HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital is a 229-bed acute care facility located in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and has been serving the Treasure Coast community for over 40 years. As part of HCA Healthcare, the hospital is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
It offers a wide range of services, including emergency care with private rooms, orthopedic and spine care through its specialized institute, advanced cardiology services, and comprehensive neurology and stroke care as a designated Primary Stroke Center.
The hospital also provides oncology services, women’s health with a Blue Distinction+ Maternity Care designation, advanced wound care, general and vascular surgeries, and rehabilitation services, both inpatient and outpatient.
Recognized for its excellence, HCA Florida St. Lucie has received several accreditations, including Primary Stroke Center certification, Top Performing Hospital status, wound care recognition, Baby-Friendly designation, and Chest Pain Center accreditation.
It is also a Blue Distinction+ center for Hip and Knee surgeries. The hospital is home to a Family Medicine Residency Program, which provides comprehensive training for medical residents and emphasizes the hospital’s commitment to education and community health.
What Patients Are Saying
Patients at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital have shared a range of experiences, highlighting both positive aspects and areas for improvement.
Positive feedback often centers on the hospital’s friendly and attentive staff. For instance, one patient praised the staff as “very friendly and knowledgeable,” noting an excellent experience as a new patient.
Another shared that Dr. Romano was “very thorough” and took the time to address all questions during a foot examination.
Additional reviews commended the hospital’s comfortable waiting areas, with one patient appreciating the “comfortable” chairs and “TV screens to watch” while waiting for their doctor.
However, some patients have expressed concerns regarding wait times and communication. A review mentioned a “long wait” and “lack of communication,” suggesting that these aspects could be improved.
Overall, while many patients commend the hospital for its compassionate care and comfortable facilities, there are occasional mentions of areas where the patient experience could be enhanced.
Common Praise from Patients
Common praise from patients of HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital generally revolves around the hospital’s friendly and professional staff, the high level of care provided, and the comfort of the facilities.
Many patients highlight the hospital’s staff as being attentive, compassionate, and knowledgeable, with numerous mentions of the doctors taking extra time to answer questions and ensure patients feel well cared for.
The hospital is often praised for its clean and comfortable environment, including its waiting areas, where patients appreciate amenities like comfortable seating and television screens to pass the time.
The hospital’s commitment to patient-centered care also stands out, with many reviewers noting how the staff makes an effort to involve patients in their treatment plans and make them feel at ease.
Additionally, the hospital’s efficient service and professional approach in emergency situations are frequently recognized.
Frequent Complaints and Concerns
Frequent complaints and concerns from patients at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital often revolve around longer-than-expected wait times and communication issues.
Some patients report extended waiting periods, both in the emergency department and for scheduled appointments, which can lead to frustration. Additionally, there are occasional mentions of a lack of clear communication from staff, especially regarding wait times, test results, and follow-up instructions.
A few patients have noted difficulty reaching staff for updates or clarification during their visit, which can contribute to feelings of uncertainty.
While many reviews are positive, these recurring concerns suggest that there may be room for improvement in streamlining processes and enhancing communication across departments.
Emergency Room Experiences
Emergency room experiences at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital are mixed, with many patients offering positive feedback while others express concerns about wait times and communication.
Those who have had a positive experience often praise the professionalism and compassion of the ER staff. Many patients mention feeling reassured by the attentive care they received, with staff members being described as friendly and knowledgeable.
Some have appreciated the quick response from nurses and doctors, especially in more urgent situations, and the overall comfort of the ER environment.
However, a number of patients have raised concerns about long wait times, especially during busy periods. Some patients have reported waiting for extended periods even with noticeable discomfort or after being triaged.
Communication issues are also a common complaint, with patients sometimes feeling that they were not adequately informed about their wait times or the status of their treatment.
Overall, while the quality of care is often praised, patients have noted that improvements in wait time management and clearer communication would enhance their ER experience.
Staff Professionalism and Bedside Manner
Staff professionalism and bedside manner at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital generally receive positive feedback from patients. Many reviews highlight the friendly and compassionate attitude of the doctors, nurses, and support staff, who are often described as attentive and dedicated.
Patients appreciate that staff members take the time to explain procedures, answer questions thoroughly, and make them feel at ease during their visits. This approach helps foster a sense of comfort and trust, especially in stressful medical situations.
The professionalism of the hospital staff is often praised, with patients noting that they feel respected and well cared for. Even in the emergency room, where situations can be more chaotic, patients have mentioned that the staff maintained a calm and professional demeanor.
While most reviews emphasize positive experiences with the staff’s bedside manner, there are occasional mentions of communication challenges or perceived coldness from a few individuals, but these seem to be the exception rather than the rule.
Overall, the hospital’s staff is widely appreciated for their professionalism and the personalized care they provide.
