HEALTHCARE IN TUCSON
Tucson has approximately 2,000 hospital beds and more than 2,300 physicians, surgeons, and osteopaths—a pretty high ratio of medical professionals to population. Additionally, there are more than 200 dental offices in Tucson.
MAJOR HOSPITALS
Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital
350 N. Wilmot Rd. 873-3000
carondelet.org
The 478-bed facility is one of only three accredited chest pain centers in Southern Arizona and one of only two Tucson hospitals certified as a primary stroke center. St. Joseph's is home to the Carondelet Neurological Institute, as well as a comprehensive women's care program and nationally certified cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Other services include imaging, diabetes care, emergency services, orthopedic and rehabilitation, surgical services, and behavioral health.
Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital
1601 W. St. Mary's Rd. 872-3000
carondelet.org
This facility has a state-of-the-art emergency center and is one of only three accredited chest pain centers in Southern Arizona. It also offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services, including behavioral health, cardiovascular, chemotherapy, acute-care dialysis, diagnostic and interventional medical imaging, a gastroenterology lab, general medical and surgical inpatient care, hospice and home-care services, neurology, orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation, urology, and complex wound care.
Northwest Medical Center
6200 N. La Cholla Blvd. 742-9000
northwestmedicalcenter.com
Northwest Medical Center offers a full range of healthcare services, including emergency, cardiac, neurosurgery, outpatient imaging, oncology, Surgical Weight Loss Program Center of Excellence, orthopedic surgery, Total Joint Program Center of Excellence, robotic surgery, GI lab, a freestanding women's center, Wound Care Center, three urgent-care facilities, and the Lazos de Familia and Healthy Beginnings free pregnancy-testing programs.
Oro Valley Hospital
1551 E. Tangerine Rd. 901-3500
orovalleyhospital.com
Oro Valley Hospital is a full-service acute-care medical facility with cardiac, surgery (inpatient and outpatient), cardiopulmonary/respiratory, laboratory, and imaging services; a sleep center; an emergency department; inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and speech therapies); The Total Joint Replacement Center; an intensive-care unit; and an urgent-care center.
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
3601 S. 6th Ave. 792-1450
tucson.va.gov
This facility offers a full range of medical care to eligible US military veterans. It is affiliated with The University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy and with Pima Community College.
Tucson Heart Hospital
4888 N. Stone Ave. 696-2328
cardondelet.org
Southern Arizona's only freestanding acute-care facility dedicated to providing high-quality cardiac and vascular care. It offers a full range of non-invasive cardiovascular testing, cardiac diagnostic procedures, minimally invasive therapeutic procedures, cardiothoracic surgical procedures—including beating heart bypass surgery—and vascular surgical procedures, as well as disease prevention education and support. It is one of only three accredited chest pain centers in Southern Arizona.
Tucson Medical Center (TMC)
5301 E. Grant Rd. 327-5461
tmcaz.com
This 650-bed nonprofit hospital has served the Southern Arizona community for more than 60 years. TMC has become the leading provider in the region for emergency care (including Tucson's first Children's Emergency Center), maternal care, pediatric care, neuroscience, cardiac care, orthopedics, hospice care, behavioral health, diagnostic services, and senior services.
University Medical Center (UMC)
1501 N. Campbell Ave. 694-0111
umcarizona.org
This facility has been recognized as one of the nation's top 50 hospitals in eight areas. It is the primary teaching and research hospital for The University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. UMC also includes the UA Sarver Heart Center (626-2000), Arizona Arthritis Center (626-5040), Arizona Cancer Center (694-2873), Steele Children's Research Center (626-7051), and the only Level 1 trauma center in Southern Arizona. The Diamond Children's Medical Center opens in fall 2010.
University Physicians Hospital at Kino
2800 E. Ajo Way 847-2000
uph.org
UPH is a full-service medical campus and is the home of Southern Arizona's newest physician training program. UPH offers emergency and urgent-care services, state-of-the-art technology, and various outpatient primary and specialty clinics. Outpatient clinics include cardiology, endocrinology, family/internal medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, infectious disease, OB/GYN, ophthalmology, orthopedics, nephrology, neurology, pain management, pediatrics, psychiatry, and urology.
