28574, Richlands, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28574, Richlands, North Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 28574

Finding quality healthcare, especially for a complex condition like Alzheimer's disease, requires careful consideration. This review assesses the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 28574 (Jacksonville, North Carolina) focusing on hospitals, their capabilities, and resources relevant to Alzheimer's care. The "Alzheimer's Score" considers factors like hospital ratings, specialized services, wait times, and telehealth options, providing a comprehensive overview to aid in informed decision-making.

**The Landscape: Key Hospitals and Their Ratings**

The primary hospital serving the Jacksonville area is **Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune (NHCL)**, a military treatment facility. While NHCL provides comprehensive care for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families, it operates under a different rating system than civilian hospitals. Therefore, a direct comparison using CMS star ratings is not applicable. However, NHCL’s commitment to serving the military community includes resources for geriatric care and neurological services, which are relevant for Alzheimer's patients.

Outside of the military system, residents of 28574 have access to civilian hospitals in nearby cities. **Vidant Medical Center** in Greenville, approximately an hour's drive, is a major regional referral center. It holds a **3-star CMS rating**. This rating reflects overall quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience, based on a complex scoring system. Vidant Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center and offers a broad range of medical specialties.

Another option is **New Hanover Regional Medical Center** in Wilmington, about a two-hour drive. It also has a **3-star CMS rating**. This hospital system is known for its comprehensive services and is a major healthcare provider in southeastern North Carolina.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in emergencies. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, understanding the average wait times at each hospital is important. Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other sources provide insights.

At Vidant Medical Center, average ER wait times can vary, but generally, patients can expect to be seen within a reasonable timeframe, typically under an hour. New Hanover Regional Medical Center also strives to maintain efficient ER operations, with wait times that are often comparable to Vidant. However, it's essential to note that wait times are influenced by factors like the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition. Checking real-time wait times online or by phone before heading to the ER is always recommended.

**Specialty Centers and Alzheimer's Care**

The availability of specialized centers is paramount for Alzheimer's patients. These centers provide comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and support services.

Vidant Medical Center offers a neurology department that provides services related to cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. They provide evaluations, diagnosis, and management of neurological conditions. The hospital also has a geriatric medicine program that can be beneficial for patients with Alzheimer's.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center has a neurology department that provides services related to cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. They provide evaluations, diagnosis, and management of neurological conditions. The hospital also has a geriatric medicine program that can be beneficial for patients with Alzheimer's.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, including consultations, follow-up appointments, and even certain therapies.

Both Vidant Medical Center and New Hanover Regional Medical Center have expanded their telehealth offerings. They provide telehealth consultations with neurologists and other specialists. Telehealth can be particularly valuable for Alzheimer's patients, allowing for regular check-ins and monitoring without requiring frequent trips to the hospital. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the specific insurance plan and the type of service needed.

**Support Services: A Crucial Component**

Beyond medical care, support services are critical for Alzheimer's patients and their families. These services include support groups, caregiver training, and access to resources like social workers and case managers.

Both Vidant Medical Center and New Hanover Regional Medical Center offer support services for patients with Alzheimer's and their families. These services may include referrals to local support groups, educational programs, and access to social workers who can help navigate the complexities of the disease.

**Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune and Alzheimer's Care**

While NHCL is primarily a military hospital, it does provide care for eligible beneficiaries, including retirees and their families. The hospital has a neurology department and geriatric services, which can be relevant for patients with Alzheimer's. Patients should inquire about the availability of specialized services and support programs within the military healthcare system.

**Factors to Consider in Choosing a Hospital**

Several factors should be considered when choosing a hospital for Alzheimer's care:

* **Specialized Expertise:** Look for hospitals with experienced neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists who are knowledgeable about Alzheimer's disease.
* **Comprehensive Services:** Ensure the hospital offers a range of services, including diagnostic testing, medication management, therapy, and support services.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Consider the availability of telehealth services for remote consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Support Services:** Evaluate the availability of support groups, caregiver training, and access to social workers.
* **Proximity:** Factor in the distance to the hospital and the ease of access.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 28574 offers several options for Alzheimer's care. While NHCL serves the military community, Vidant Medical Center and New Hanover Regional Medical Center provide civilian healthcare options. Both have a 3-star CMS rating and offer neurology departments, geriatric services, and telehealth options.

When selecting a hospital, consider factors like specialty expertise, comprehensive services, telehealth availability, support services, proximity, and insurance coverage. By carefully evaluating these factors, individuals and families can make informed decisions and ensure access to the best possible care for Alzheimer's disease. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate course of action. Continuous research and updates on hospital services are essential, as healthcare offerings can evolve.