[784caroline]

In todays USA Today it has an article about Stroke Centers and states that Florida is one of a few states that certifies its hospitals as "Stroke Centers".

Where is the closest Hospital that is a certified Stoke Center and can you direct an ambulance to take you directly to such a facility if needed??

From todays USA Today
Currently, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts and New York certify hospitals as stroke centers, and 43 more states have at least some hospitals that are certified by health quality groups as stroke centers.

[designdiva46]

I have heard that Munroe Regional is a stroke center. My friend had a stroke and they carried him to Ocala where he had to be moved to Munroe. Why the EMS took him to a hospital that didn't have a stroke center confuses me. If someone knows how and if you can demand to be taken to the hospital of your choice, I would like to know.

[zcaveman]

We have used the ambulance service two times and each time they asked us which hospital we wanted to go to. We always said MRMC because of our insurance and they took us there.

[Peachie]

I am under the impression emergency services have parameters and will transport the patient to the closest medical facility. If there are several medical facilities within their territory they will let the patient or family chose the hospital. The patient may request to be transferred from the treating facility and make their own arrangements or may require a medical flight transport which the hospital staff would arrange. Emergency service people and vehicles need to remain in their designated area or would not be available for the next emergency call.

ZCaveman: "We have used the ambulance service two times and each time they asked us which hospital we wanted to go to. We always said MRMC because of our insurance and they took us there."

I'm curious, was the ambulance for an emergency call or how many hospitals are in the emergency area?

[zcaveman]

Both were 911 calls. I told them my insurance only covered MRMC and ORMC and I
preferred MRMC.

It sounded like a standard question.

But then, I live in Marion county.

I know a couple of people who have said LRMC and were taken there.

But then again, it might depend on the seriousness of the patient. In my case neither 911 call was life threatening at that moment (ie immediate medical attention was not required) so the 20 minute trip was not a factor.

[Barefoot]

I was told that Leesburg is the nearest Stroke Center to The Villages.

[zcaveman]

Leesburg and Monroe are about equadistant. I think that Monroe (MRMC) has a shorter travel time. Especially if you have to make the trip every day. And better parking and shuttle service.

[novelchick]

it is important that we know our closest designated "stoke center" in case of emergency!! does anyone know if Monroe is closest or Leesburg? this is vital as we get older to know. if you or someone you know is experiencing a stoke do NOT go to any hospital that is NOT a "designated stoke center"!!!