28392, Tar Heel, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28392, Tar Heel, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 28392

Finding the right healthcare, especially when dealing with a complex condition like Alzheimer's disease, is crucial. This review provides an Alzheimer's Score assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 28392 (Southern Pines, North Carolina), focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's care, including overall quality, specialized services, and accessibility. This score is not a definitive ranking but rather a guide to help individuals and families make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Alzheimer's Score Framework**

The Alzheimer's Score considers several key elements. We evaluate hospitals based on their overall quality ratings (primarily CMS Star Ratings), the availability of specialized memory care centers, the presence of neurologists and geriatric specialists, ER wait times (a proxy for overall hospital efficiency), telehealth capabilities, and patient reviews. The score is weighted to prioritize factors directly impacting Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

**Key Hospitals in the Vicinity**

The primary hospitals serving the 28392 area are FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst and Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Liberty. Both offer unique strengths and considerations for Alzheimer's patients.

**FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital: A Detailed Look**

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, located in Pinehurst, is a central healthcare provider for the region. It holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of quality. CMS ratings are based on a complex set of metrics, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

Moore Regional Hospital's neurology department is a key consideration. The presence of board-certified neurologists and geriatric specialists is vital for accurate diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's. Information on specific physician availability and specialization can be found on the FirstHealth website. Families should proactively inquire about the experience of neurologists with Alzheimer's and related dementias.

The hospital's emergency room wait times are another important factor. Shorter wait times can be indicative of better overall efficiency and can be critical for patients experiencing acute symptoms or crises. Data on ER wait times is publicly available on websites like Medicare.gov or through hospital-specific reporting.

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients, allowing for remote consultations, medication management, and support for caregivers. Inquire about the availability of telehealth services with neurologists and geriatric specialists.

**Womack Army Medical Center: Serving Military Families**

Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC) at Fort Liberty provides healthcare to military personnel, their families, and eligible veterans. WAMC's CMS star rating is not publicly available, as it is a military hospital.

WAMC offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including neurology and geriatric care. The hospital's resources are geared towards serving the unique needs of the military community. Access to care may be influenced by military healthcare protocols and patient eligibility.

Families connected to the military should investigate the availability of specialized memory care programs and support services within WAMC. The hospital likely has resources for veterans with Alzheimer's, given the prevalence of the disease among older veterans.

WAMC's ER wait times and telehealth capabilities should be assessed through direct inquiry with the hospital. The hospital's patient portal and online resources may provide information on these aspects.

**Specialized Alzheimer's Care and Support**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, consider the availability of specialized Alzheimer's care centers and support groups. These resources can significantly enhance the quality of life for patients and their caregivers.

Check for memory care centers or specialized clinics within the hospitals or in the surrounding communities. These centers often provide comprehensive diagnostic services, treatment plans, and support groups.

Seek out local chapters of the Alzheimer's Association. These organizations offer educational programs, support groups, and resources for caregivers. They can also provide valuable insights into local healthcare providers and services.

**Telehealth: A Growing Resource**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in Alzheimer's care. It allows patients to access specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and providing convenient access to care.

Inquire about telehealth options with the neurology departments at both FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital and Womack Army Medical Center. Ask about the types of services offered via telehealth, such as consultations, medication management, and caregiver support.

Explore the availability of telehealth services through private providers and community organizations. Some organizations specialize in providing telehealth services for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

**Caregiver Support: A Crucial Component**

Alzheimer's care is incredibly demanding on caregivers. Access to support services is essential for maintaining the well-being of both the patient and the caregiver.

Inquire about caregiver support groups, respite care services, and educational programs offered by the hospitals, local Alzheimer's Association chapters, and community organizations.

Seek out resources that provide information on legal and financial planning for Alzheimer's patients. These resources can help caregivers navigate the complex challenges of managing the disease.

**Patient Reviews and Experiences**

Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care at a particular hospital or clinic. However, it's important to consider that reviews can be subjective and may not always reflect the overall experience.

Search online for patient reviews of FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital and Womack Army Medical Center. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews can provide information on patient experiences.

Consider the types of reviews available. Focus on reviews that specifically mention experiences with neurology departments, geriatric specialists, and memory care services.

**Accessibility and Transportation**

Accessibility is a critical factor for Alzheimer's patients. Consider the ease of access to the hospitals and clinics, including transportation options.

Assess the availability of public transportation options, such as buses or paratransit services.

Inquire about the availability of transportation assistance programs offered by the hospitals or community organizations.

**Alzheimer's Score Summary (Near 28392)**

* **FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital:** Offers a range of services and is a central healthcare provider. CMS rating of 3 stars. Assess neurology department, ER wait times, and telehealth capabilities.
* **Womack Army Medical Center:** Serves military personnel and families. Investigate specialized memory care programs and support services. Inquire about ER wait times and telehealth.
* **Specialized Care:** Seek out memory care centers, local Alzheimer's Association chapters, and support groups.
* **Telehealth:** Inquire about telehealth options with both hospitals and explore private providers.
* **Caregiver Support:** Prioritize access to caregiver support groups, respite care, and educational programs.
* **Patient Reviews:** Consult online reviews, focusing on experiences with neurology and memory care.
* **Accessibility:** Consider transportation options and accessibility to healthcare facilities.

**Conclusion**

Navigating the healthcare landscape for Alzheimer's disease requires careful consideration of various factors. This Alzheimer's Score review provides a starting point for individuals and families in the 28392 area to assess the available healthcare options. By evaluating the factors discussed, including hospital quality, specialized services, telehealth capabilities, and caregiver support, individuals can make informed decisions that best meet the needs of Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Remember to conduct thorough research, ask detailed questions, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals and support organizations.