Facility Cleanliness and Comfort
The cleanliness and comfort of HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital are frequently praised by patients. Many reviews mention that the hospital is well-maintained, with clean and orderly facilities throughout.
The patient rooms, hallways, and common areas are often described as tidy and inviting, contributing to a positive overall experience.
The hospital’s attention to cleanliness helps create a sense of safety and reassurance, which is particularly important for patients recovering from illness or surgery.
In terms of comfort, patients appreciate the modern amenities and the hospital’s efforts to create a more pleasant environment. Waiting areas are noted for being comfortable, with patients often highlighting the availability of cozy seating and television screens to make the wait more bearable.
Overall, the hospital’s commitment to maintaining a clean and comfortable environment plays a key role in enhancing the patient experience.
Billing and Insurance Experience
Billing and insurance experiences at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital have received mixed feedback from patients. Some patients report a smooth process, noting that the billing department is helpful in explaining charges and insurance coverage.
Many appreciate that staff members assist with navigating insurance questions and payment options, helping to reduce confusion during what can be a stressful time.
However, there are also complaints regarding billing issues. Some patients have expressed frustration with unexpected charges, confusion about insurance coverage, or delays in receiving accurate billing statements.
A few have mentioned difficulty reaching the billing department to resolve discrepancies or get clear explanations about their charges. Additionally, some patients have noted that the insurance verification process could be more transparent to prevent surprises later on.
While many patients have positive experiences with billing support, the recurring concerns suggest that improvements in clarity and communication around billing and insurance could help further streamline the process for patients.
Comparing HCA St. Lucie to Nearby Hospitals
When comparing HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital to nearby hospitals in the region, several factors stand out in terms of patient experience, service offerings, and reputation.
Patient Experience:
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital generally receives positive reviews for its friendly and attentive staff, high levels of professionalism, and clean, comfortable facilities. However, it does face occasional complaints about wait times and communication in the emergency department.
Nearby Hospitals, such as Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and St. Lucie Medical Center, also have generally favorable reviews. Lawnwood, in particular, is known for its trauma care and has been recognized for its advanced stroke care, similar to St. Lucie Hospital’s Primary Stroke Center certification. Patients often mention that Lawnwood has a slightly higher reputation in handling more complex emergencies, while St. Lucie Hospital excels in patient comfort and general care.
Emergency Care:
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital offers emergency care that is generally well-regarded, with most complaints focusing on long wait times during peak periods. Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, however, is a Level II Trauma Center and is better equipped for more severe trauma cases. While both hospitals provide competent emergency services, Lawnwood may be better suited for critical or complex emergencies.
Specialized Services:
HCA Florida St. Lucie is noted for its Orthopedic & Spine Institute and comprehensive cancer care services, making it a solid choice for those seeking joint replacement or cancer treatment. It also offers a robust women’s health program, including maternity care with a Blue Distinction+ designation.
St. Lucie Medical Center, also in the region, offers similar services but is especially known for its advanced cardiac care, with a focus on heart surgery and rehabilitation. Lawnwood Regional Medical Center is also highly regarded for its stroke care and trauma services, providing more specialized care for serious conditions.
Facility and Comfort:
All three hospitals—HCA Florida St. Lucie, Lawnwood Regional, and St. Lucie Medical Center—are known for clean, modern facilities. St. Lucie Hospital stands out for its comfortable waiting areas and positive patient feedback on the overall environment. Lawnwood and St. Lucie Medical Center also receive high marks for cleanliness, but there are occasional mentions of crowded waiting areas, especially in emergency rooms.
Billing and Insurance:
Billing and insurance experiences tend to be a common complaint across all three hospitals, as patients often face challenges with unexpected charges or complex billing procedures. However, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital is often noted for having a helpful billing team that can assist with insurance and payment questions, similar to the experiences at Lawnwood Regional.
Final Thoughts
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital is a well-regarded facility that offers a broad range of medical services with a focus on patient comfort and high-quality care.
Patients frequently commend the professionalism and compassion of the hospital’s staff, as well as the cleanliness and modern amenities throughout the facility.
While the hospital excels in areas such as orthopedic care, women’s health, and emergency services, some patients have expressed concerns about long wait times and occasional communication issues, particularly in the emergency department.
When compared to nearby hospitals, HCA Florida St. Lucie stands out for its commitment to patient experience, making it an excellent choice for routine care, specialized treatments like joint replacements, and maternity services.
However, for more critical trauma or stroke care, hospitals like Lawnwood Regional Medical Center may offer a higher level of specialized treatment.
Despite some billing and insurance concerns, the hospital’s positive reputation for providing attentive, patient-centered care makes it a solid healthcare option for residents of Port St. Lucie and the surrounding areas.
