What is UF Health Shands Hospital?
UF Health Shands Hospital stands as one of Florida’s premier healthcare institutions, combining clinical excellence with medical education and groundbreaking research. As the flagship facility of the UF Health system, it integrates patient care with training for future physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals through its affiliation with the University of Florida College of Medicine. The hospital’s mission centers on delivering world-class care while advancing medical knowledge and innovation.
The institution operates as a Level 1 trauma center and serves as a regional referral hub for complex medical conditions. With 749 licensed beds, the hospital handles over 35,000 inpatient admissions annually and provides emergency care to more than 100,000 patients each year. Its strategic location in Gainesville positions it as a vital healthcare resource for the surrounding region.
What Services and Specialties Does UF Health Shands Hospital Offer?
UF Health Shands operates more than 100 clinical programs and specialties. The hospital maintains comprehensive departments including cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, oncology, organ transplantation, and pediatric specialties. Its trauma center and burn unit provide critical emergency services, while specialized centers address complex conditions requiring multidisciplinary approaches. The hospital also emphasizes integrated telehealth capabilities for remote patient consultations.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment or Access Care?
The hospital provides multiple access points for patient care. Primary care referrals typically route through the UF Health system, while established patients can schedule directly through the online patient portal. For emergencies, the 24/7 emergency department accepts walk-in patients. The smart hospital platform streamlines appointment management and patient communication.
What is the Reputation and Ranking of UF Health Shands Hospital?
The hospital maintains strong national rankings from U.S. News & World Report and other healthcare evaluation organizations. Recognition spans multiple specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care. As an academic medical center, it contributes significantly to medical research and innovation, with faculty conducting over 2,000 active research studies annually.
Does UF Health Shands Offer Telehealth and Virtual Care?
Virtual care options expand access for patients unable to visit campus. The system supports follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and specialist consultations through secure video platforms. This healthcare interoperability approach integrates seamlessly with in-person care pathways.
What Insurance Plans Does UF Health Shands Accept?
UF Health maintains broad insurance partnerships to maximize patient access. The financial counseling team assists with coverage questions, payment plans, and financial assistance programs for uninsured or underinsured patients.
What is the Location and How Do I Get There?
The hospital’s central location provides convenient access via Interstate 75. Free parking is available for patients and visitors. The UF Health system also operates satellite clinics and specialty centers across the region, bringing care closer to communities. Healthcare automation systems help coordinate patient flow across these integrated facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UF Health Shands a teaching hospital?
The academic mission integrates clinical care with medical education and research, providing patients access to cutting-edge treatments and innovative care approaches.
What is a Level 1 trauma center?
UF Health Shands’ trauma center serves as the regional referral hub for life-threatening injuries across North Central Florida.
Can I request a specific physician at UF Health Shands?
The scheduling team works to accommodate preferences while ensuring timely access to appropriate specialists. For more information, visit UF Health’s official website.