PHYSICIAN REFERRAL SERVICES
If possible, have your previous physician refer you to a doctor in this area. If you are unable to get a referral, try one of these services. Some also answer health questions:
| Physician Referral & Resource Line bannerhealth.com | 800-230-CARE |
| Pima County Medical Society pimamedicalsociety.org |
795-7985 |
| Saguaro Physicians tmcaz.com |
751-8280 |
| Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation tomf.org |
299-4545 |
| University Physicians Inc. uph.org |
889-1111 |
WOMEN'S HEALTH SERVICES
Several centers handle women's healthcare issues exclusively:
| Associates in Women's Health Care 2355 N. Wyatt Dr., Ste. 101 awhcllc.com | 795-8080 |
| Carondelet Imaging Center 630 N. Alvernon Way, Ste. 150 carondelet.org |
322-8273 |
| Carondelet Women's Care 350 N. Wilmot Rd. carondelet.org |
873-3000 |
| Ironwood OB/GYN, P.C. 2300 N. Rosemont Blvd. ironwoodobgyn.com | 881-1977 |
| Marana Health Center Obstetrics and Gynecology 2055 W. Hospital Dr., Ste. 115 maranahealthcenter.org | 797-0011 |
| TMC for Women 2100 N. Rosemont Ave. tmcaz.com | 324-2075 |
| Tucson Breast Center 2028 E. Prince Rd uph.org |
874-6300 |
| The Women’s Center Northwest Medical Center 1920 W. Rudasill Rd northwestmedicalcenter.com/womens_ctr.html |
877-4000 |
URGENT CARE FACILITIES
| Marana Health Center 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat. 13644 N. Sandario Rd |
682-4111 |
| Nextcare Urgent Care (8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun.) 6238 E. Pima St. | 290-0022 |
| Northwest Medical Center Urgent Care (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) 2945 W. Ina Rd., 13101 N. Oracle Rd., 4001 E. Sunrise Dr., and 8333 N. Silverbell Rd. |
469-8295 |
| Santa Catalina Health Center 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri. 15631 N. Oracle Rd., Ste.141 |
825-6763 |
| University Medical Center Critical Care (7:45 a.m.-2 a.m.) 1501 N. Campbell Ave. | 694-4750 |
| University Physicians Hospital at Kino Urgent Care (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) Mon.–Sun. 2800 E. Ajo Way | 874-2000 |
| Urgent Care Associates (Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.) 1622 N. Swan Rd. | 795-8888 |
HOME CARE
Quite a few nursing agencies provide in-home nursing services, from companions that can help with meals and light household duties, to registered nurses who can perform necessary medical procedures, to specialists trained in physical rehabilitation and other therapies. Here are just a few of the many services available.
| Dependable Health Services | 721-3822 |
| Dependable Nurses Inc. | 795-1290 |
| Gentiva Health Services | 731-1333 |
| Interim Healthcare | 747-1800 |
| Intrepid USA Health Care Services | 722-0555 |
| UMC Home Health Services | 694-4663 |
ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE
Tucson offers a large number of nontraditional healing options—including acupressure and jin shin, shiatsu and other forms of therapeutic massage, movement awareness techniques, homeopathic and naturopathic medicine, and hypnotherapy.
- The Cortiva Institute provides training in
massage therapy. Low-cost treatments
are available from the students there.
The institute can also make referrals to
other alternative healthcare practitioners.
623-2160, cortiva.com
- The University of Arizona Program in
Integrative Medicine is an outpatient
training clinic for doctors and is a
component of a program directed by
Dr. Andrew Weil. Integrative medicine
focuses on stimulating the body’s natural
healing potential by combining the
best of both conventional and alternative
medical traditions. 626-6417,
integrativemedicine.arizona.edu
- The Providence Institute offers many forms of body therapy, including shiatsu, craniosacral therapy, and more. The institute also features a yoga center, and its school offers classes in holistic body therapy. 323-0203, providenceinstitute.com
CHILD RESOURCES
Day-care Centers, Child Care, After-school & Summer Programs
Check with the Southern Arizona branch of the Department of Health Services, Office of Child Care Licensing at 400 W. Congress St., Ste. 100, 628-6540, before selecting a day-care center or preschool for your child. Every center or preschool in Arizona serving five or more children is required to be licensed and regulated by the state, and you can check the files for any you might be interested in. The files contain records on inspections that have taken place within the past three years and on any complaints that have been made.
- Child and Family Resources, 2800 E. Broadway Blvd., 881-8940, offers specific services including Childcare Resource and Referral, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Happy Hours after-school program, and Center for Adolescent Parents. childfamilyresources.org
- Many public schools provide after-school supervision for children of working parents, so check with your child's school first. Numerous private day-care facilities offer late-afternoon care for elementary-age youngsters, and you can also check with your local YMCA.
- The YMCA and Tucson Parks & Recreation Department both offer a variety of all-day summer programs.
SENIOR LIVING
With a wonderful climate, spectacular scenery, and abundant cultural offerings, Tucson and its surrounding communities attract almost as many retired persons as Florida does. In fact, more than one-fifth of Arizona's population is older than 55. Active-adult communities cater specifically to this age group.
Opportunities for Seniors
Many businesses in Tucson offer discounts to seniors—including restaurants, movie theaters, gift shops, museums, performing-arts organizations, and travel services. Most local hospitals and each branch of the local YMCA have special programs for seniors that include exercise classes, health seminars, field trips, social events, and more.
