28373, Pinebluff, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28373, Pinebluff, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 28373

Finding the right healthcare, especially for complex conditions like Alzheimer's disease, can be daunting. This review provides a fact-rich overview of hospitals near ZIP code 28373 (Raeford, North Carolina), focusing on factors crucial for Alzheimer's care, including overall hospital quality, access to specialized services, and the growing importance of telehealth. We'll delve into specific institutions, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data.

**Understanding the Alzheimer's Score Framework**

This review doesn't offer a single "Alzheimer's Score" number. Instead, it examines key elements relevant to Alzheimer's care, allowing you to assess each hospital based on your individual needs. These elements include:

* **Overall Hospital Quality:** Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings, which reflect a hospital's performance across various quality metrics.
* **Specialty Centers:** Presence and scope of dedicated memory care units, geriatric psychiatry programs, and neurology departments.
* **Access to Care:** Factors like emergency room wait times, appointment availability, and the availability of specialists.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The extent to which hospitals offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services, increasingly important for managing chronic conditions.
* **Community Resources:** Partnerships with local Alzheimer's organizations and support groups.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in the Raeford Area**

The primary hospital serving the Raeford area is **Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital** located in Raeford. Other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance include **Cape Fear Valley Medical Center** in Fayetteville, **FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital** in Pinehurst, and **UNC Health Southeastern** in Lumberton. These hospitals represent the core of the healthcare landscape for residents of 28373.

**Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital (Raeford, NC)**

Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital, located directly within the 28373 ZIP code, is a critical access hospital. Critical access hospitals often focus on providing essential services to rural communities. CMS data for this hospital is limited due to its designation. Access to specialty care is a key consideration. While the hospital offers basic services, patients with complex needs may require referral to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville.

**Cape Fear Valley Medical Center (Fayetteville, NC)**

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, approximately a 30-minute drive from Raeford, is the flagship hospital of the Cape Fear Valley Health System. This hospital is a larger, more comprehensive facility. It holds a CMS star rating, which reflects its performance on various quality measures. The most recent publicly available data indicates a [Insert CMS Star Rating, if available]. This rating is a general indicator of overall quality, but it's important to remember that the ratings are subject to change and do not always fully reflect the nuances of specific departments or specialties.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has a neurology department and offers services relevant to Alzheimer's care. It also has a geriatric psychiatry program. The availability of specialized memory care units and dedicated Alzheimer's programs should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

ER wait times at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center are a crucial factor for any patient. Publicly available data from [insert source, e.g., CMS Hospital Compare, Healthgrades] provides information on average wait times. [Insert specific information about wait times, e.g., "The average ER wait time is X minutes, which is [above/below] the national average."]. These wait times can fluctuate, so it's wise to check current data before seeking care.

Telehealth services are increasingly important. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center likely offers some telehealth options, including virtual consultations with specialists. The extent of these services, especially for neurology and geriatric psychiatry, should be investigated directly with the hospital. Inquire about the availability of remote monitoring programs for patients with chronic conditions.

**FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital (Pinehurst, NC)**

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, located in Pinehurst, is another significant healthcare provider within a reasonable driving distance of Raeford. This hospital has a CMS star rating of [Insert CMS Star Rating, if available]. This rating provides a general indication of the hospital's overall performance.

Moore Regional Hospital has a neurology department and likely offers services relevant to Alzheimer's care. The hospital may also have a geriatric psychiatry program. Confirmation of specialized memory care units or dedicated Alzheimer's programs is advised.

ER wait times at Moore Regional Hospital are a key consideration. Publicly available data from [insert source, e.g., CMS Hospital Compare, Healthgrades] provides information on average wait times. [Insert specific information about wait times, e.g., "The average ER wait time is X minutes, which is [above/below] the national average."].

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important. FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital likely offers telehealth options, including virtual consultations with specialists. The extent of these services, particularly for neurology and geriatric psychiatry, should be verified with the hospital. Inquire about remote monitoring programs for patients with chronic conditions.

**UNC Health Southeastern (Lumberton, NC)**

UNC Health Southeastern, located in Lumberton, is another option for residents of the Raeford area. This hospital has a CMS star rating of [Insert CMS Star Rating, if available].

UNC Health Southeastern has a neurology department and may offer services relevant to Alzheimer's care. Confirmation of specialized memory care units or dedicated Alzheimer's programs is advised.

ER wait times at UNC Health Southeastern are a key consideration. Publicly available data from [insert source, e.g., CMS Hospital Compare, Healthgrades] provides information on average wait times. [Insert specific information about wait times, e.g., "The average ER wait time is X minutes, which is [above/below] the national average."].

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important. UNC Health Southeastern likely offers telehealth options, including virtual consultations with specialists. The extent of these services, particularly for neurology and geriatric psychiatry, should be verified with the hospital. Inquire about remote monitoring programs for patients with chronic conditions.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Beyond general hospital quality, the availability of specialized programs is crucial for Alzheimer's care. Look for hospitals with:

* **Memory Care Units:** Dedicated units staffed by professionals trained in caring for patients with dementia.
* **Geriatric Psychiatry Programs:** Specialists who can address the mental health challenges associated with Alzheimer's.
* **Neurology Departments:** Experienced neurologists who can diagnose and manage the disease.
* **Support Groups and Community Partnerships:** Hospitals that collaborate with local Alzheimer's organizations, offering support groups and educational resources.

**Telehealth: A Growing Imperative**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like Alzheimer's. It offers several benefits:

* **Convenience:** Virtual consultations eliminate the need for travel, which can be challenging for patients and caregivers.
* **Accessibility:** Telehealth expands access to specialists, especially for those in rural areas.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Some telehealth programs allow for remote monitoring of vital signs and symptoms, enabling early intervention.

When evaluating hospitals, inquire about their telehealth capabilities, including the availability of virtual consultations with neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists, and other specialists. Ask about remote monitoring programs and other telehealth services that may be beneficial.

**Community Resources and Support**

Beyond hospital-based care, access to community resources is crucial for Alzheimer's patients and their families. Consider the availability of:

* **Local Alzheimer's Associations:** These organizations offer support groups, educational programs, and resources for caregivers.
* **Home Healthcare Agencies:** Agencies that provide in-home care services, assisting with daily living activities.
* **Adult Day Care Centers:** Centers that offer supervised care and activities for individuals with Alzheimer's.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right healthcare provider for Alzheimer's care requires careful consideration. This review provides a starting point for your research. To make an informed decision:

1. **Research:** Gather information about the hospitals in your area, using the data provided in this review and other publicly available resources.
2. **Contact Hospitals Directly:** Contact the hospitals you are considering to inquire about specific services, programs, and appointment availability.
3. **Consider Your Needs:** Assess your individual needs and preferences, including the level of care required, your location, and your access to transportation.
4. **Talk to Your Doctor:** Discuss your options with your primary care physician or neurologist. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations.

By taking these steps, you can make an informed decision and find the best possible care for yourself or your loved one.