporting Alzheimer's patients and their families. The Alzheimer's Association provides valuable resources, including support groups, educational programs, and advocacy. Local organizations and senior centers also offer valuable services.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

Residents of ZIP code 28327 have access to several hospitals, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and Southeastern Regional Medical Center offer more comprehensive services, including dedicated neurology and geriatric departments. Bladen County Hospital provides essential services closer to home. Patients should consider the following factors when choosing a hospital:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the only indicator of quality, CMS star ratings provide a general overview of hospital performance.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider the potential for delays, especially during peak hours.
* **Neurology and Geriatric Services:** Look for hospitals with dedicated departments and specialists.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Assess the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Community Resources:** Utilize the resources of the Alzheimer's Association and local organizations.

The healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 28327 requires careful navigation. Patients and their families should research their options, consult with healthcare providers, and leverage available community resources to ensure access to the best possible care for Alzheimer's disease.