SENIOR EDUCATION
Many retirees in Arizona discover that they now have the time and opportunity to go where their curiosity and intellect take them. Many attend the universities and community colleges throughout the state and take life-enrichment classes in topics they've always wanted to learn more about.
The Academy Village offers an interesting concept for retirees. Here, retired university professors and academics can find common ground, living near other professionals with similar interests and continuing their studies and research work. Attracting residents from all over the US, The Academy Village focuses on the lifelong learning and wellness of its residents, providing access to The U of A, on-site health services, and recreational facilities. Phone 647-7777, or go to theacademyvillage.com.
Exploritas Exploritas provides programs to teach seniors about the Southwest and much more. Curiosity and intellect thrive with the encouragement of these programs, famous for their modestly priced educational adventures around the world. New programs begin every month. Contact the national Exploritas headquarters at 877-426-8056 or visit exploritas.org.
OASIS Institute, another popular program, is a national nonprofit organization offering classes in volunteer programs, education, culture, wellness, humanities, and the arts. OASIS creates opportunities for active retirees to continue their personal growth while providing service to the community. Classes are held at the Junior League Building, 2099 E. River Rd. For information call 322-5607 or visit oasisnet.org.
The University of Arizona Continuing Education & Academic Outreach’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) provides continuing learning-in-retirement experiences for Tucson's senior citizens and winter visitors. Programs include discussion groups, study sessions, brown-bag lectures with guest speakers, field trips, and social events. Membership in the society also includes the opportunity to moderate classes on favorite topics. Contact OLLI, U of A Continuing Education & Academic Outreach, 220 W. 6th St., Rm. 300B. Phone 626-9039 or visit ceao.arizona.edu/seniors/olli.html. The office is open Mon.-Thurs.8 a.m.-5 p.m.
⇑ return to topSENIOR OLYMPICS
The Senior Olympic Festival is held in late January; seniors 50 years and older compete in events ranging from croquet to cribbage, track events to bocce, and basketball to aerobics. Events are held all over Tucson. Phone 791-3244, for additional information, or visit tucsonseniorgames.org
ARIZONA SENIOR-SPECIFIC VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering provides opportunities for you to put your skills and life experiences to work in ways that help your new community. Not only can you help other people, you can help yourself. Studies show that active volunteers enjoy healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives.
Many exciting opportunities exist in Arizona. The National & Community Service Senior Corps (800-424-8867, nationalservice.org) offers two outlets for active adults in Tucson: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program–RSVP, Senior Companion Program, and Foster Grandparents Program.
Adults of all ages can also volunteer in a number of different areas by contacting the Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona at 881-3300 and volunteersoaz.org.
Older-Adult Service Agencies
ARIZONA CHAPTER OF THE ASSISTED LIVING FEDERATION OF AMERICA
The Assisted Living Federation provides on request a free brochure called the "Voice of Assisted Living Consumer Guide," offering advice on choosing an assisted-living facility. Phone 602-322-0100 or visit azalfa.org.
GOVERNOR'S ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AGINGArizona has a very active Governor's Advisory Council on Aging, with 15 members appointed by the governor. The mission of the council is to provide the governor, the legislature, and state agencies with information about issues affecting Arizona's seniors. The council attempts, to the best of its ability, to represent all seniors residing in Arizona and is always open to ideas and comments from this very important segment of our population. Phone 602-542-4710.
PIMA COUNCIL ON AGINGThis designated Area Agency on Aging coordinates services and programs for the elderly. Some of the services include a newsletter, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), information about collective meal sites, the Pension Information and Counseling Program, and an ombudsman service that helps solve problems in such areas as Social Security, Medicare, health insurance, hospitals, home repair, legal assistance, and the entire spectrum of social-service programs. If you have any questions regarding the concerns of the elderly or need advocacy for an elderly person, these people can steer you in the right direction. 8467 E. Broadway Blvd. Phone 790-7262 or contact the 24-hour statewide Elder Resource and Referral Line at 800-686-1431 (pcoa.org or e-mail help@pcoa.org).
SENIOR COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Sponsored by Information and Referral Services Inc., the Senior Resource Network program provides information about a variety of options and services available to older adults in the Tucson area, including housing alternatives, living assistance, long-term-care services, and caregiver support. Available by phone Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. Phone 325-2111 or visit ourfamilyservices.org.
Healthy Living Connections through Tucson Medical Center's Senior Services is also a useful place for seniors to access community resources for health and wellness issues. Programming includes a health information center, classes and lectures on health topics, health screenings, consultations by trained volunteer health coaches, community agency satellite offices such as the Attorney General, Caregiver Services, and more. Phone 324-1960 or visit tmcaz.com.
STATE OFFICE ON AGING
Every state government has an office on aging, responsible for coordinating services for older people. In Arizona, it's the Division of Aging and Adult Services (part of the Arizona Department of Economic Security). Phone 602-542-4446 or visit azdes.gov.
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