It’s inevitable – we all get sick sometimes. From dealing with day-to-day stressors to coming in contact with other kids at daycare to flu season, there will often be a time in your life where you need to connect with someone in the medical field.
But perhaps you’ve recently switched jobs or insurance providers. Or you may be new to Lakeland — welcome — and in need of a local primary care doctor or specialist.
Establishing yourself with a primary care provider is one of those things you’ll be glad you did when you need one. Lakeland boasts some top-of-the-line healthcare facilities, including AdventHealth, Lakeland Regional Health, Watson Clinic, BayCare Medical Group, or the Lakeland Veteran Affairs Clinic.
Did you know: websites like DocSpot filter physicians by location? They offer patient reviews, insurance, language info, and more.
To set you up for success, here are a few pro tips for when you’re on the hunt, provided by Lakeland Regional Health:
- Inquire about the practice’s hours and how after-hours queries are handled.
- Schedule an interview/consultation, if the physician offers one. (For instance, LRH offers free 15-minute meet-and-greet consultations with its pediatricians.)
- Ask for names of patients willing to share their experiences with the practice.
Let’s take a further look at what’s available in our region when it comes to medical care:
AdventHealth, 3637 US Hwy 98 N.
At the company’s Centra Care campus, AdventHealth offers a variety of medical services for its patients. Need urgent care? No problem, since they accept walk-ins all week long. Pro Tip: Cut your wait time by making an online reservation ahead of your visit.
If you’re looking to get family check-ups done, AdventHealth offers care for the whole family, from pediatrics to orthopedic care. They’re also a one stop shop so you can pick up any prescriptions on-site after your appointment.
BayCare Medical Group, 619 Midflorida Dr. #1.
There are several urgent care facilities from BayCare throughout Lakeland, but the company’s primary care facility in Lakeland offers locals services for everyday health, including diabetes management, high blood pressure treatment, osteopathic manipulative treatment, adult and children’s physical exams, as well as women’s exams.
Pro Tip: Check out more information about their current healthcare providers here to get familiar with the doctor/registered nurse practitioner on-site before your visit.
Lakeland Regional Health, 4710 Florida Ave S.
Lakeland Regional Health has been here for more than 100 years and has your back with its Physician Group, a community healthcare force that continues to innovate provider care. The Physician Group ensures patients have access to the care they need, via:
- 10 locations, meaning people are able to find healthcare where they live
- 35 specialties, meaning if you need a referral, you can often stay right in the LRH network
- 250 providers and counting, meaning the company can support our growing community
Lakeland Veteran Affairs Clinic, 4237 South Pipkin Road
With a 94% satisfaction rate from our local veterans for routine care appointments, we are proud to have an on-site location for Veteran Affairs medical care. From primary care coverage to nurse consultation for daily care, the Lakeland Veteran Affairs Clinic provides reliable medical treatment for those who have served our country.
Services provided also include audiology and speech, lab work, nutrition and dietary care, psychology, and social work advocacy for all veteran patients.
Watson Clinic, 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
Another long-standing medical care group, Watson Clinic, has over 20 locations throughout Central Florida, including its main campus in Lakeland. Through its 27 specialties, the network of doctors and nurses bring intentional care to patients in need of medical attention in the following areas: Allergy, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology, Hand Surgery, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Rheumatology, Surgical Oncology, Urgent Care, and more. Click here to learn more about each area of specialty and what medical experts currently serve their locations locally.
Is there something you’re still left wondering about getting established in Swan City? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.
