Your Broward Health Services Guide: Access Made Simple
- 01. Overview of Broward Health
- 02. Key Medical Services
- 03. Community Health Services
- 04. Accessing Hospital Services
- 05. Specialty Programs and Initiatives
- 06. Financial Access and Eligibility
- 07. Telehealth and Virtual Access
- 08. Transportation and Support Services
- 09. Recent Developments and Future Plans
- 10. Patient Rights and Resources
Broward Health is a leading public healthcare system in Broward County, Florida, offering comprehensive medical services across more than 30 facilities, including major hospitals like Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Coral Springs, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Imperial Point, and Salah Foundation Broward Health Children's Hospital. Access is available 24/7 through emergency departments, community health centers with sliding-scale fees, online appointment scheduling via their patient portal, and specialized programs for underserved populations such as the homeless and low-income residents. This guide details all key services, locations, eligibility, and step-by-step access instructions as of May 2026.
Overview of Broward Health
Founded in 1938 as the North Broward Hospital District, Broward Health serves over 1.8 million residents in Broward County with a network of hospitals, outpatient centers, and community clinics. In 2025, the system reported treating 450,000 emergency visits and performing 25,000 surgeries annually, maintaining its status as one of the 10 largest public health systems in the U.S. "Our mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate care to all, regardless of ability to pay," stated CEO Beau H. Barberis, Jr., in the 2025 annual report.
The system pioneered South Florida's first certified stroke center in 2009 and liver transplant program in 2012, achieving a 95% patient satisfaction rate in recent CMS surveys. With 8,000 employees and 1,800 physicians, Broward Health integrates advanced technology like robotic surgery and telehealth, expanding access post-Hurricane Milton recovery efforts in October 2024.
Key Medical Services
Broward Health provides a full spectrum of acute, preventive, and specialty care. Core offerings include trauma care at its Level I trauma center, cardiology with 15,000 procedures yearly, oncology through the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center partnership, and pediatrics at the award-winning children's hospital.
- Emergency and trauma services: 24/7 at four hospitals, handling 1,200 trauma cases monthly.
- Maternity and neonatal care: 6,000 births annually, with Level III NICU beds.
- Cancer treatment: Radiation, chemotherapy, and clinical trials for 5,000 patients yearly.
- Orthopedics and joint replacement: Over 4,000 surgeries, specializing in minimally invasive techniques.
- Behavioral health: Inpatient and outpatient programs, including crisis intervention.
- Primary care: Vaccinations, chronic disease management, and wellness screenings.
Community Health Services
The Community Health Services division operates 14 clinics across northern Broward County, serving as a safety net for uninsured and underinsured patients. In 2025, these centers provided 250,000 visits, with 70% on a sliding fee scale based on federal poverty guidelines. Services encompass dental care, HIV testing, nutritional counseling, and mobile units for homeless outreach.
| Facility Name | Location | Key Services | Hours | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annie L. Weaver Health Center | Pompano Beach | Primary care, pediatrics, dental | Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM | (954) 831-7100 |
| Bernard P. Alicki Health Center | Lauderdale Lakes | Immunizations, lab services | Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM | (954) 493-4133 |
| Clínica de las Américas | Pompano Beach | Prenatal, HIV care, Spanish services | Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM | (954) 943-3752 |
| Cora E. Braynon Family Health Center | Opa-locka | Family medicine, behavioral health | Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM | (954) 518-3340 |
| Lauderdale Lakes Health Center | Lauderdale Lakes | Adult medicine, social services | Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM | (954) 493-4132 |
Accessing Hospital Services
Major hospitals offer specialized access points. Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, established 1938, is the system's flagship with 716 beds and full trauma capabilities. Broward Health North in Deerfield Beach focuses on cardiac care, while Broward Health Weston provides maternity and orthopedics in a suburban setting.
- Call the main line at (954) 355-4400 for referrals or general inquiries.
- Use the online portal at browardhealth.org to schedule non-emergency appointments.
- Visit emergency departments directly for urgent care-no appointment needed.
- Enroll in MyChart for virtual visits, prescription refills, and bill pay.
- Apply for financial assistance via the Patient Financial Services department.
