A spinal cord injury (SCI) patient’s quality of care is a top priority upon entering a rehabilitation program. Spinal cord injury patients and their families want to be certain that their rehabilitation center of choice is a top-class facility with industry leading experts and resources. In Georgia, spinal cord injury patients have a few options available to them for rehabilitation. The largest and most reputable facilities are located in Atlanta. Atlanta also offers a half-day commute option for SCI patients living in Florida.
The Shepherd Center – Atlanta, Georgia
Though many centers offer consistent care and competent doctors, one stands out as the premiere facility in the state of Georgia, as well as much of the southeastern US. The Shepherd Center is the top recommended location in the state of Georgia, according to many review organizations and experts.
The Shepherd Center is catastrophic care hospital based in Atlanta. It has been recognized by US News surveys conducted in 2010 for its quality of care in treating people with spinal cord injuries and other neuromuscular illnesses. The center is the largest of the country’s Model Systems of Care for spinal cord injury. A peer-reviewed survey among neurology professionals rated the Shepherd Center #10 in the US for pioneering advances in patient treatment programs and overall SCI patient care.
- Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30309-1465
Phone: 404-352-2020
Alternative Rehabilitation Options, Young Patients
For patients who wish to examine all options and alternatives or for young patients who also wish to evaluate programs designed specifically for children living with SCI, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta offers a pediatric-focused program network across a wide variety of hospitals and rehabilitation facilities around the greater Atlanta area.
- Egleston Hospital
1405 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30322-1062
404-785-6778
- Children’s at Alpharetta Highway
11835 Alpharetta Highway
Roswell, GA 30076-4929
404-785-8470
- Children’s at Cobb
1371 Church Street Extension
Marietta, GA 30060-7913
404-785-8950
- Children’s at Mount Zion
2201 Mount Zion Parkway
Morrow, GA 30260-3312
404-785-8841
- Day Rehabilitation Program
993-F Johnson Ferry Road NE, Suite 260
Atlanta, GA 30342-1602
404-785-3300
7 Tips for Evaluating a Potential Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Center in Georgia
Spinal cord injury patients and their families who care considering any rehabilitation center in Georgia may want to consider the following questions / criteria when examining their options:
- Are the patients in the center’s SCI program in a similar age range as the patient who is considering treatment?
- Is the center’s SCI program accredited? Notable accreditations are made by the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (CARF) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)?
- Is the center’s SCI program designated as a Model Spinal Cord Injury Center by the National Institute of Disability Research and Rehabilitation (NIDRR)?
- Is the lead Physician a Physiatrist? If not, what credentialing do they possess? How much experience does the physician in charge have with directing SCI programs, specifically?
- Does the center provide physician coverage around the clock (24/7)?
- How often and how long does a patient receive treatment from center specialist each day?
- Are living arrangements available to family members participating in treatment support and SCI training?
References:
US News
