43719, Bethesda, Ohio Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 43719, Bethesda, Ohio is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 43719

This review focuses on healthcare options for individuals and families facing Alzheimer's disease, specifically examining hospitals and resources accessible near ZIP code 43719 (Cambridge, Ohio) and its surrounding areas. The goal is to provide a fact-rich assessment, considering factors crucial for Alzheimer's care, including hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility.

**Understanding the Alzheimer's Score Framework**

This review utilizes an "Alzheimer's Score" framework, evaluating hospitals based on several key criteria relevant to Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** A measure of overall hospital quality, reflecting patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Specialized Services:** Availability of dedicated memory care units, geriatric specialists, neurologists, and neuropsychologists.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The extent of telehealth services offered, particularly for neurology and geriatric consultations.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** A critical factor for urgent medical needs, especially for patients with cognitive impairments.
* **Accessibility:** Ease of access to the hospital, including parking, transportation options, and accommodations for patients with mobility issues.
* **Community Support:** Connections to local Alzheimer's support groups, caregiver resources, and educational programs.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance**

The primary hospital serving the Cambridge area is **Southeastern Med**, located within ZIP code 43725. As of the latest available data, Southeastern Med does not have a CMS star rating. This rating is a significant indicator of overall hospital performance, and its absence suggests a need for further investigation into specific quality metrics.

**Emergency Room Considerations**

ER wait times are a critical consideration, particularly for Alzheimer's patients who may experience sudden medical issues. While specific ER wait times fluctuate, it's essential to check the latest publicly available data. This information can be found on hospital websites or through resources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website.

**Specialized Services and Geriatric Care**

The availability of specialized services is paramount. Hospitals with dedicated memory care units, geriatric specialists, neurologists, and neuropsychologists are better equipped to handle the complex needs of Alzheimer's patients. Southeastern Med offers neurology services, which is a positive sign. However, the extent of geriatric-specific care needs further examination.

**Telehealth and Remote Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Telehealth can provide access to specialist consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring. The availability of telehealth services for neurology and geriatric care at Southeastern Med should be investigated.

**Community Support and Resources**

Access to community support groups, caregiver resources, and educational programs is crucial for families coping with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association and local senior centers are valuable resources. The availability of these resources in the Cambridge area should be considered when assessing the overall support system.

**Beyond Southeastern Med: Exploring Regional Options**

While Southeastern Med is the primary local hospital, exploring regional options may be necessary to access specialized services.

**Wheeling Hospital (Wheeling, WV):** Located approximately 60 miles east of Cambridge, Wheeling Hospital is a potential option. Wheeling Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This indicates a moderate level of overall quality. Wheeling Hospital offers neurology services, which is a positive sign. The hospital's proximity to Cambridge makes it a viable option for some residents.

**WVU Medicine - Camden Clark Medical Center (Parkersburg, WV):** Located approximately 60 miles southeast of Cambridge, Camden Clark Medical Center is another option. Camden Clark Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This indicates a moderate level of overall quality. Camden Clark Medical Center offers neurology services, which is a positive sign. The hospital's proximity to Cambridge makes it a viable option for some residents.

**The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (Columbus, OH):** Located approximately 90 miles west of Cambridge, the Wexner Medical Center is a flagship hospital with a strong reputation for specialized care. The Wexner Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. This indicates a high level of overall quality. The Wexner Medical Center has a dedicated memory care program and a comprehensive neurology department. The distance may be a factor for some, but the specialized services could be a significant benefit.

**Additional Considerations**

* **Transportation:** Consider transportation options for patients and caregivers. Public transportation may be limited in rural areas.
* **Financial Assistance:** Investigate the availability of financial assistance programs for healthcare costs.
* **Patient and Caregiver Experience:** Research patient reviews and caregiver feedback to gain insights into the quality of care.

**Detailed Hospital Analysis**

**Southeastern Med:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** Not available.
* **Specialty Services:** Neurology services are available. Further investigation is needed to determine the extent of geriatric-specific care.
* **Telehealth:** Information on telehealth services should be sought.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check the latest available data.
* **Accessibility:** Assess parking, transportation, and accommodations for patients with mobility issues.
* **Community Support:** Investigate connections to local Alzheimer's support groups and caregiver resources.

**Wheeling Hospital:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 stars.
* **Specialty Services:** Neurology services are available.
* **Telehealth:** Information on telehealth services should be sought.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check the latest available data.
* **Accessibility:** Assess parking, transportation, and accommodations for patients with mobility issues.
* **Community Support:** Investigate connections to local Alzheimer's support groups and caregiver resources.

**WVU Medicine - Camden Clark Medical Center:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 stars.
* **Specialty Services:** Neurology services are available.
* **Telehealth:** Information on telehealth services should be sought.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check the latest available data.
* **Accessibility:** Assess parking, transportation, and accommodations for patients with mobility issues.
* **Community Support:** Investigate connections to local Alzheimer's support groups and caregiver resources.

**The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** 4 stars.
* **Specialty Services:** Dedicated memory care program, comprehensive neurology department.
* **Telehealth:** Assess telehealth services for neurology and geriatric care.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check the latest available data.
* **Accessibility:** Assess parking, transportation, and accommodations for patients with mobility issues.
* **Community Support:** Investigate connections to local Alzheimer's support groups and caregiver resources.

**Conclusion**

Navigating healthcare options for Alzheimer's patients requires careful consideration of hospital quality, specialized services, and accessibility. While Southeastern Med is the primary local hospital, the absence of a CMS star rating necessitates a thorough evaluation of its services. Exploring regional options, such as Wheeling Hospital, WVU Medicine - Camden Clark Medical Center, and the Wexner Medical Center, may be necessary to access specialized care. Families should prioritize hospitals with dedicated memory care units, geriatric specialists, and robust telehealth capabilities. Furthermore, connecting with local Alzheimer's support groups and caregiver resources is crucial for providing comprehensive care and support. This review provides a starting point for families in the 43719 area to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.