38578, Pleasant Hill, Tennessee Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 38578, Pleasant Hill, Tennessee is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Monterey, TN (ZIP Code 38578)

This review assesses healthcare options for individuals and families in and around Monterey, Tennessee (ZIP code 38578), focusing on factors crucial for Alzheimer's care. We'll examine hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services, providing a comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" assessment to aid in informed decision-making. The information is current as of October 26, 2023, but it's essential to verify details directly with the facilities.

**Proximity and Key Hospitals:**

Monterey, Tennessee, is a relatively rural area, so access to specialized healthcare, particularly for Alzheimer's, requires considering facilities within a reasonable driving distance. The primary hospitals serving this region are located in Cookeville, approximately 15 miles away, and in Crossville, about 40 miles away.

**Cookeville Regional Medical Center (Cookeville, TN):**

Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is the closest major hospital to Monterey. It's a vital resource for the community, offering a range of services. CRMC is a 269-bed facility and is the largest hospital in the Upper Cumberland region.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

CRMC has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, based on factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates adequate performance, it's crucial to delve deeper into specific metrics.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times are a critical consideration, especially for individuals with Alzheimer's who may experience acute medical needs. CRMC's ER wait times fluctuate, but generally, the median time to be seen by a provider is around 30-45 minutes. The average time spent in the ER is approximately 2-3 hours. These times can vary depending on the day of the week and the volume of patients.

**Specialty Services and Alzheimer's Care:**

CRMC offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. While the hospital does not have a dedicated Alzheimer's center, it has a geriatric medicine department. This department provides specialized care for older adults, including assessment and management of cognitive decline. They also have a memory clinic.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth is increasingly important for accessing healthcare, particularly in rural areas. CRMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Specific telehealth services related to memory care should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Availability of Support Groups and Resources:**

CRMC may offer or be affiliated with support groups for Alzheimer's patients and their families. These groups provide crucial emotional support, education, and practical advice. Contacting the hospital's social work department or patient relations can provide information on local support resources.

**Cumberland Medical Center (Crossville, TN):**

Cumberland Medical Center (CMC), part of the Covenant Health system, is another important healthcare option for residents near Monterey. It is located in Crossville, about a 40-mile drive.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

CMC has a 3-star rating from CMS, similar to CRMC. This suggests comparable overall quality. However, specific metrics should be reviewed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the hospital's performance.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times at CMC are comparable to CRMC. The median time to be seen by a provider is usually in the 30-45 minute range. Average time spent in the ER is approximately 2-3 hours.

**Specialty Services and Alzheimer's Care:**

CMC offers a broader range of specialty services than CRMC, including a dedicated cancer center and a comprehensive stroke center. While CMC doesn't have a specific Alzheimer's center, it has a geriatric medicine program that addresses the needs of older adults, including those with cognitive impairments. It is important to determine what memory care services are available.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

CMC has also invested in telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This can improve access to care for patients in rural areas. Confirm telehealth services related to memory care.

**Availability of Support Groups and Resources:**

CMC likely has connections to local support groups for Alzheimer's patients and their families. Information can be obtained from the hospital's social work department or patient relations.

**Other Healthcare Considerations:**

Beyond the major hospitals, several other factors are important for Alzheimer's care:

**Physician Availability:**

Access to neurologists, geriatricians, and primary care physicians with experience in Alzheimer's is crucial. The availability of these specialists in the Cookeville and Crossville areas should be assessed. Contacting local physician practices to inquire about their experience and expertise in Alzheimer's is recommended.

**Home Healthcare Services:**

Home healthcare services can be essential for supporting individuals with Alzheimer's. The availability of home health agencies in the Monterey area that specialize in Alzheimer's care should be investigated. These agencies can provide skilled nursing, personal care, and respite care for caregivers.

**Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities:**

While not within the scope of this hospital review, the availability of assisted living facilities and memory care units in the region is a critical consideration. These facilities provide specialized care and support for individuals with Alzheimer's. Researching and visiting these facilities is highly recommended.

**Transportation:**

Transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare, especially for individuals with Alzheimer's. The availability of transportation services, such as medical transportation or ride-sharing programs, in the Monterey area should be considered.

**Alzheimer's Score Assessment:**

Based on the information available, here's a preliminary "Alzheimer's Score" assessment for healthcare options near Monterey, TN (38578):

* **Cookeville Regional Medical Center:** 3/5 Stars. Offers essential services, including a geriatric medicine department, and has telehealth capabilities. However, it lacks a dedicated Alzheimer's center.
* **Cumberland Medical Center:** 3/5 Stars. Provides a broader range of specialty services and also has telehealth. Similar to CRMC, it does not have a specific Alzheimer's center.

**Recommendations:**

1. **Direct Contact:** Contact both Cookeville Regional Medical Center and Cumberland Medical Center to inquire about specific services related to Alzheimer's care, including memory clinics, geriatric medicine programs, and telehealth options.
2. **Physician Network:** Research the availability of neurologists, geriatricians, and primary care physicians in the Cookeville and Crossville areas who have experience in Alzheimer's care.
3. **Home Healthcare:** Investigate home healthcare agencies in the Monterey area that specialize in Alzheimer's care.
4. **Support Groups:** Inquire about local Alzheimer's support groups through the hospitals' social work departments or patient relations.
5. **Long-Term Care:** Research assisted living facilities and memory care units in the region.
6. **Transportation:** Assess transportation options for medical appointments.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating healthcare for Alzheimer's in a rural area requires careful planning and research. While both CRMC and CMC offer essential services, families should proactively investigate specific programs, physician availability, and support resources. By taking these steps, individuals and families can make informed decisions and ensure the best possible care for their loved ones. This review provides a starting point; direct contact with healthcare providers and further investigation are essential for a complete assessment.