New cardiology center opens at Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Residents in the beaches area now have access to Baptist Beaches Cardiology Center, a newly renovated 28,000-square-foot facility conveniently located on the hospital’s campus.

With the opening of the new center, patients have access to a full gamut of outpatient heart care. This includes appointments with cardiologists and advanced practice providers (APPs), outpatient cardiac testing, cardiac rehabilitation, and wound care treatments, all under one roof.

“Providing high-quality cardiovascular care is at the core of what we do at Baptist Health,” said Baptist Health President and CEO Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE. “This new cardiology center strengthens our ability to serve the Beaches community today while also preparing for future needs. With room to expand, it not only enhances local access to expert cardiac care but also connects seamlessly with our comprehensive network of Baptist Heart Specialists across the region, ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place.”

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and in the Beaches community, where a fifth of residents are over 65, the need for heart care services is growing rapidly. According to SG2 Market Demand Forecast, the number of patients in the beaches area who will need hospital outpatient cardiac care is expected to increase by 35% during the next 10 years. During the same time, the number of office visits to cardiologists and APPs is expected to increase by 25%.

The new center was possible thanks to the philanthropic support of Tom and Debbie Frankland. As heart patients themselves, the Franklands are passionate about expanding heart care services in the beaches area.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Franklands for their generous gift,” said Hospital President Jarret Dreicer, FACHE, MHA, MS. “We’re thrilled to open this expanded cardiology center, a true center of excellence, where heart patients can receive world-class care to keep living life to the fullest. This is a game-changer for heart health in our community.”

The renovated space increases the number and size of exam rooms from 18 to 24. The heart center has eight general cardiologists in addition to three electrophysiologists who treat patients with heart rhythm disorders.

The new center also features:

• Touch-screen interactive monitors in exam rooms where patients can learn about heart disease, watch procedure videos and view 3D anatomical hearts to better understand their condition and treatment.
• A full array of advanced non-invasive diagnostic testing, from nuclear stress tests to advanced heart imaging for quick and accurate diagnoses.
• A cardiac rehabilitation center, where physicians, dietitians and exercise physiologists provide patients information about heart health, physical fitness, nutrition and stress management. Through monitored exercise treatment sessions, patient education and lifestyle coaching, patients recover from cardiac events to live healthier lifestyles.
• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine – an outpatient treatment program for wound treatment, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which uses high-pressure oxygen to help wounds heal.

For an appointment at Baptist Beaches Cardiology Center, call 904.241.7147 or visit BaptistJax.com/heart.