Your Comprehensive University Health Lakewood Guide: Navigating Your Healthcare Journey

Are you looking for reliable and accessible healthcare services in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri? Navigating the complexities of medical care can often feel overwhelming, leaving you wondering where to turn for quality treatment and compassionate support. This comprehensive University Health Lakewood Guide is designed to provide you with all the essential information you need to confidently access the services and care offered by University Health Lakewood Medical Center.

From understanding their core mission to exploring their wide range of specialties and patient resources, this guide will illuminate how University Health Lakewood stands as a cornerstone of community health. Let's dive in and empower you with the knowledge to make informed healthcare decisions for yourself and your family.

Understanding University Health Lakewood Medical Center

University Health Lakewood Medical Center, located at 7900 Lee's Summit Road in Kansas City, MO, is a vital community hospital dedicated to providing accessible, state-of-the-art healthcare to residents of Eastern Jackson County. With roots tracing back to a "poor farm" established in 1851 and formally opened as a hospital in 1930, it has a long-standing history of serving the community. The facility was rebranded as University Health Lakewood Medical Center in 2021, reflecting its integration within the broader University Health system.

As an academic health center, University Health Lakewood is not just about healing; it's also deeply committed to teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring that patients benefit from a collaborative environment focused on cutting-edge advancements. Their mission is to deliver world-class academic medicine to all, regardless of their ability to pay, striving to lead the way to a healthier community.

Key Healthcare Services at University Health Lakewood

University Health Lakewood Medical Center is a 110-bed acute care and outpatient hospital, offering a broad spectrum of services designed to meet diverse family needs. Their focus extends from primary care to specialized medical and surgical treatments.

Comprehensive Primary Care

At the heart of University Health Lakewood's offerings is a strong emphasis on primary care. They provide easy access for both acute and well-care needs for patients of all ages. This includes services like family medicine, ensuring continuous, coordinated care for individuals and families.

Specialized Medical Services

Beyond general care, University Health Lakewood boasts several key specialty service lines:

• Obstetrics and Women's Care: The University Health Women's Care Lakewood Family Birthplace is a significant facility, delivering over 1500 babies annually. They provide comprehensive maternal care services.
• Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine: For those needing bone, joint, or muscle care, the Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center offers specialized services. The surgery center even provides access to a Joint Commission advanced certified hip and knee replacement program.
• Geriatrics: Recognizing the unique needs of older adults, University Health Lakewood offers specialized geriatric care. Additionally, the University Health Lakewood Care Center serves as a 188-bed residential long-term care facility for seniors.
• Digestive Disease Center: Specialized care for gastrointestinal conditions is available, addressing a wide range of digestive health concerns.
• Rehabilitation Services: Patients recovering from injury or disabling illness can access physical, occupational, and speech therapy through University Health Rehabilitation Services Lakewood, with both inpatient and intensive outpatient options.
• Emergency Services: For urgent medical needs, the hospital provides emergency services.
• Other Specialties: The medical center also has affiliated physicians covering numerous other specialties, including dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology, psychiatry, and more, ensuring a wide array of expert care is available.

Enhancing Your Patient Experience

University Health Lakewood is committed to ensuring a smooth and supportive patient experience. They understand that navigating healthcare can be challenging, and they strive to make it as straightforward as possible.

Scheduling Appointments and Accessing Care

Ready to schedule a visit? University Health offers various ways to book appointments, including online and by phone. For general inquiries or to reach the main hospital, you can call (816) 404-7000.

The MyChart Patient Portal

One of the most valuable resources for patients is the MyChart patient portal. This secure online tool centralizes your health information, making it easily accessible anytime, anywhere, from any device with an internet connection.

With MyChart, you can:

• Schedule or cancel appointments directly.
• View test results as soon as they are available.
• Refill prescriptions.
• Send secure messages to your care team.
• Pay your medical bills electronically.
• Access your immunization records and medication lists.
• Get estimates for procedure costs.
• Manage healthcare for loved ones.

This digital access streamlines communication and empowers you to take an active role in managing your health.

Facilities and Amenities

The hospital is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient environment for patients and visitors. While specific amenities like parking details may vary, the focus is on a modern community hospital setting.

Why Choose University Health Lakewood?

With many healthcare options available, why should University Health Lakewood be your choice?

• Expertise and Academic Excellence: As an academic medical center affiliated with the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine, University Health Lakewood's physicians are involved in teaching the next generation of doctors. This means you benefit from providers who are at the forefront of medical advances and are accustomed to handling complex cases.
• Comprehensive Care for All Ages: From the youngest patients in the Family Birthplace to seniors at the Lakewood Care Center, the facility offers a continuum of care for every stage of life.
• Commitment to the Community: University Health has a long-standing mission to provide quality healthcare to everyone in the community, regardless of their ability to pay. This dedication ensures that essential, life-saving medical care is accessible.
• Advanced Programs: The presence of specialized programs, such as the Joint Commission advanced certified hip and knee replacement program, highlights their commitment to high-quality, specialized care.

Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips

To make your experience at University Health Lakewood as smooth as possible, consider these practical tips:

• Before Your Visit:
  • Confirm your appointment details and arrival time.
  • Gather all necessary documents, including your insurance card, photo ID, and a list of current medications.
  • If you're new, consider arriving a bit early to complete any registration paperwork.
• During Your Visit:
  • Don't hesitate to ask questions. Your care team is there to help you understand your condition and treatment plan.
  • Utilize the MyChart patient portal for eCheck-in where available to save time.
• After Your Visit:
  • Follow up on any instructions from your provider, including scheduling follow-up appointments or tests.
  • Use MyChart to view test results and communicate with your care team about any concerns.

Conclusion

The University Health Lakewood Guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the healthcare landscape in Eastern Jackson County. University Health Lakewood Medical Center stands as a beacon of health, offering comprehensive services, expert care, and a deep commitment to the well-being of its community members.

Whether you're seeking routine primary care, specialized treatment, or a compassionate birthing experience, University Health Lakewood is designed to meet your needs with excellence and accessibility.

Have you visited University Health Lakewood Medical Center? Share your experiences or ask further questions in the comments below! Your insights can help others on their healthcare journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where is University Health Lakewood Medical Center located?

A1: University Health Lakewood Medical Center is located at 7900 Lee's Summit Road, Kansas City, MO 64139.

Q2: What are the primary services offered at University Health Lakewood?

A2: University Health Lakewood focuses on primary care for all ages and offers key specialty services including obstetrics and women's care, orthopaedics, geriatrics, digestive diseases, and rehabilitation services. They also provide emergency services.

Q3: How can I access my medical records or communicate with my doctor?

A3: You can access your medical records, view test results, refill prescriptions, schedule appointments, and send secure messages to your provider through the MyChart patient portal.

Q4: Does University Health Lakewood accept all insurance plans?

A4: University Health is committed to providing care regardless of ability to pay. For specific insurance inquiries, it's best to contact University Health directly or check their official website for accepted insurance plans and financial assistance programs.