24273, Norton, Virginia Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24273, Norton, Virginia is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Alzheimer's Care in Your Backyard: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24273

Navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease requires access to quality healthcare. This review examines hospitals near ZIP code 24273, focusing on their capacity to diagnose, treat, and support individuals and families facing this challenging condition. We'll consider factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities to provide a comprehensive overview.

**Understanding the Landscape**

ZIP code 24273 encompasses the town of Richlands, Virginia, and the surrounding areas in Tazewell County. Healthcare access in this region is primarily served by a network of community hospitals and regional medical centers. While the area might not boast the same concentration of large, nationally recognized institutions as a major metropolitan area, several facilities offer vital services for Alzheimer's patients.

**A Look at Key Hospitals**

**Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital (Tazewell, VA):** This hospital is a key player in the local healthcare ecosystem. It is part of the larger Carilion Clinic system, which extends across southwestern Virginia. Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient services. While the hospital's CMS star rating is not publicly available, it's essential to consider its role as a primary care provider for the community. Alzheimer's patients often rely on their primary care physicians for initial diagnosis and ongoing management.

**ER Wait Times and Access:** Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital's ER wait times fluctuate. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. Information on specific wait times can be found on the hospital's website or through online resources like the ER Wait Times app.

**Specialty Centers and Support:** Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital offers access to specialists within the Carilion Clinic network. While a dedicated Alzheimer's center may not be physically located at the Tazewell facility, patients can be referred to specialists within the broader system for diagnosis, treatment, and support. This includes neurologists, geriatricians, and neuropsychologists who are crucial for managing Alzheimer's.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Carilion Clinic has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require regular monitoring. The availability of telehealth can improve access to specialists and reduce the burden on caregivers.

**Additional Considerations for Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital:** The hospital's commitment to community outreach and education is a positive factor. It's important to inquire about any specific programs or support groups offered for Alzheimer's patients and their families.

**Russell County Medical Center (Lebanon, VA):** Located in nearby Lebanon, Virginia, Russell County Medical Center is another important healthcare provider for the region. This hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics. Like Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital, its CMS star rating is not readily available.

**ER Wait Times and Access:** ER wait times at Russell County Medical Center should be considered. Patients should check the hospital's website or use online resources to get the latest information.

**Specialty Centers and Support:** Russell County Medical Center has a network of specialists. Patients can be referred to specialists within the system for diagnosis, treatment, and support. This includes neurologists, geriatricians, and neuropsychologists who are crucial for managing Alzheimer's.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Russell County Medical Center offers virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require regular monitoring. The availability of telehealth can improve access to specialists and reduce the burden on caregivers.

**Additional Considerations for Russell County Medical Center:** The hospital's commitment to community outreach and education is a positive factor. It's important to inquire about any specific programs or support groups offered for Alzheimer's patients and their families.

**Exploring Regional Options**

While the hospitals closest to ZIP code 24273 are essential, it's also important to consider regional options for more specialized care.

**Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke, VA):** Located approximately 100 miles east of Richlands, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital is a flagship facility within the Carilion Clinic system. This hospital is a Level I trauma center and offers a comprehensive range of medical services.

**CMS Star Rating:** Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital has a CMS star rating. This rating provides a general indication of the hospital's quality of care.

**ER Wait Times and Access:** The ER wait times at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital can vary. Patients should check the hospital's website or online resources for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers and Support:** Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital has specialized centers. This hospital has a neurology department and access to geriatric specialists. This hospital has a memory care center.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Carilion Clinic has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require regular monitoring. The availability of telehealth can improve access to specialists and reduce the burden on caregivers.

**University of Virginia Health System (Charlottesville, VA):** Though further afield (approximately 250 miles east), the University of Virginia Health System (UVA Health) offers a high level of specialized care. UVA Health is a leading academic medical center with a strong reputation for neurological care and research.

**CMS Star Rating:** UVA Health has a CMS star rating. This rating provides a general indication of the hospital's quality of care.

**ER Wait Times and Access:** ER wait times at UVA Health can vary. Patients should check the hospital's website or online resources for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers and Support:** UVA Health has specialized centers. This hospital has a neurology department and access to geriatric specialists. This hospital has a memory care center.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UVA Health has expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require regular monitoring. The availability of telehealth can improve access to specialists and reduce the burden on caregivers.

**The Importance of Comprehensive Care**

Managing Alzheimer's disease requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes:

* **Early Diagnosis:** Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for initiating treatment and planning for the future.
* **Medical Management:** Medications and therapies can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
* **Therapy and Support:** Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy can help maintain function and improve quality of life.
* **Caregiver Support:** Alzheimer's places a significant burden on caregivers. Support groups, educational resources, and respite care are essential.
* **Palliative Care:** As the disease progresses, palliative care can provide comfort and support.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

* **Specialty Expertise:** Look for hospitals with experienced neurologists, geriatricians, and neuropsychologists.
* **Memory Care Programs:** Inquire about dedicated memory care units or programs that provide specialized care for Alzheimer's patients.
* **Support Services:** Seek out hospitals that offer support groups, caregiver education, and other resources.
* **Telehealth Options:** Consider hospitals that offer telehealth services to improve access to care.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Patient Reviews and Ratings:** Read patient reviews and check hospital ratings to get insights into the quality of care.

**Conclusion**

While the immediate vicinity of ZIP code 24273 may not have a large concentration of specialized Alzheimer's centers, the local hospitals, such as Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital and Russell County Medical Center, provide essential primary care and access to specialists within the Carilion Clinic system. For more specialized care, regional options like Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and UVA Health offer comprehensive neurological services and memory care programs. By considering the factors outlined in this review, individuals and families in the Richlands area can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and access the support they require to navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. Remember to always consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for your individual circumstances.