"Broward Health's patient portal has revolutionized access, with 300,000 active users managing care digitally as of January 2026," noted Dr. Kimberly P. McKeon, Chief Medical Officer.
Specialty Programs and Initiatives
Broward Health excels in targeted programs. The Health Care for the Homeless initiative, funded since 1994, delivers mobile medical services, serving 10,000 individuals yearly at sites like 1101 W Broward Blvd. Children's services through the Salah Foundation Children's Hospital include pediatric surgery and autism support, treating 50,000 kids annually.
- Liver transplant program: 150 procedures since inception, with 90% one-year survival.
- Stroke care: Designated centers saving 2,000 lives yearly via rapid response protocols.
- Weight loss surgery: Bariatric center with 1,200 operations in 2025.
- HIV/AIDS research: Comprehensive Care Center offering PrEP and trials.
- Vision and dental: Partnerships for free screenings at community events.
Financial Access and Eligibility
Financial barriers are minimized through charity care, exceeding $100 million in uncompensated services in 2025. Eligibility for sliding scale fees requires proof of income; uninsured patients qualify if below 200% federal poverty level. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted at all sites, with same-day registration for most services.
| Income Level (% FPL) | Discount | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|
| 0-100% | 100% free | ID, proof of residency |
| 101-150% | 80% off | Pay stubs, tax return |
| 151-200% | 50% off | Income verification |
Telehealth and Virtual Access
Since expanding telehealth in 2020, Broward Health conducts 50,000 virtual visits monthly via secure video. Access requires a smartphone or computer; no app download needed. "Telehealth reduced no-show rates by 40% in 2025," per internal metrics.
Transportation and Support Services
Limited free transport via partnerships with Broward County Transit for qualifying patients. Social workers assist with housing, food insecurity, and medication access. In 2025, 15,000 patients received case management support.
- Contact clinic social services upon arrival.
- Request shuttle for follow-ups (must pre-register).
- Use Lyft Health rideshare vouchers for discharges.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
As of May 2026, Broward Health opened a new ambulatory surgery center in Pembroke Pines, adding 12 ORs. Expansion plans include 200 more behavioral health beds by 2027, funded by a $500 million bond. Post-2024 hurricane, resilience upgrades ensured 99.9% uptime during storms.
The system maintains Joint Commission accreditation across all sites, with zero sentinel events reported in 2025 audits. Community partnerships with Florida Department of Health provide free flu shots to 100,000 residents annually.
Patient Rights and Resources
Patients have rights to interpreters in 200+ languages, advance directives, and privacy under HIPAA. Download the Patient Handbook from the website for full details. Grievances are resolved within 7 days via a dedicated hotline.
| Hospital | Address | Specialties | Main Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broward Health Medical Center | 1600 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale | Trauma, Cancer, Transplant | (954) 522-5011 |
| Broward Health North | 201 E Sample Rd, Deerfield Beach | Cardiac, Stroke | (954) 941-8300 |
| Broward Health Coral Springs | 3000 Coral Hills Dr, Coral Springs | Maternity, Orthopedics | (954) 344-3000 |
| Broward Health Weston | 2345 N University Dr, Weston | Neurology, Robotics | (954) 689-5000 |
This guide equips Broward County residents with everything needed to access world-class care efficiently. For updates, check browardhealth.org or call the helpline.
Expert answers to Your Broward Health Services Guide Access Made Simple queries
How do I schedule an appointment at Broward Health?
Visit browardhealth.org/schedule, select your service and location, or call (954) 355-4400. Most primary care slots are available within 48 hours; specialists within two weeks. Walk-ins accepted at community clinics.
What are the emergency room wait times?
Average wait is 20 minutes across facilities, tracked live on the website. Level I trauma at Medical Center prioritizes critical cases per ESI triage.
Does Broward Health accept my insurance?
Yes, all major plans including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare, and Medicaid. Verify coverage via the portal or by calling (954) 355-5292.
How can I get free or low-cost care?
Community Health Services offers sliding-scale fees; apply on-site with ID and income proof. Homeless program provides no-cost services via mobile units.
What pediatric services are available?
Salah Foundation Children's Hospital offers full pediatrics, NICU, oncology, and behavioral health. Over 100 specialists serve 0-18 age group.